Money

Cash

The easiest currency to exchange in Latin America is US dollars, except for Cuba where it is best to take Euros. Make sure all your notes for exchange are not torn, marked or old as they may not be accepted for exchange. You can exchange your money at banks, though it is quicker and easier to exchange at small shops or kiosks called Casas de Cambio, which can be found in all major towns and cities. Just remember that sometimes you need to produce your passport when exchanging money. It is best to always have a stock of small notes and change in the local currency; higher denominations are hard to change for small purchases. Although changing traveler's cheques may be troublesome in exchanging, taking a few as a backup is not a bad idea, in which case you should bring American Express checks in US dollars.

Credit or Debit Cards

Major Cards such as Plus and Cirrus for debit cards; Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard (not in Brazil), and American Express for credit cards are widely accepted in the larger towns and tourist areas. Your bank cards are the best and most convenient way to purchase and obtain local currency while traveling; many ATM machines display the card type they accept as well as offering an English Language option on the display screen. If possible take two different types of cards on your trip, though always bring a stash of hard currency as a backup in case your cards do not work. If your card does not work in the first two attempts of withdrawing money then move to another machine to avoid it swallowing your card.