Visiting From Overseas

@hhusted this is useful though I wonder what kind commissions they charge even though I have often visited NYC from overseas I have never really changed money in the city have always done it in my country of origin. In cities like Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur they have government authorized money changers who dont charge as much commission as banks.

Great point. I'm glad you brought it up. The key is to contact them for more info. The more educated you are the better a consumer you are.

The most cost-effective way to change currency is actually through an ATM. The fees are low and the conversion rates are most advantageous. So, traveling elsewhere, just withdraw money from your US account in the local currency. And for traveling here if you're from abroad, withdraw money in US dollars from whatever foreign bank account you have.

The rare times I've had to convert currency at an actual exchange, i felt like I'd been cheated majorly, with all those fees.

Yikes. Banking fees. I wonder why such exchanges have to charge high fees. I guess they figure they have to make money, but to me, I think they are taking advantage of tourist, because they think that tourist do not know any better.