foreign currency exchange questions

september · ‎03-09-2010

I've gathered together foreign bills from 6 different countries that we've visited in the past...most for business reasons.

We don't do this type of traveling anymore, and I'd like to exchange the currency for dollars. I've done some online research and not had my questions answered.

Would you go to a bank or a private business, such as Travelex, at an airport or kiosk?

I think there are fees to be paid either way. I expect that, but want to get the maximum $$$ back from the exchange.

Thanks for any helpful advice!

dooBdoo · ‎06-27-2010

Hi, september! The last time I exchanged foreign currency here in the states I did so at our local AAA office. There wasn't any extra charge for members then... not sure if that's always the case, though.

Few things reveal your intellect and your generosity of spirit—the parallel powers of your heart and mind—better than how you give feedback.~Maria Popova

september · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks, dooBdoo! I'm a AAA member, and didn't know they did that. I'll call on Monday.

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

No matter who you choose, ask about their fees if it's a considerable amount of $.

dooBdoo · ‎06-27-2010

On 2/28/2015 september said:
Thanks, dooBdoo! I'm a AAA member, and didn't know they did that. I'll call on Monday.

You're welcome, september! Fingers crossed for you!

Few things reveal your intellect and your generosity of spirit—the parallel powers of your heart and mind—better than how you give feedback.~Maria Popova

Kathlen · ‎03-09-2010

I get my foreign currency from my bank, and when I get home, turn it back into dollars at my bank. There are fees no matter where you go - and my bank is handy.

september · ‎03-09-2010

I bank with a small, local bank. they don't even keep euros on hand, unless you call ahead and order them.

I'm not near a major city, but will be, one day next week, so I hope to figure this out by then. I can either go to a bigger bank, or to an airport. A regional mall also has a Travelex kiosk.

Of course, if AAA can help...that would be great!

The currency I want to exchange is from Japan, Hungary, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. I'd be okay with keeping the Canadian and Mexican money, since we might use that again. But I would really like to get some $$$ for the other currencies.