Exchanging foreign currency to USD in the US
Jun 21, 2014, 11:39 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
Exchanging foreign currency to USD in the US
I went to Chase today to exchange some USD to THB, JPY, CNY, and EUR for my upcoming trip. I learned that exchanging USD to foreign currency is at the bank rate (which is slightly worse than the actual forex rate), however, if I want to exchange the leftover currency back to USD, it will be at an even lower/worse rate. Does anyone know what the best way to go about exchanging foreign currency back to USD is?
Last edited by TOMFORD; Jun 21, 2014 at 11:45 am
Jun 21, 2014, 12:44 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: Hilton Diamond-Marriott Platinum-life
Posts: 1,015
Exchanging foreign currency to USD in the US
You can always get the currency of the country you are visiting at a ATM in that country for a much better rate than at your local bank.
As far as exchanging back to US dollars we try to never have a lot of foreign currency and use CCs almost exclusively.
Just another option to use
As far as exchanging back to US dollars we try to never have a lot of foreign currency and use CCs almost exclusively.
Just another option to use
Jun 21, 2014, 10:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
Example: I am in Bangkok and it is my last stop in that country. When I check out of the hotel, I hand over most of my THB at check out and ask them to post it against my room charges/incidentals.
Jun 22, 2014, 4:25 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: UK
Programs: Emirates Silver, BA, Flying Blue, Virgin, IHG
Posts: 950
Doesn't work everywhere but in some countries you can put the local currency onto a Starbucks card which you can use back home. Small amounts can be donated to the many charities that collect at airports or on the plane.
Or if you are going again (or might) hang on to it. I have a tin at home with currency I regularly use (and some which I might go back to).
Or if you are going again (or might) hang on to it. I have a tin at home with currency I regularly use (and some which I might go back to).
Jun 22, 2014, 5:54 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: AA
Posts: 377
Starbucks cards are a good idea if you actually use them. Just be careful. Per the site:
Starbucks Cards issued in Greece, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey may only be used in the country from which they are issued.
Jun 22, 2014, 7:41 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,532
I never exchange any money outside the country I'm going to. If it's a country I go to often, I hold onto the money for the next trip. I have 20+ currencies in my money wallet.
Don't always spend all the cash you have, as some countries have airport fees that have to be paid in cash. You'll be running off to exchange some more money, if you do this.
Don't always spend all the cash you have, as some countries have airport fees that have to be paid in cash. You'll be running off to exchange some more money, if you do this.
