You have a few reliable options to exchange money near you, depending on how fast you need it and how much you care about fees and rates.

Easiest places near you

Use these first if you want something close and simple:

  • Your own bank or credit union : Often the safest and most transparent option, especially for major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, etc. Many can order foreign cash to your local branch in 1–2 business days and may waive some fees for customers.
  • Major post office branches (if you are in the UK or similar systems) : For example, some postal services let you order foreign currency online and pick it up at a nearby branch, sometimes even same day for popular currencies like euros and US dollars.
  • Airport/train-station exchange counters : Very convenient but usually worse exchange rates and extra fees. Good for small emergency amounts only.

How to quickly find one “near me”

Since I can’t see your exact location, this is the fastest way to find a nearby spot:

  1. Open Google Maps, Apple Maps, or another map app.
  2. Search for: “currency exchange”, “bureau de change”, or “foreign currency exchange”.
  3. Filter or tap places with many recent reviews and ratings over 4.0.
  4. Call ahead and ask:
    • What rate are you offering for [your currency] to [target currency]?
    • What fees or commission do you charge per transaction?
    • Do I need an ID and is there a minimum/maximum amount?

Best vs. worst places to exchange

To avoid getting a bad deal, keep this in mind.

Usually better:

  • Your bank or credit union (especially for common currencies).
  • Reputable currency exchange offices in city centers, big train stations, or malls.
  • Using your debit card at a bank ATM in the country you’re visiting (choose to be charged in local currency , not your home currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups).

Usually worse (high markups/fees):

  • Airport and hotel exchange counters.
  • “0% commission” or “no fee” booths (they often hide the cost in a very bad exchange rate).
  • Unofficial exchangers or anyone offering to change money on the street.

Quick rate-check trick

Before you go anywhere:

  • Look up the mid-market rate (the “real” rate) on a currency site or app.
  • Compare it to the rate the exchange place offers.
  • A difference of a few percent is normal; a huge gap means you are overpaying.

Safe modern alternatives

If you travel often or need multiple currencies, you can also:

  • Use multi-currency accounts or travel cards that let you hold and convert money at close-to-mid-market rates and spend with a physical or virtual card. These services aim to reduce hidden fees compared to traditional exchanges and ATMs.

TL;DR:
Search “currency exchange” or “bureau de change” in your maps app, prioritize banks or reputable exchange offices, avoid airport/hotel counters when possible, and always compare their rate to the online mid-market rate before you hand over your cash.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.