Analogue Kid
5th by West-Northwest
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I'm wondering if people have suggestions as to where to get foreign currency in the city. I know there is a counter at the airport. However, last time I went they gave a very bad conversion rate on top of high "convenience" fees and such.
If there is nothing else local, are there any decent websites that don't charge $30 for shipping a 1 ounce envelope?
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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I want to say the Huntington branch on Broad across from the Statehouse does. It's been awhile since I've been in, though.
JazzFestAllNite
Olde Town East
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I have definitely gotten Euros from the Huntington across from the statehouse, I don't know about other currency though.
Analogue Kid
5th by West-Northwest
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JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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You should get fifty to seventy five bucks converted as others have mentioned. I've found the easiest thing though is to just withdraw from an ATM in the country you're visiting. Even with the fees it works out better.
If you are traveling make sure you call your credit companies and banks.
dru
IV
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@jon is right. a small amount to hit the ground with can be useful, but otherwise using credit/debit is going to get the best exchange rate. They will make the transaction at the current exchange rate.
However, check with your bank/credit company about foreign transaction fees. These have been phased in over the past decade and can run between 1-4% on each transaction (annoying but still better than most exchange counters). Visa and Mastercard typically charge 1-2% and Amex charges 2%. On top of that, your bank might charge an additional 1-2%. Capital One - who I normally would advise against solely on the basis of their annoying commercials - actually absorbs the Visa and MC charge and doesn't have their own, making them a great 0% option for overseas travel.
Analogue Kid
5th by West-Northwest
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Good info, thanks!
GCrites80s
5xNW
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Much of the rest of the world uses 5-digit PINs, so you may have to add a 0 to the front or back of your PIN to use ATMs. Ask your card company. No fun having the thing eat your card overseas.
Analogue Kid
5th by West-Northwest
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Great success with Huntington today. The exchange rate was pretty good; way better than the airport and no ridiculous convenience fees.
On a side note, I was wowed by the architecture in there. I didn't know we had an awesome huge historic bank lobby in the city. It's worth checking out if you haven't seen it.
@Jon,
Taking a Mediterranean cruise with the wife and visiting Italy, Monaco, France, and Spain.
honavery
Arizona
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Just recently got Euro from that Huntington on the spot. Have gotten Yen from there too, but they had to order it (just took a couple of days). Pretty sure they can order anything. You do get a better rate using ATM/credit overseas. Always a good idea to call your credit card companies/bank before travelling to tell them you are leaving the country so they don't put a hold on your cards when they see overseas charges start popping up. FWIW, credit card much more widely accepted in Italy than in Japan.
And yes, it is cool inside that Huntington.
phaedrus
Clintonville / Beechwold
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Have confirmed the Huntington location noted above has euros on-site at all times. Swiss Franc's however have to be ordered and I was quoted 2 business days arrival from the time your order is placed. This method comes with an $8 delivery fee.
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