Can I buy Australian dollars at currency exchanges at Bucharest airport?
Having to cut my trip short and fly home to hide from the virus, I still have a couple hundred dollars worth of Romanian Lei. Who knows when or if I can come back, but I'm sure I'll need that money when I get back to Australia. And changing money in Australia practically means donating a third of it to some rich stranger. My rule of thumb is the exchange rate is always better in the poorer country.
But are Australian Dollars available at Bucharest International Airport?
I'll buy EUR or USD as a backup plan, but I'll get gouged changing those in AUD too so I'm hoping somebody knows if I can just switch my RON to AUD.
Best Answer
Yes, it's likely that Australian dollars will be available at any given exchange counter. They won't have small denominations, so your change will be in local currency. Hit the exchange counter before you hit the duty free shop (which will take your change as partial payment).
Airport currency exchanges always, always gouge you, no matter if you're in "the poorer country". Exchanges in the city will give you somewhat better rates. For the future, it's best to use debit and credit cards where possible when traveling; assuming you don't have a crap bank the charges will be much lower than even a reasonable city center foreign exchange counter.
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Where can I get Australian currency?
Where can I buy Australian currency? Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. Australian banks offer the same range of services typical in other western nations, and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widespread, although facilities may be limited in remote towns and the outback.What is the exchange rate at the airport?
Much like knowing stadiums overcharge for beers, it's no secret that airport exchanges are an expensive option for trading in money. Most charge a fee or service charge of anywhere from $5 to $15, and the exchange rate you get can be seven to 15 percent worse than the standard bank rate.Is it more expensive to exchange money at airport?
Avoid Currency Exchange Kiosks at Airports If you don't have time to get cash at the bank before your trip, it can be tempting to get foreign currency at an airport kiosk or currency exchange counter. These places offer convenience, but their exchange rates are typically much less favorable than your bank at home.How do I exchange foreign currency in Australia?
Usually banks offer foreign exchange services in specific branches located in your city-centre or they offer an online service to order cash and collect from a nominated branch at a time you can choose. If the currency you need isn't available, banks can order it in.How to Exchange Currency | Why You Should NEVER do it at The Airport
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Answer 2
Well yes you can in theory.
There may be only one currency exchange inside the departure area after passing security. On March 22, 2020 I asked and they said there wasn't another, and I didn't see another. I didn't see any in the main area around the check-in desks, but I didn't look thoroughly.
But at this time of Covid 19, the one exchange had no Australian dollars left. They also didn't have quite enough US dollars for me. I bought Euros.
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