There were problems with the availability of the Brazilian currency, the real, during the winter. The Egyptian pound was also in short supply during the winter.
After the Easter holidays, the eyes of Finns are already on the summer’s most glorious events. But travellers should not be complacent in the expectation that every country’s currency will be automatically available at the exchange office to be stuffed into their pockets just before their flight. For example, the Brazilian currency, the real, has been a problem throughout the winter and still is.
According to Andersson, there was also a shortage of the Egyptian pound during the winter, but the situation has now returned to normal. In general, currencies are widely available and shortages are rare.
– We buy and sell 75 currencies. Not all currencies are held in large amounts, but they can be found.
According to Andersson, currency exchanges in nearby areas are usually well available. The further you go, the more difficult it can be to get local money. Of course, there are plenty of baht from familiar faraway countries, such as Thailand.
The dollar can save the day in many countries
Andersson recommends calling the currency exchange in advance, a few days or weeks before, especially if the trip is headed to an exotic country, i.e. a destination with a rare currency. In this way, the currency exchange leaves time to order the desired currency if it is not already available, and thus the traveler does not have to queue at the counter or wait.
If, despite your best efforts, the desired currency cannot be arranged, it is advisable to bring euros or US dollars and exchange them for a local means of payment upon arrival.
– In many countries, the dollar is still the most popular and reliable currency. Often the payment is accepted there rather in dollars than in the local currency, says Andersson.
The background can be, for example, the country’s giant inflation, which quickly increases the value of its own currency.
Other currencies are preferred especially in countries with unstable economies in South America and Africa. In the so-called bazaar countries, it is also worth remembering that a payment card is not always valid, but only cash.
According to Andersson, the most traded currency in Forex is the US dollar, followed by the British pound and the Swedish krona. In the winter season, the Thai baht is big. The average exchange amount is 500 euros.