Imagine you’re on a three-country trip, starting in London, then off to Paris, and finally  Bali. Each place has a different currency, and before you know it, you're paying extra every time you swipe, withdraw, or make a conversion. As you move from one city to the next, you're focus is on the experience, not exchange rates or hidden fees, until your budget starts to feel tighter faster than you planned.

This article breaks down how travellers lose money on multi-currency trips, and more importantly, how Grey can help you manage your travel money across currencies without unnecessary losses.

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Why travellers lose money on multi-country trips

1. Multiple conversions at poor rates: Travelling through different countries means switching between currencies. If you're converting money each time using traditional banks or kiosks, you’re likely paying high mark-ups on every conversion, which quickly adds up.
2. Foreign transaction fees on cards: Standard debit and credit cards usually apply foreign exchange mark-ups on every transaction. Whether you're booking transport in Europe or having a meal in Asia, you're often paying extra without realising it. These fees quietly accumulate and drain your budget across multiple countries.
3. ATM processing charges: Using local ATMs can trigger a triple fee: one from your home bank, one from the foreign bank, and another for currency conversion. Each withdrawal could cost you up to $10 or more.
4. Unfavourable exchange rates: Changing cash at airports, hotel desks, or tourist hotspots often leads to poor value. These convenient options typically offer some of the worst exchange rates available, causing you to lose a noticeable portion of your money right at the start.

Read also: The best virtual dollar cards for freelancers and frequent travellers

How to protect your money from FX losses when on multi-country trips

1. Use a multi-currency account: With Grey, you can hold USD, GBP, and EUR in one platform, making it easy to switch between currencies on your terms. For example, if you're flying from South Africa to the UK and then heading to France and the US, you can fund your account in advance and convert only when rates are favourable, without relying on airport kiosks or banks abroad.
2. Plan currency needs in advance: Before your trip, estimate your spending per country, flights, transport, food, and accommodation, so you can convert the right amount of currency in advance. If you know you’ll need euros in Italy next week, convert ahead when the rate is stronger, rather than rushing to change at the station on arrival.
3. Avoid airport exchanges: Airport FX booths and hotels often offer the worst rates. Likewise, many bank cards charge foreign transaction fees. Instead, digital solutions like Grey can be used to avoid inflated rates and hidden costs when paying for things like museum tickets in Amsterdam or ride-hailing services in Singapore.

Read also: How to avoid FX losses as a freelancer in India.

Why Grey is best for multi-country travellers who want to avoid FX losses

1. Better exchange rates across currencies: Grey offers competitive FX rates when converting between currencies, helping you get more value with every exchange compared to traditional banks or airport bureaus.
2. Multi-currency account: Grey lets you have a US, UK, and EU account on the Grey platform. This means you avoid repeated conversions and unnecessary foreign exchange fees when moving between countries.
3. Spend like a local: Grey lets you pay in the local currency of the country you’re in, using your multi-currency account. This allows you to avoid double conversions and stay in control of your budget.
4. Low and transparent fees: Unlike banks and exchange kiosks that hide their costs in poor FX rates and layered charges, Grey shows you exactly what you’ll pay before you confirm. This gives travellers peace of mind and better control over their travel budget.

Travel smarter with Grey

Travelling should be about discovering new places, not stressing over exchange rates or surprise card charges. With Grey, you don’t just manage foreign currency, you take control of it. Whether you’re city-hopping nearby or flying across oceans, Grey helps you avoid unnecessary fees and spend with ease.

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