willing you are to find the best deal. Those are usually found in larger
banks within larger cities. The best deal will probably come from a bank
that issues the same brand of traveler's checks you're carrying.

The worst deal? Airports, small exchange bureaus in tourist areas, ho-
tels, restaurants, shops. To avoid paying these highest prices, obtain
some money in the local currency before leaving the United States. That
way, if you arrive after business hours, you'll have enough money to
hop on a train or bus or to buy some food. Foreign currency can be
purchased at some banks and even at some vending machines in larger
international airports in the United States.

Most bureaus and banks post their exchange rates, so look around. But
also find out what the fees are. Some places charge both a commission,
a percentage of the amount they're exchanging, and a fee. If you can't
avoid a fee, consider exchanging a little more money. Better to be hit
with one fee in exchanging $100 than two fees in exchanging $50 twice
in a week.

Exchange rates do fluctuate, so keep an eye out for a good value. Some
countries have requirements about the amount of money you must
exchange or limits on how much you can bring in. Border or customs
agents may ask you to report how much money you have upon entering,
and again upon leaving. Your travel agent might know of those types
of restrictions.

Bolles Richard Nelson. What Color Is Your Parachute? Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed
Press, 1996.

Glossbrenner Alfred, and Emily Glossbrenner. Smart Guide to Managing Personal
Finance. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

Hetzer Barbara. How Can I Ever Afford Children? Money Skills for New and Expe-
rienced Parents. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

Lidz Richard, and Linda Perrin, editorial directors. Career Information Center. 6th
ed. New York: Macmillan Library Reference USA. 1996. (An 11-volume
series describing jobs, starting and average salaries, prospects for growth,
and training required.)

Mellan Olivia. Money Harmony: Resolving Money Conflicts in Your Life and Rela-
tionships. New York: Walker, 1994.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1996-97 Edition. Washington, DC: U.S. De-
partment of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1996.

Pybrum Steven. "Money and Marriage: Making It Work Together". A Guide to Smart
Money and Harmonious Communications. Santa Barbara, CA: Abundance
Publishing Co., 1996.

Schurenberg Eric. 401(K): Take Charge of Your Future. New York: Warner Books,
1996.

-105-