Best currency for central Asia
 

I tried the search function but couldn't find what i wanted

So whats the best currency to take with me around Central Asia, Russia and Mongolia, US dollers?

My bank charges to use the card abroad and i dont have time now to change banks as im off on Friday!

I want to use my card as little as possible while im away!

Any help appreciated, thanks!

US Dollars. Unfortunately ATM fees are a fact of life. But some places like Uzbekistan, they are rare. You can change money all over but if you are stuck with no local currency, dollars usually work. Be sure to have new bills in good condition, not too large in denomination.

Brilliant, Thank you Niello!

Im leaving the UK this Friday heading towards central Asia so il try update some threads with information when im there!

USD after year 2000. 50 and 100 USD notes has usually better rate. Be carefull: banknotes should be clean (no pen mark on it) etc...

probably too late.

Best place to buy USD is in places where the currency booth guys normally see people who are selling USD (and buying pounds). I.e. touristy areas like the west end.

If you go to a currency booth at the departure lounge at heathrow, they kinda know you are going to be buying dollars and giving them pounds, so they skew the price one way (nobody buys pounds as they leave the UK). Similarly in the touristy areas, they know people are wanting to sell dollars, so they skew the price there the other way.

As you are looking to buy USD in the UK, the best place in terms of cash rates, is where the bulk of punters are trying to sell.

Georgia ATM have a choice of GEL or USD. This would be a good place to get USD also if you are there. But.. you said you don't want to use ATMs..

Also can draw USD in Bishkek (Krygystan) and in Khorog (Badakhshan Region Tajikistan)

If in Khorog and you want to change USD go to a bank in the town centre near the Youth centre and ask the gaurd at the front about changing money as he will give you a "better" rate than the bank he is working for :innocent:

Thanks for all the advice!

I have ended up taking a few dollers with me which I got a ok rate on in England, although that tip from Colebatch is a good one!