Product: Currency conversion Web site
Company: Visa International

One of the most important factors to take into consideration when traveling abroad is the rate of currency exchange. And with the dollar slowly declining against both the pound and euro, accurate and affordable currency exchange takes on an even greater importance.

Visa International has introduced a new currency conversion Web site that will allow cardholders to approximate the rate of exchange when using their cards before traveling abroad. Visa said cardholders generally receive a better foreign exchange rate through their issuing banks than if they bring cash to a currency dealer at the airport, for example.

Other online currency conversion tools usually use foreign exchange market rates not available to the public. Visa offers its customers different rates. The Web site, www.visa.com/exchangerates, also has a section where cardholders can enter the mark-up percentage that many banks assess on international transactions.

By choosing 1% - 4%, in addition to the currencies involved in the exchange, cardholders will have a more accurate idea of the exchange rate they receive when using their Visa cards abroad.

The Web site also offers travel and security tips and explains Visa's policy on international transactions and hotline numbers to assist cardholders if they lose their cards when traveling. Users can also print out a currency "calculator" to take with them.

Visa International
www.visa.com/exchangerates