Ruqayyah Snyder
If you're looking to exchange Australian dollars in San Francisco, there are several options available to you. You can exchange your money before you travel, either at your bank or a bureau de change, or once you arrive in San Francisco at a bank or bureau de change office. You could also withdraw money from an ATM in San Francisco, which is likely to offer a better exchange rate than in-person exchange bureaus, or use a travel money card, which you can top up and use for withdrawals when you're away. If you're looking for a currency exchange store in San Francisco, one option is CXI San Francisco Centre, which buys and sells more than 80 foreign currencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange bureaus in San Francisco | CXI San Francisco Centre, Currency World USA, Travelex |
| Exchange rates | Better rates online or at ATMs than in-person exchange bureaus |
| Online exchange platforms | Wise, XE rates, travelmoneyoz |
| Other options | Bank or travel money card |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange at Westfield Union Square
If you're looking to exchange currency at Westfield Union Square in San Francisco, there is an exchange place inside the mall. CXI, or Currency Exchange International, is a specialist in the foreign exchange industry and has a branch at the Westfield San Francisco Centre. They buy and sell more than 80 foreign currencies from around the world and offer exchange rates that are better than local banks and airport exchange rates. They are able to exchange limited foreign coins, including 1 and 2 EUR, 1 and 2 CAD, 1 and 2 GBP, and 10 and 20 MXN. No other foreign coins are exchanged.
To reduce lines and wait times, all foreign coins must be sorted before coming to the branch to exchange them. You can also reserve your foreign currency for free online or over the phone. Cash, debit cards, and credit cards are accepted when paying in US dollars, but valid government identification is required for all credit and debit card transactions. Credit card transactions are limited to $2,999.99, while debit card transactions are limited to $4,999.99. Payments can be split between multiple payment types.
While CXI may offer better rates than your local bank, it's worth noting that in the US, some debit cards will waive all ATM fees, no matter which bank's ATM you use. Additionally, using an ATM may result in a better exchange rate than most outlets.
Another option for exchanging currency is Currency World USA, which offers same-day service.
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Currency Exchange International (CXI)
CXI accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards for payments in U.S. dollars. A valid government identification is required for all credit and debit card transactions. Credit card transactions are limited to $2,999.99, while debit card transactions are limited to $4,999.99. Payments can be split between multiple payment types.
CXI is able to exchange limited foreign coins, including 1 and 2 EUR, 1 and 2 CAD, 1 and 2 GBP, and 10 and 20 MXN. Foreign coins must be sorted before visiting the branch to reduce wait times.
You can reserve foreign currency in advance for free online or over the phone. CXI is a proud member of Union Square BID.
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ATMs
If you're looking to exchange Australian dollars for US dollars in San Francisco, one option is to use an ATM. San Francisco has many ATMs and banks, so you won't have any problems finding one.
Using an ATM can be a good option as it offers a fair exchange rate, and the total cost (including fees) is often still less than the exchange rate you may get at most outlets. If you have a card that will waive ATM fees, or if your bank has a partnership with a US bank, you may be charged a smaller fee or no fee at all for withdrawals. However, some ATM networks have high fixed fees for withdrawals, so it's important to check with your bank before you travel.
To save on commissions, you could consider using a credit card or a multi-currency card from providers like Wise or Revolut, which allow you to hold foreign currencies in a digital account and then tap to pay with a physical or virtual card.
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Travel money cards
When travelling to San Francisco, it is important to consider how you will be accessing your money. The official currency in San Francisco is the US dollar (USD). While you could exchange your Australian dollars for US dollars before your trip, it is recommended to use an ATM for the best rates.
If you prefer to have some US dollars in cash before your trip, you can exchange your money at the airport or with your bank. However, keep in mind that airport exchange rates are often unfavourable, and your bank may not carry foreign currency at their branch. In this case, you will need to place an order, which can take up to a week or more.
An alternative option is to use a travel money card, which is not attached to your credit line or savings account. You can load your card with Australian dollars and then exchange it for US dollars as needed. This can be beneficial if you want to lock in an exchange rate, especially if you anticipate the rate might go against you (for example, if the Australian dollar is losing value compared to the US dollar). Virgin Velocity Wallet is one such travel money card that offers low fees.
Additionally, consider using fee-free credit cards and bank accounts to access your money while travelling. In Australia, 28 degrees and Bankwest Platinum are credit cards that do not charge currency conversion fees, while Citibank Plus is a bank account with no overseas ATM or currency conversion fees. By using these options, you can ensure you get the best exchange rate as you tap into the wholesale interbank rate.
Lastly, it is always a good idea to have some local currency in cash when you arrive for small purchases or emergencies. Familiarise yourself with American banknotes before your trip to avoid confusion or accidentally handing over the wrong amount.
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Banks
If your bank has a partnership with other international banks, you may be able to utilise their ATM machines and benefit from reduced withdrawal fees or, in some cases, no fees at all. Using an ATM can often provide a more favourable exchange rate than in-person exchange bureaus. Additionally, withdrawing money directly from an ATM and choosing to be charged in USD can be a cost-effective option.
It is worth noting that some banks may not carry foreign currency at their branches, and you may need to place an order in advance. Alternatively, you can consider using a service like Wise, which utilises the real mid-market exchange rate and eliminates international bank fees by using local banking systems in both your home country and the US.
If you prefer to use a bank for currency exchange, it is advisable to contact your bank before travelling to understand their specific processes and any associated fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Banks, currency exchange shops, and online platforms are all options for exchanging currency in San Francisco. Currency Exchange International (CXI) is one such service with a branch in San Francisco that exchanges over 80 foreign currencies.
Using an ATM in San Francisco is the cheapest way of getting dollars. However, if you have access to a USD bank account in San Francisco, using a service like Wise to make the transfer ahead of time may be a better option as it uses the real mid-market exchange rate.
The exchange rate for Australian dollars to US dollars is constantly changing. As of March 2024, the rate to buy USD is 0.7358. You can find the current mid-market exchange rate by searching on Google.
Exchange rates can be affected by many factors, including speculation, inflation, interest rates, government debt, and current events. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the news and track the market to spot a good deal. Additionally, it is important to have a valid government identification when exchanging currency.
Yes, you can exchange Australian dollars before arriving in San Francisco or get a travel money card that can be topped up digitally and used for spending and withdrawals while in the US.
