Oceania (Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific) - Where's the best place to exchange money in Auckland CBD?

I'd like to exchange $1,000 either SGD or AUD in Auckland city center... where would I get the most favorable rate?

Are there better options outside of the city... the airport? or different city in New Zealand?

thanks,
--Russ

The airport is about the worst place. If you have an account with one of the banks I'd start there - they often waive some of the fees for currency exchange for their own customers.

If you are just wanting NZD and your bank doesn't charge excessively for overseas withdrawals, then consider using an ATM. The inter-bank exchange rates used are usually quite good.

The airport is about the worst place. If you have an account with one of the banks I'd start there - they often waive some of the fees for currency exchange for their own customers.

I bank with ASB, and the last few times I exchanged currency with them they didn't ask whether or not I was their customer. Their exchange rate was slightly better than the Forex exchanges littering Queen Street. However I noticed other banks along Queen St also had what seemed like a better deal. I know its only a few cents here or a cent there, but with a larger sum that's a difference in getting enough for lunch :)

I'm using AUD and SGD instead of USD because I've been paying rent with my Priority Plus Visa from the US and noticed that what I'm paying now is nearly $10 more than what I paid in November. Kind of wished I paid a few months in advance back than looking back.

to answer my own question... after using the bank's online calculator provided on each bank's own web site... its best to go to the convenience store forex counter, as the rate is at least $10+ higher:


ASB $1,000 AUD = $1,253.29 NZD
TSB $1,000 AUD = $1,266.78 NZD
National $1,000 AUD = $1,261.83 NZD
Kiwibank $1,000 AUD = $1,260.08 NZD
ANZ $1,000 AUD = $1,260.56 NZD
BNZ $1,000 AUD = $1,262.00 NZD


The Queen Street convenience store counter offered $1,275...

Best rates are often at the forex on Queen St in the old "Guardian" building at the bottom of Shortland St (near Burger King). You can use EFTPOS if you set up an account with them. No fees. Only problem is that they don't seem to have a lot of small bills, so you end up getting USD100 bills (or similar).

But, given all the banks (and a few other forex dealers) are within a 5 minute walk of there, it is pretty easy to make a quick comparison.

thank you, your advice was spot on!

got $1,281 at the very place you suggested, certainly better than going to ASB which is what I did in the past... ugh! of course walking back I found that "Flight Centre" has a forex which offered $1,283 so next time I'll pay them a visit also... again, way more reasonable than ASB or any other main banks.

Best rates are often at the forex on Queen St in the old "Guardian" building at the bottom of Shortland St (near Burger King). You can use EFTPOS if you set up an account with them. No fees. Only problem is that they don't seem to have a lot of small bills, so you end up getting USD100 bills (or similar).

But, given all the banks (and a few other forex dealers) are within a 5 minute walk of there, it is pretty easy to make a quick comparison.

+1 for these guys. Always use them when I'm in the city, and always among the best rates and well above what the banks offer.

Plenty of Asian run money exchange places in Queen Street, the main street in Auckland. Better rates than the banks and no commission if you change over NZ$500 Just stroll up and down and check their rates.