Many travelers prefer to buy foreign currency in their own countries before they leave, both for convenience and as a hedge against possible market fluctuations, but there are other options. Arriving in a foreign country can be a confusing experience, even for seasoned globe-trotters. By buying your currency beforehand, you can become acquainted with the value and appearance of the notes and coins, as well as avoid any exchange commissions applied by foreign banks for the conversion of foreign currency. It is more convenient to have some local currency with you immediately upon arrival in a foreign country for the inevitable initial expenses, such as taxis, meals, and tips, as your arrival might not coincide with normal banking hours. As soon as you arrive, you can be ready to go without wasting time lining up to exchange your money at the airport. Many modern travelers use automated teller machines (ATMs) to obtain local cash when traveling abroad. ATMs are easy to use. The machines are familiar, and you can use the same card to access your account as you use at home. One drawback is the hefty fees charged by both the local bank and your home bank. The fees for foreign exchange transactions are generally higher than they are for domestic transactions. When you arrive at the airport, you don't want to worry about finding the nearest ATM machine and then trying to understand the money it dispenses. So, while judicious use of ATMs is a good idea when traveling abroad, ATMs don't preclude the need to arrive in a foreign country with cash in hand.