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Currency exchange NYC rates can vary widely between providers, and airport kiosks usually offer the worst deals. This guide compares the best foreign currency exchange NYC options, CXI, A&S Foreign Exchange, Uno Forex, and People’s Xpress, covering locations, hours, fees, and tips to help you keep more cash in your pocket.

With cash in your wallet and a reliable connection, you’ll have peace of mind on your travels. Finding the best currency exchange rates in NYC takes care of the cash part, and Holafly unlimited-data eSIM keeps you online throughout your NYC trip.

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:

Currency exchange shopsServicesHoursContact
CXI (Currency Exchange International)Currency exchange, online reservations, gold bullion sales, Best Rate GuaranteeOpen 7 days a week (varies by location)(212) 972-6800 (Grand Central)
A&S Foreign Exchange Inc.Currency exchange, traveler’s checks, competitive ratesMon-Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sat: 11 AM – 6 PM(646) 473-1222 / WhatsApp: (646) 937-8300
Uno ForexCurrency exchange, no commission on exchanges over $300Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 6:30 PM, Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM(212) 279-6150
People’s XpressCurrency exchange for 50+ currencies, VIP program for frequent customersVaries – Call ahead to confirm availability(631) 592-8080 / (212) 883-0550 / info@peoplesfx.com

1. CXI (Currency Exchange International)

Currency Exchange International (CXI) offers both online and in-person currency exchange NYC services, with multiple branches across the city.

They handle over 80 foreign currencies, with major ones available on the spot. With their Best Rate Guarantee, 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 have it delivered to your home through OnlineFX.

CXI accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. Card payments require a passport or driver’s license.

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. Their services of foreign currency exchange in NYC ]cover major world currencies: Euros, British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, and more.

A&S also provides traveler’s checks. You can visit the store six days a week or confirm the NYC currency exchange rates by phone before you go.

For large transactions, A&S offers WhatsApp support until midnight.

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

3. Uno Forex

Uno Forex offers currency exchange services in NYC with no commission on exchanges over $300, which is useful if you’re swapping a larger sum. The in-store counter handles more than 50 currencies, and there’s a 24/7 self-service exchange machine accessible through the hotel lobby for USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, and JPY.

The store sits at 870 7th Avenue on the corner of 55th Street, next to Starbucks. It’s small and narrow, so expect a wait during busy hours.

📍 870 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 (corner of 55th Street) | 📞 (212) 279-6150

4. People’s Xpress

Peoples Foreign Exchange, Corp. (also known as People’s Xpress) has offered currency exchange in NYC since 1987, covering most major world currencies. Availability is limited, so they recommend calling ahead to reserve what you need.

Their rates fluctuate daily, and the rate you’ll get is the one quoted in person, at the counter.

Repeat customers may qualify for their VIP program.

People’s Xpress operates inside Vegan on the Fly in midtown Manhattan, across from Grand Central Station. Their operating hours are currently reduced, so call ahead before visiting.

📍Inside Vegan on the Fly, midtown Manhattan (across from Grand Central Station) | 📞 (631) 592-8080 or (212) 883-0550 | 📧 info@peoplesfx.com

Tips about currency exchange in NYC

Want the best exchange rate in NYC without hidden fees? Here’s how to avoid bad deals and keep more of your money.

  • Check rates and fees before you go. Rates change daily, and some shops quietly charge way more than others. Call ahead or check online — CXI and Uno Forex sometimes match a competitor’s rate, so it pays to ask.
  • Skip the airport kiosks. Currency exchange NYC rates at the airport are usually the worst in the city. If you need cash when you land, pull a small amount from an ATM and swap the rest at a better location.
  • Reserve currency online for big exchanges. Need a less common currency or a large sum? Some shops let you reserve online for in-store pickup — that guarantees availability and sometimes locks in a better rate.
  • Consider an ATM instead. If your bank doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees, an ATM withdrawal can beat any exchange shop. Check your bank’s rates first to avoid surprises.
  • Ask about BuyBack. Some shops let you sell unused currency back at the same rate you bought it — useful if you’re not sure how much cash you’ll actually need.
  • Stay connected to check rates on the go. Hotel WiFi is patchy and roaming fees add up fast. With a eSIM for New York , you can compare rates and call ahead to confirm stock from anywhere in the city. Every Holafly eSIM also includes Always On — a 1 GB monthly backup that keeps you online even if your trip gets extended.

FAQs about NYC currency exchange rates

Where can I get euros in NYC?

Where to get euros in NYC depends on the amount you need. For smaller sums, walk into any of the four shops we cover — CXI, A&S Foreign Exchange, Uno Forex, or People’s Xpress. For larger amounts, reserve euros online for in-store pickup at CXI; that guarantees stock and sometimes locks in a better rate. NYC bank ATMs won’t dispense euros, so an exchange shop is the route.

What is a bureau de change in New York?

A bureau de change is a foreign currency exchange shop — the British and European term for what most NYC signs call a “currency exchange.” A bureau de change in New York operates the same way: you bring in one currency, get another at the day’s posted rate, sometimes with a small fee. CXI, A&S, Uno Forex, and People’s Xpress all qualify.

How do I find a currency exchange near me in NYC?

A quick Google search for “currency exchange NYC near me” will surface most major shops, since they cluster in midtown Manhattan. CXI has five branches (Avenue of the Americas, Grand Central, Penn Station, Upper East Side, and the Marriott Marquis), Uno Forex sits at 870 7th Avenue, and A&S Foreign Exchange is on 7th Avenue at 30th Street. Pick the one closest to where you’re staying.

Is there a currency exchange at Grand Central?

Yes — CXI operates a currency exchange Grand Central travelers can use at 122 East 42nd Street, inside the terminal building. It’s one of five CXI branches in NYC and handles over 80 foreign currencies, with major ones available on the spot. Hours vary by branch, so check ahead before visiting.

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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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