My experience in visiting most countries is that the best way to get local currency is from an ATM. Yes, sometimes there's an annoying fee, but my home bank credits back such fees so net-net I usually pay nothing. In certain countries currency exchange offices are a common sight and offer great rates-- particularly if you present a large note in a strong currency like $/€/£100. I can tell you the US is absolutely not one such country! Currency exchange offices here are practically a fraud, advertising "Today's rates" shifted several percent off bank rates and charging a hefty fee atop those cooked rates.