currency exchange

I mean with HSBC at least; it does seem straight forward withdrawing from ATMs abroad but I don't know how easy this is in random Asian countries. I will probably order to my local all 3 currencies (enough for a couple of weeks hostel accommodation for these 3 countries) and then use my bank card to withdraw decent amounts of money when I need it so the fees don't kill me too much.

>>1207690
Don't know about those countries. With credit its often a fee and % you lose. Debit just a fee. So I get out a couple €100 each time. (SEA tho, works different in every country tho)

>>1207697
Yeah I would like to think I'll be good to go in Hong Kong since I am with the "The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation" after all...

>>1207697
not anymore. you have to look into it, but most cards i've seen have 0% now. only problem can be most asian stores not liking cards. some banks(schwab) or credit unions(navy fed) don't charge a transaction fee anymore

>>1207690
I'm from the UK and the Halifax Clarity is by far the best option for drawing out cash abroad.

Basically the card has zero fees except it starts adding interest onto the amount drawn out from the moment you use it. But, if you download the Halifax app, find a place with WiFi and pay off the balance immediately (from your HSBC current account or whatever) then you end up paying nothing extra. Even then, I couldn't get WiFi for a couple of days on one trip and the interest only added up to about 20p...

I've used it in 20+ countries and it's been amazing - just make sure you let Halifax know which countries you're visiting (you can do this in the app as well)

Learn about pegged currencies and start from there.

Unsure of Taiwan and Japan, but delve into Chungking Mansions - There are probably 20 currency exchange places on the main floor with easy to understand exchange rates.