[takeaways] • The three best currency exchange providers in NYC are CXI, A&S Foreign Exchange, and Uno Forex — all offer better rates than airport or hotel kiosks.
• Never exchange money at hotels, airports, or convenience kiosks — the rates are notoriously worse than dedicated exchange providers.
• Always ask about commission and handling fees before exchanging — exchanges are legally required to disclose them, but won't always volunteer the information.
• Compare online rates before walking into a store — you may find a better rate by locking in digitally.
• The Avenue of the Americas CXI branch closed permanently in 2025 — ignore any listings that still show it as open. [/takeaways]
If you're traveling to New York for business or leisure, having enough US Dollars to hand makes everything easier. But finding the best-value spots to exchange money in NYC isn't always straightforward — especially if you're new to the city.
To get the best rates on currency exchange, we recommend heading to CXI (Currency Exchange International), A&S Foreign Exchange, or Uno Forex — all of which specialize in currency trading without the hidden fees you'll find at airport kiosks and hotel desks.
Best places to exchange currency in NYC
NYC has plenty of spots where you can change international currencies into USD — but not all offer competitive rates. Here are the three we recommend.
[numbered title="CXI — Currency Exchange International" pill="80+ currencies, rate guarantee"]The most transparent and widely available exchange in NYC — public company, dedicated rate tracker app, and a same-day guarantee to beat airport and bank rates at any CXI City Center branch.[/numbered] [numbered title="A&S Foreign Exchange Inc." pill="24/7 support, WhatsApp"]One of the oldest exchanges in NYC — competitive rates on paper currency and travelers' checks, with 24/7 WhatsApp support for out-of-hours queries or large transactions.[/numbered] [numbered title="Uno Forex" pill="No commission over $300"]No-commission model for transactions over $300 USD, with 50+ currencies available in-store and a 24/7 self-service exchange for the most common currency pairs.[/numbered]
CXI — Currency Exchange International
CXI specializes in currency exchange both in-person and online, supporting more than 1,400 banks and financial institutions. It's one of the most transparent exchanges available — publicly listed on the stock exchange — and its dedicated rate tracker app lets you set alerts for target rates on any currencies you'd like to trade.
For international travelers, any CXI City Center branch will beat exchange rates offered by local airports and banks on the same day, in cash. It currently supports more than 80 different currencies.
Find CXI in Manhattan at:
- 801 Lexington Ave, Upper East Side
- 1525 Broadway, at the Key Concierge at the Marriott Marquis
- 122 East 42nd Street, Grand Central Station
- 345 7th Avenue, Penn Station
[warning]The CXI branch on Avenue of the Americas closed permanently in 2025. It may still appear on some online listings and map searches — always confirm the branch you're heading to is currently open before traveling there.[/warning]
A&S Foreign Exchange Inc.
A&S is one of the oldest exchanges in NYC, specializing in paper currency trading and the retail of travelers' checks. It's popular with locals for its 24/7 customer care and competitive rates — though as with any exchange, always compare before committing.
What sets A&S apart is its out-of-hours WhatsApp support line — useful if you have questions after hours or are exchanging a particularly large sum and want to talk it through first. There is currently one NYC branch, at 357 7th Avenue — just up from the CXI at Penn Station.
Uno Forex
Uno Forex has built a firm following with travelers and business visitors thanks to its no-commission model for transactions over $300 USD — a genuine advantage over exchanges that charge handling fees on top of the rate. It currently supports more than 30 currencies online and more than 50 in-store.
The main branch is at 870 7th Avenue, with a 24/7 self-service exchange available for USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, JPY, and CAD — useful for early arrivals or late departures.
