The bank is probably the cheapest way to make a currency exchange, but not all banks do currency exchanges, and those that do may not accept every currency. Check with the larger banks in metropolitan areas. Forex, a currency exchange guide, points out that Bank of America will do exchanges of up to $5,000 and deliver it to a shipping address, free of charge for orders greater than $1,000.
Travelex is a foreign currency exchange company that tends to have locations in travel hubs, such as airports or sea ports, though it also has some ATM locations in big cities. You can use this service remotely, "selling" Travelex a currency and having the company mail your currency before a trip abroad, or you can exchange currency on the spot at a retail location.
You can use Western Union to wire yourself money. Western Union will automatically perform the currency conversion and, for a fee, provide you U.S. dollars. The drawback to this method is that it will only work if you have money in a bank account. You will not be able to hand the office physical currency and expect to get U.S. dollars.
Currency Online is an online, international banking account. This is similar to wiring with Western Union, except that you have your own account, which allows you to avoid high transaction fees. This method requires some planning however, as you need time to have the new account approved.
When you arrive in the U.S. there may be independent, freestanding currency exchange stores near the airport. While this can be a convenient way to get U.S. dollars, you may stand a chance of paying exorbitant fees, or being given an inaccurate exchange rate. If you do choose to go this route, it is wise to be familiar with current exchange rates so that you have the power to spot a con artist. You can use an Internet service like Currency Online or Forex to check up-to-date exchange rates.
