Currency Exchange in NYC: Where to Get the Best Rates

If you’re travelling to New York for business or leisure, it’s always worthwhile making sure you’ve got enough US Dollars on hand to explore the capital with. However, finding the best-value spots to exchange money in NYC isn’t always easy, especially if you’re new to the area.

To get the best rates on currency exchange NYC has to offer, we recommend heading to the CXI (Currency Exchange International), the A & S Foreign Exchange, and the Uno Forex. Above all, you should always choose a company that’s specialised in exchanging USD without hidden fees or surcharges.

Let’s take a closer look at our recommended NYC currency exchanges and how to make the most of your money before you start spending it!

Best places to exchange currency in NYC

NYC has plenty of spots where you can change international currencies into USD. However, not all will give you competitive rates, and while exchanging at hotels or airports might seem convenient, there are usually extra fees involved.

Here’s where to go to get the best exchange on USD for your money while visiting NYC.

1. CXI (Currency Exchange International)

The CXI specialises in currency exchange in person and online, and as they support more than 1,400 banks and financial institutions, you can be sure it’s a name to trust for a great return. It’s one of the most transparent exchanges in the world, too, with public listings on the stock exchange.

One of CXI’s best features is its dedicated rate tracker app, which lets you set up alerts for target rates on any currencies you’d like to trade.

For international travellers, any CXI City Center branch owned by the company will beat exchange rates offered by local airports and banks that same day, in cash. It also supports more than 80 different currencies at present, making it our top choice for currency exchange NYC has to offer.

Find CXI in Manhattan, NYC, 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

Quick tip! The Avenue of The Americas CXI closed for good in 2025, though it may still appear on some listings online.

2. A & S Foreign Exchange Inc.

A & S is one of the oldest exchanges on the block, specialising in paper currency trading and the retail of travellers’ checks. It’s popular with locals thanks to its 24/7 customer care and what it refers to as unbeatable rates. Naturally - they will all tell you this, so always compare the rates before you settle on an exchange!

What we like most about A & S is that you don’t have to be at the NYC branch in-person to get help. The currency exchange has a WhatsApp number you can contact out of hours if you have any problems with your checks, or if you’re exchanging a particularly large sum.

Where A & S pales in comparison to CXI is the fact that there is only one branch in NYC at the time of writing. Visit 357 7th Avenue, just up from the CXI at Penn Station, for the best rates from the exchange.

3. Uno Forex

Uno Forex may not be the biggest currency exchange NYC has available, but it’s built up a firm following with travellers and businesspeople thanks to its no-commission model for transactions over $300 USD. That’s pretty competitive when you consider how many exchange services expect you to pay extra fees just to trade money.

Uno Forex prides itself on being super-straightforward and no-fuss when it comes to exchanging cash, and if you’re only looking for a little spending money while exploring NYC, the no-commission offer might give you more than you’re expecting back.

While Uno Forex generally supports more than 30 different currencies, its in-store exchange supports more than 50 at the time of writing. Its main branch is based at 870 7th Avenue, with a 24/7 self-service exchange available if you want to exchange USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, JPY, or CAD.

Our top tips for exchanging currency in NYC

Whether it’s your first time exchanging money or your fiftieth, there are always a few tips and tricks you can try to get the best possible rates at an exchange in NYC. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

• Don’t rely on in-store exchanges. Yes - we’ve promoted the best in-store options in NYC in this guide, but you might actually get a better rate to lock in online. Be willing to go digital before walking into a store, and you might just find it cheaper and more convenient.

• Be willing to compare rates. You don’t have to accept the rate that an exchange offers you out of politeness or duty. Check what each of our three top exchanges have to offer you. CXI, in particular, has an on-the-day guarantee you can challenge if you’ve had a better rate at certain locations elsewhere.

• Be savvy on timing. Currency values fluctuate all the time, largely thanks to political and business movements. So, download an exchange tracking app or two and strike when value spikes so you get the best rates. Again, CXI has its own mobile tracker that lets you set alerts.

• Don’t be afraid to ask about costs. “Hidden” fees as a term is slightly misleading, because all exchanges must tell you about the costs that apply when you exchange money with them. Don’t just take them at their word! If you’re comparing rates, ask about commission costs and handling fees before you buy.

• Don’t exchange at hotels, airports, or other kiosks. Kiosks infamously carry higher rates than most purely because they’re convenient. If you’re getting off a plane and remember you need USD, you’d probably be tempted just to go to the airport kiosk. However, you’ll usually save money if you choose a dedicated exchange provider instead.

• Go with your bank if you prefer. Many banks let you exchange money directly via phone or in-person teller, and also through apps and online banking. Your bank is more of a known entity than an exchange provider, so stick to what you know if you prefer.

• Consider prepaid travel cards. Going prepaid is the best way to save money on lots of things while travelling. Take the SIMOVO eSIM for the USA, for example! You’re always in control of your cash - and when you choose an online prepaid travel card provider, for example, you might just get a better value exchange rate.

• Go with your gut (and keep your receipt). Don’t fall for flashy deals and convenient kiosks. Be wary and respect your money! If you do choose an NYC currency exchange, always keep your receipt just in case the numbers don’t add up.

When visiting NYC, the last thing you’ll want is to waste time looking for USD exchanges. Try the top three exchange brands we’ve listed in this guide as a priority, and while you’re at it, grab our eSIM for North America and save serious cash on your mobile data roaming, too! Travel should be about exciting new experiences, not boring administration and budgeting worries.