Where to exchange currency in NYC: Rates, locations, and hours

Need to exchange currency in NYC? Whether you just landed and need US dollars, have leftover foreign currency from a trip, or want to compare rates before exchanging, knowing where to exchange currency in NYC can help you save both time and money.

Not all providers offer the same rates or fees. Some charge hidden commissions, while others offer better deals but have limited locations.

This guide breaks down the best places to exchange currency in NYC, including currency exchange stores, and online services, so you can find the most cost-effective and convenient option.

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Best places to exchange currency in NYC

Whether you’re on a solo trip to New York, traveling for work, or with friends and family, one thing’s for sure — you’ll need cash!

Some currency exchange providers offer convenient locations or extra services like traveler’s checks (yes, they still exist!) and money transfers. 

Here’s a quick comparison of the best places that offer online and digital services in NYC:

1. CXI (Currency Exchange International)

Currency Exchange International (CXI) offers both online and physical currency exchange services, making it a top choice for NYC currency exchange.

They handle over 80 foreign currencies, with major ones available on the spot, so there’s no waiting around. Plus, with their Best Rate Guarantee, you won’t have to worry about overpaying — CXI will match or beat the exchange rate of any local bank for the same currency and amount.

You can walk into a branch for an instant exchange, reserve currency online and pick it up later, or even have it delivered to your home through their OnlineFX service.

They accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but keep in mind that a passport or driver’s license is required for card payments. 

If you’re planning your trip and looking for things to do in New York, securing your currency exchange in NYC in advance can help you focus on exploring the city without any last-minute stress.

You’ll find CXI branches at these locations in NYC:

📍Avenue of the Americas – 1320 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 | 📞 (212) 956-2400

📍Grand Central Station – 122 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10168 | 📞 (212) 972-6800

📍Penn Station – 345 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 | 📞 (212) 695-1599

📍Upper East Side – 134 ½ East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065 | 📞 (212) 421-2220

📍Marriott Marquis – 1535 Broadway (Inside Marriott Marquis, 8th Floor Lobby), New York, NY 10036 | 📞 (212) 382-0828

2. A & S Foreign Exchange Inc.

A&S Foreign Exchange Inc. only accepts paper currency. They specialize in buying and selling major world currencies, including Euros, British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, and more.

If you’re wondering where to exchange currency in NYC with a competitive currency exchange rate, A&S is a good choice.

In addition to foreign currency exchange, A&S provides traveler’s checks. You can visit the currency exchange store six days a week or confirm exchange rates by phone before arriving.

For large transactions, they offer extended customer support via WhatsApp until midnight.

📍 357 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001 | 📞 +1 (646) 473-1222 | WhatsApp: +1 (646) 937-8300| 

3. Uno Forex

Uno Forex offers NYC currency exchange without commission on exchanges over $300. Many Reddit users recommend it for its fair rates and straightforward process.

Reddit users often claim Uno Forex to be one of the best currency exchanges as it has better foreign exchange rates than banks and airport kiosks, making it a popular choice for exchanging cash. 

The smarter you are about exchanging currency, the more you’ll have to spend on ticking off must-visit spots from our New York travel guide.

Choosing a provider with low fees means more money for iconic experiences — whether it’s a Broadway show, a slice of New York pizza, or a trip up the Empire State Building.

The location is inside TK Perfumes at 1226 Broadway, which some visitors find easy to miss. The shop is small and narrow, so there may be a wait during busy hours. 

📍 1226 Broadway, New York, NY 10001 (Inside TK Perfumes) | 📞 (212) 279-6150 | (646) 596-8002

4. People’s Xpress

People’s Xpress offers, also known as Peoples Foreign Exchange, Corp. specializes in buying and selling over 50 currencies in NYC.

Availability is limited, so they recommend calling ahead to reserve your currency conversion. Their rates fluctuate daily, and the most accurate exchange rate is the one given in person, at the counter.

Regular customers or those exchanging large amounts may qualify for their VIP program, which offers benefits like priority service, lower fees, and access to exclusive rates. 

People’s Xpress operates inside Vegan on the Fly. Their operating hours are limited, so it’s best to check in advance before visiting.

📍Inside Vegan on the Fly, New York, NY | 📞 Phone: (631) 592-8080 | 📧 Email: peoplesforex@gmail.com

Our top tips for exchanging currency in NYC

Want the best exchange rate in NYC without hidden fees? Here’s how to avoid bad deals, save money, and make your exchange hassle-free.

• Check rates before you go: Exchange rates change daily, and some places charge way more than others. Before heading out, check rates online or call ahead. Shops like CXI and Uno Forex may even match a competitor’s rate, so it pays to ask.
• Skip the airport kiosks: Currency exchange in NYC airports often comes with high fees. If you need cash when you land, withdraw a small amount from an ATM and exchange the rest at a better location.
• Ask about fees — they add up: Some places charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage of your total exchange. Uno Forex waives fees on exchanges over $300, so if you’re exchanging a larger amount, this could save you extra cash.
• Reserve currency online for big exchanges: Need a lot of cash or a less common currency? Some places let you reserve online for pickup. This guarantees availability and sometimes gets you a better rate—worth it if you’re exchanging a large amount.
• Know how you can pay: Most exchange shops only take cash, but some accept debit or credit cards. If you use a credit card, your bank might charge extra fees, so check before swiping!
• Consider an ATM instead: If your bank doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees, an ATM withdrawal might be cheaper than using an exchange service. Just check your bank’s rates first to avoid surprises.
• Keep your receipt — it might save you money: Some places offer a BuyBack Cover — meaning you can sell back leftover currency at the same rate. If you’re unsure how much cash you’ll need, this could help you avoid losing money when exchanging back.
• Always do the math: Double-check the final amount you’re getting before handing over your cash. A small difference in rates or fees can cost you more than you think. Stay smart, compare rates, and keep more of your money where it belongs — in your pocket or paying for pizza!

Holafly: Your travel connection, sorted

Whether you’re heading to an exchange shop, reserving currency online, or checking rates on the go, having instant internet access makes it all easier.

But you’d probably rely on international cards and platforms like Monzo, Revolut, or Wise, to make direct payments instead of carrying stacks of cash. 

The only catch? You need a reliable internet connection to check your balance, get real-time exchange rates, or receive transaction notifications.

With Holafly’s eSIM for New York, you can skip the hassle of finding public WiFi or dealing with expensive roaming fees. Need to compare exchange rates on the go? Want to call ahead to confirm stock availability? With Holafly you can do it all. 

Plus, Holafly’s eSIM also lets you share up to 500 MB per day as a hotspot, so everyone stays connected if you’re traveling with friends or family. 

Buy your eSIM from the Holafly app or website, pick a plan based on your trip, and activate it in a few minutes.

Plans start at $20.90 for 5 days and go up to $139.90 for 90-day trips. With unlimited data, you can browse, stream, and stay on top of your travel plans without worrying about running out of data. And with this article in hand, you won’t need to worry about running out of cash either!

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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