Do you typically get foreign cash from your bank before you travel abroad, or do you wait until you arrive at your destination? Why?
Now I only get cash after arrival because it is quite easy and the exchange rate generally is better than getting the cash in the States. Of course, the fluctuation in the exchange rate might mean that you can get a better deal at home but it requires constant checking. If you live in a major U.S. city, it is probably easier than if you live in a small town to get the cash. I also use my credit card that doesn't charge extra for foreign transactions. The exchange rate sometimes is even better than cash but be sure to ask to be charged in the local currency rather than in U.S. dollars; you get a better rate. Be sure also to alert your bank and credit card company about your upcoming trip so that you don't find your cards rejected when you are overseas.
A lesson we recently learned is to give your ATM home bank a list of each country you will be visiting. Our bank did not specifically ask for such info and we were denied access to cash in numerous countries in Europe. Fortunately some kind American travelers we were with on a Viking River Cruise accepted our personal check in exchange for cash.