Whenever you are travelling and you use traveler’s checks you are subject to higher rates and fees especially if you are using them in a foreign country that uses a different currency. The best exchange rates could be at the banks and offices of American express if they are available. Hotels may not be as bad as other places for foreign currency and good exchange rates. Some places that you need to avoid though include airports, tourist areas and train stations. These will most likely have the highest rates for foreign currency and you will pay a lot more for it here than anywhere else. Sometimes you get lucky at some of these places though and the rate won’t be all that bad but for the most part you will have to pay higher rates if you use these places for obtaining your foreign exchange. When you are shopping you should always look for the exchange rate at the store. Ask about commissions and look out for money exchangers which may be there to entice customers. The will usually give you the currency you need at the selling rate and they will not show the big rate and this is what you will need to see to accurately calculate the amounts you will need.