You can usually exchange foreign currency at banks, specialist exchange bureaus, some post offices, airports and major train stations, and via online or app-based currency services.

Where Can You Exchange Foreign Currency?

1. Main Places To Exchange Money

1. Banks and credit unions

  • Most big banks offer currency exchange for their customers, sometimes even for walk-ins.
  • They often have more competitive rates than airport kiosks, but may only stock common currencies and require a few days to order others.
  • Example: Some banks let you order 50+ currencies online and pick them up in-branch within 2ā€“3 business days.

2. Currency exchange bureaus (in cities)

  • Dedicated exchange offices in city centers, near tourist areas, and transport hubs.
  • In many European cities (e.g., Frankfurt, Berlin), there are multiple bureaux de change and brands like Reisebank, Ria, Travelex, and others at major stations and downtown areas.
  • These are convenient, but fees and rates can vary a lot from one shop to another.

3. Airports and major train stations

  • Youā€™ll almost always find currency exchange counters in international airports and big stations.
  • In Germany, for example, Reisebank and other exchanges are present at airports and central stations where you can convert up to dozens of currencies.
  • These are very convenient for lastā€‘minute cash, but typically offer poorer rates and higher fees than banks or online options.

4. Post offices (in some countries)

  • In several countries, national post offices act as currency exchangers, allowing you to order or buy foreign cash at set rates.
  • Availability and fees depend on the country, but they can be a decent alternative to banks.

5. Online and app-based services

  • Fintech services let you hold multiple currencies, exchange at close to the midā€‘market rate, and spend via card or withdraw from ATMs abroad.
  • These apps are useful if you travel often and want to avoid repeatedly visiting physical exchange bureaus.

6. ATMs abroad

  • Instead of exchanging cash at home, you can withdraw local currency directly at ATMs in your destination.
  • Often this gives a better exchange rate than airport counters, though your bank may charge foreign transaction or withdrawal fees.

2. Places You Should Generally Avoid

  • Airport kiosks and hotel desks : Extremely convenient, but usually among the worst rates plus extra fees.
  • Street vendors or unlicensed exchangers : Risk of scams, fake notes, or hidden charges; not worth the danger.

A useful rule: the more ā€œtouristyā€ and lastā€‘minute the location (arrivals hall, hotel lobby), the worse the deal is likely to be.

3. Quick Tips To Get a Better Deal

  1. Check the real (midā€‘market) rate first
    • Look up the current exchange rate before you go, so you can see how far a bureauā€™s rate is from the ā€œrealā€ market rate.
  1. Donā€™t be fooled by ā€œ0% commissionā€ signs
    • Many places advertise no commission but hide their profit in an unfavorable rate.
  1. Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC)
    • At ATMs or card terminals abroad, always choose to be charged in the local currency rather than your home currency; this usually gives a fairer rate.
  1. Plan ahead instead of exchanging in a rush
    • Ordering from your bank or a reputable service before travel usually beats doing it at the last minute in an airport.

4. Mini ā€œForum-Styleā€ Snapshot

ā€œIf you need just a bit of cash, withdraw from an ATM when you land, but decline their conversion offer and let your bank do the conversion in the local currency.ā€

ā€œFor large amounts, I compare my bankā€™s rate with online multi-currency apps, then only use airport exchange as a last resort.ā€

5. Simple HTML Table: Common Exchange Options

[9][6] [9] [3][7][1] [6] [7][1] [1][6] [5][1][6] [6] [1][6]
Option Pros Cons Best For
Banks / credit unions Trusted; often better rates than kiosks; can order in advance.Limited currencies in stock; possible service fees; may require account.Planned trips, common currencies.
City exchange bureaus Very convenient; many locations in tourist areas and transport hubs.Rates and fees vary; need to compare offers.Spontaneous exchanges while traveling.
Airport / hotel exchanges Open long hours; easy to find on arrival.Poor rates and higher fees in many cases.Emergency, lastā€‘minute small amounts.
Online/app multiā€‘currency accounts Close to midā€‘market rate; good for frequent travelers; easy card and ATM use.May have card or ATM fees; requires setup before trip. Regular travelers, digitalā€‘first users.
ATMs abroad Good rates from card network; widely available.Foreign transaction and withdrawal fees; DCC traps if you choose home currency.Everyday spending money at destination.
**TL;DR:** The smartest move is usually to plan ahead: compare your bank, a reputable online multiā€‘currency service, and ATMs at your destination, and only use airport or hotel exchanges if you have no other choice.

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