Changing money
 

Yes I know the best rate is with ATMs.
Last time I was in Frankfurt and tried to change US $ at Deutsche Bank, I was told banks no longer due that, but I could change at train station. Is the true? Anyone know the rate of exchange at Frankfurt HBF. $500 US would get how many Euros?

I have never encountered problems of changing Euro to USD at Deutsche Bank or Sparkasse, but I usually withdraw the money directly from my bank account at both banks. In everycase, I am usually visiting the larger branches.

The "Reisebank" (www.reisebank.de) has branches at Frankfurt main station and should be also able the exchange money from USD to EUR and vv.

I think you may have had a junior clerk. Nevertheless, often smaller branches don't really do this for non-customers. Bit surprised at DB in Frankfurt though.

The rate changes daily and is different from bank to bank (they display the rates). Normally you find many Change-Offices (Wechselstube) were you can change money. Normally every bank changes $ to €, but rates are expensive. Also it´s more expensive if you didn`t withdraw the Money from your own account at this bank.

Reisebank is all over Frankfurt, but the rates are horrendous: for example today they offer to sell 1.12$ to the €, where as the exchange rate is 1.18.

They will do it but if you're not a customer expect to pay a higher fee.

ATM with your debit card is the way to go.

Any idea where to change exotic currencies? I have about 100 USD worth of XOF that I would like to trade in. The usual exchange booths don't go near it.

Maybe at BRU or CDG, since they have, if I'm not mistaken, the most traffic to those countries.

Or put it on eBay at a discount with best offer. Hope someone finds it and take what you can get.