Why can't I get interbank rates from a bank?
The prices quoted by the Currency Converter are based on interbank market rates and generally reflect the exchange rates for transactions of USD1 million or more. These are the "official" rates quoted in the media, such as ‘The Wall Street Journal.’ Retail spreads (the difference between the Bid and Ask prices) for smaller amounts are not reflected in these interbank prices since they vary among payment systems, countries and banks.
If you go to a bank in your home country, you usually have to pay more of your home currency to get foreign currency than you will receive of your home currency, if you return the foreign currency. This results in the two exchange rates shown in the margin result.
Because these retail rates vary so much in every place, we cannot advise you where to go at any given moment to change currencies. You can usually find this information from your local bank, travel guides, or from people who have visited the place you are heading for.