Head to your bank. Most major banks offer currency exchange services to their customers. Call your bank's customer service number to locate a branch that offers currency exchange. Be sure to ask for a branch that will exchange money in the currency you need (not all branches will have the some currency on hand). If your bank cannot exchange money for you, head to a bank that will perform this service for you (try a major bank like Wachovia or Bank of America). You may have to pay a small fee since you are not an account holder at that bank.
Go online. Purchasing foreign currency on the Internet can be a convenient method. Try Wells Fargo's Foreign Exchange service, which ships money within the continental United States using next-day delivery from FedEx. You will have to pay the shipping fee for your purchase, but no other fees apply if you buy online. You do not have to be a Wells Fargo customer to use this service. You may also use the site OrderCurrency.com to exchange money for your trip abroad. You only have to pay a shipping fee if you use OrderCurrency.com. (See Resources for more information on both services.)
Exchange money at your departing airport. Most international airport terminals offer currency exchange counters where you can obtain foreign money. Try to use the currency counter at your departing airport rather than your arriving airport, since the former usually offers a better exchange rate. As a word of caution, you will often get a better exchange rate through a bank or online service, so you should try to utilize these services before you head off on your trip. If you want to know the current exchange rate offered at your airport's exchange counter, call the airport's customer service line and asked to be transferred to the exchange counter.
Use an ATM. Many ATMs will allow you to withdraw American currency with a valid credit card such as Visa or MasterCard. Simply insert your credit card into the slot provided and follow the procedures to withdraw money. You will need to know your PIN, since this transaction will be taken from your bank account. If you decide to use an ATM, be aware that you will have to pay a fee for the transaction. Try to take out money in one large sum rather than a few smaller ones to avoid incurring more fees.
If you are unsure what ATM will accept your card, take a look at the back of your debit or credit card. Oftentimes, you will find a "Plus" or "Cirrus" logo next to your signature line. (The logo will spell out the word "Plus" or "Cirrus.") Then, look for ATMs that have these logos located on them. ATMs with printed logos that match your debit or credit card logo will accept transactions from your card.
Head to a bank. Many banks offer currency exchange services to both their patrons and non-patrons too. Call the customer service number for a major bank, like Citibank or Washington Mutual, to inquire about branches that offer this service. Once you find a branch, bring your passport and your cash or credit card to the bank. You may have to pay a small fee for the exchange service if you do not have an account with the bank.
Exchange money at a hotel or currency exchange counter. Usually, these counters will not give you the best exchange rate, but they are easy to use and conveniently located. Bring your passport with you, as most counters will require it.
