Converting currencies

[Duran Harris]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me how to purchase things online in a different currency to that of mine??
Or do web services handle the conversions automatically for me??
Sorry,just wanna buy some mock exams....

[fred rosenberger]

often if you are paying with a credit card, they will handle the conversion automatically. There would generally be a service fee - either a flat rate or a percentage. You'd have to check your specific contract to be sure - or you could call them and ask.

[Campbell Ritchie]

You could try something like PayPal. Again: automatic conversion.

[Pat Farrell]

fred rosenberger wrote:pay with a credit card, they will handle the conversion automatically. There would generally be a service fee

Usually, its all done by magic, if the vendor will ship to your country. You are, of course, responsible for any taxes, import duties, VAT, etc.

In addition to the obvious fees for the service, the credit card association or the merchant's processing bank will usually slide in a non-optimal exchange rate, but they are taking the longer foreign exchange rate risk (the currencies may change in strength between when you buy and when you pay). I usually consider their markup just part of the price.

[Henry Wong]

I have noticed that when in foreign countries, that credit cards (and bank cards via ATMs) provide the best exchange rates -- even with fees tacked on.

They easily beat the exchange rates that you can get from currency exchange services. Quite frankly, I don't know how those services even stay in business.

Henry

[Duran Harris]

Ah thats no good ...I have dont have PayPal or a credit card!