Foreign Currency Exchange in Los Angeles

Changing foreign currency in Los Angeles can be a challenge. It's best to change money in your home country before you leave or to buy travelers checks in US dollars. Alternately, you can use many credit cards to withdraw dollars from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)which are located at the airport, at banks, supermarkets and tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, taxis and other businesses accept major credit cards, so you don't need to carry a lot of cash. Visa and MasterCard (EuroCard) are the most common, although the fees for international credit card transactions have skyrocketed.

If you do need to change foreign currency in LA, these are your options:

Foreign Currency Express
350 S Figueroa St, Ste 134
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 624-3693
www.foreigncurrencyexpress.com
If you can wait until you get to Downtown Los Angeles, this exchange bureau in the basement of the World Trade Center has the best exchange rates in town with no service fees. If you're trying to buy foreign currency, call ahead to make sure they have what you need in stock. Discounted parking with validation.

World Bank Notes
520 South Grand Ave, Ste L 100
Los Angeles, CA 90071
1-888-533-7283 or 213-627-5404
Located in Downtown Los Angeles next to the Millenium Biltmore Hotel, this company buys and sells 90 different foreign currencies.

International Currency Express, Inc.
427 N Camden Dr, Ste G
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
1-(888) 278-6628, (310) 278-6628‎
foreignmoney.com
Sells dollars in exchange for most currencies. If you want to buy foreign currency, you may need to order ahead.

Travelex Currency Services
8901 Santa Monica Boulevard W
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 659-6093
If you're in Beverly Hills, this exchange service is located inside the US Bank. there are assigned bank parking spaces in the lot.

At LAX, there are currency exchange booths in the upper level departure area of all terminals and in the arrivals area at the Bradley International Terminal. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at every terminal. Visa card and MasterCard cash advances available up to USD 300 at ICE currency exchange kiosks at Terminals 2, 3, 5, 7, and Tom Bradley Terminal. Airport exchange offices charge a hefty fee.

Some hotels near tourist attractions will change foreign currency for guests.

Some large banks in major tourist areas will buy foreign currency in exchange for dollars, but even some of these limit which currency they will accept. In order to buy foreign currency, you usually have to order it ahead of time at American banks.