[esim flag="🇺🇸" label="United States" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$11.90" href="/products/united-states" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No roaming charges"]Stay connected across New York and the US — no roaming charges[/esim]Top tips for exchanging currency in NYC
[warning]Never exchange money at hotel desks, airport kiosks, or convenience currency booths — they are notoriously more expensive than dedicated exchange providers. If you arrive in New York and remember you need USD, resist the temptation of the airport kiosk and use one of the dedicated providers in this guide instead. The difference in rate can be significant, particularly on larger amounts.[/warning] [tip title="Compare online rates before walking into a store"]All three exchanges above offer online rates that can be locked in digitally before you visit in person. Check the online rate first — you may find it better than the walk-in rate, and some providers allow you to order currency for in-store collection at the rate you locked in.[/tip] [tip title="Use an exchange tracking app and time your exchange"]Currency values fluctuate constantly based on political and economic movements. Download an exchange tracking app — CXI has its own mobile tracker that allows you to set rate alerts — and exchange when the rate moves in your favor rather than at the last minute before you travel.[/tip] [tip title="Always ask about commission and handling fees upfront"]Exchanges are legally required to disclose all fees — but they won't always volunteer them. Before agreeing to any transaction, specifically ask about commission charges, handling fees, and any minimum transaction requirements. Compare the all-in rate across at least two providers before committing.[/tip] [tip title="Keep your receipt and trust your instincts"]Always keep your exchange receipt in case the numbers don't add up when you check later. If a deal looks too good to be true or a kiosk is unusually flashy, trust your instincts and walk past it — dedicated exchange providers are almost always the better choice.[/tip] [tip title="Your bank and prepaid travel cards are also solid options"]Many banks allow currency exchange directly via phone, in-person teller, or online banking — and may offer competitive rates to existing customers. Prepaid travel cards can also offer favorable exchange rates and give you full control over your spending budget before you travel.[/tip] [faq] [q]Where is the best place to exchange currency in NYC?[/q] [a]The three best places to exchange currency in NYC are CXI Currency Exchange International (80+ currencies, same-day rate guarantee over airports and banks, multiple Manhattan locations), A&S Foreign Exchange Inc. (competitive rates, 24/7 WhatsApp support, one branch at 357 7th Avenue), and Uno Forex (no-commission model for transactions over $300, 24/7 self-service available at 870 7th Avenue). All three are significantly better value than hotel desks and airport kiosks.[/a] [q]What is CXI Currency Exchange International?[/q] [a]CXI is a publicly listed currency exchange company that operates City Center branches across the US, including four locations in Manhattan. It supports more than 80 currencies and guarantees to beat the exchange rate offered by local airports and banks on the same day, in cash, at any City Center branch. It also offers a dedicated mobile app with rate tracking and target alerts. Note: the Avenue of the Americas CXI branch closed permanently in 2025.[/a] [q]Does Uno Forex charge commission?[/q] [a]Uno Forex operates a no-commission model for transactions over $300 USD — meaning you receive the listed rate without additional handling fees on qualifying transactions. This makes it particularly competitive for anyone exchanging a meaningful amount of cash. For transactions under $300, always confirm whether any fees apply before exchanging. Its main branch is at 870 7th Avenue, with 24/7 self-service available for six major currencies.[/a] [q]Should I exchange money at the airport in New York?[/q] [a]No — airport currency kiosks and hotel desks consistently offer worse exchange rates than dedicated exchange providers, often significantly so. If you arrive in New York and need USD urgently, it may be unavoidable — but as soon as possible, exchange any remaining money at CXI, A&S, or Uno Forex to get a better rate for the bulk of your spending money.[/a] [q]What is the best time to exchange currency?[/q] [a]Currency values fluctuate constantly based on political and economic news. The best approach is to monitor the exchange rate in advance using a tracking app — CXI offers its own app with rate alerts — and exchange when the rate moves in your favor rather than at the last minute. Avoid exchanging just before major economic announcements or political events, which can cause rapid and unfavorable rate movements.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for the USA?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO United States eSIM is one of the most practical ways to stay connected in New York without roaming charges. At $11.90 for 10GB over 30 days, it activates on landing, connects you to the best available US networks, and keeps you navigating, finding exchange providers, and staying in touch throughout your stay — without unexpected bills from your home carrier.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇺🇸" label="United States" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$11.90" href="/products/united-states" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No roaming charges"]Stay connected across New York and the US — no roaming charges[/esim]
