Where to buy Foreign Currency in Australia?

[Rich]

If you are near Southland rates there are good. There are 2 vendors I think. I can't remember which one I went to but they were also very accommodating with a request for small value US bills.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Looks like Travelex is also order online.

 

[MelMel]

I’ve used travel money oz before, xc exchange in Ringwood and Doncaster Westfield looks to have good rates but haven’t used them

 

[Pushka]

Looks like Travelex is also order online.

Yes, that's why I said upthread it's ready in about five days, pick time and location. Cheaper than just rocking up to the store.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Now that is what i was looking for - what a shame no longer - there will definitely be a small operator in Chinatown for the CNY - and I am happy to go looking - but hopefully someone with some knowledge will assist

I second the UAE currency exchange, and yes, sadly, now gone. It used to be a few cents off the interbank rate… and hugely popular. People would be changing USD in the 1000s. (let’s not think about money laundering! )

If you find a place in Chinatown let us know. The place I walk past everyday in Chinatown has dreadful rates! And they’re a tiny hole in the wall

 

[justinbrett]

Cash is on its way out, and thus it's expensive to get foreign cash outside of the country these days.

I keep a rolling kitty of foreign cash - especially USD - rather than years past when I tried to spend it all before returning home. When I was in the US a few months ago, I specifically withdrew some USD for a trip to Africa I'm making later in the year (and can't count on ATMs).

 

[uiopui]

KVN Global - top end of Collins St was always competitive. Bring ID as they do checks etc for money laundering

Level 30, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3000

 

[burmans]

Best places to exchange currency in Melbourne - find the best rates | Finder

Where is Melbourne’s best currency exchange? Find out where to get the best exchange rates and fees on travel money in this handy guide.

www.finder.com.au

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

I’ve always used TravelX in chadstone.
They are in the same shop as flight center.
Used to be the best rates around. Pre covid.

 

[stm1sydney]

If you have time in transit at SIN/Changi, then you'll get decent rates. Much better than a booth at SYD, that's for sure (based on my most recent look).

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

If you have time in transit at SIN/Changi, then you'll get decent rates. Much better than a booth at SYD, that's for sure (based on my most recent look).

Came here to write just this! In late December was quoted something like 60jpy to the AUD by thw rip off merchants at Sydney Airport. Said screw that and waited till changi where we offered 88jpy to AUD (Official rate at time was 89).

Checked it against online rates in Aus and was far better. Will only exchange at Changi now if passing through there.

 

[Scr77]

Came here to write just this! In late December was quoted something like 60jpy to the AUD by thw rip off merchants at Sydney Airport. Said screw that and waited till changi where we offered 88jpy to AUD (Official rate at time was 89).

Checked it against online rates in Aus and was far better. Will only exchange at Changi now if passing through there.

How does this work? You hand over AUD cash and get foreign currency? or do you pay with a credit card or something?

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

How does this work? You hand over AUD cash and get foreign currency? or do you pay with a credit card or something?

Handed over physical Aussie dollars and got Japanese yen

 

[anyonebutqantas]

Or what about depositing money to Wise and then withdrawing off their debit card in the overseas location?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I have a need to buy some Foreign Currencies - Chinese Yuan, US Dollars, Sing Dollars

As of 10 minutes ago my need has disappeared. Funds were not actually for my use and intended recipient has indeed decided:

If you have time in transit at SIN/Changi, then you'll get decent rates.

Tks to all contributors

 

[Blacksheep]

Thanks in advance, need AUD to South Korean Won exchanged in hard currency. Seen a few 'online' rates which are close to murder. Does anyone have a decent exchanger? only need to change about 1k AUD.
Oh and needs to be in Sydney. Thanks again!

 

[stm1sydney]

In the past, I have used Goldten in Sussex St, Chinatown, consistently offered the best rate at the time. Best bet is to get quotes from one or two others in the area (eg World Square George/Goulburn corner), then see how you go at Goldten. No harm in getting quotes, and they are very close to each other.

Haven't used them for a while as now I typically just wing it and get cash from ATMs in-country using my Citibank card.

 

[stm1sydney]

In the past, I have used Goldten in Sussex St, Chinatown, consistently offered the best rate at the time. Best bet is to get quotes from one or two others in the area (eg World Square George/Goulburn corner), then see how you go at Goldten. No harm in getting quotes, and they are very close to each other.

Haven't used them for a while as now I typically just wing it and get cash from ATMs in-country using my Citibank card.

Correction. It was not Goldten, it was Bloomforex, but I see that the shop in Sussex St is now closed, having walked past yesterday.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Update FWIW:
1. I tested all FOREX Exchanges I could in SIN - rates were as bad if not worse than simply using ATMs in China.
2. Singapore I found difficult - I can see no way around getting skun by banks unless you have a trusted source you could pre transfer to
3. Currently in USA and overcame most of this prob here by transferring cash via OFX to a niece who lives on Houston b4 we departed AU and she handed me the cash. Only downside to this would be carrying a wad with you but am prepared to risk that. (Paying cash for everything that could not be claimed on tax)
Conclusion (for me anyway) - you cannot always avoid being skun- sooner or later those banks wil get you

 

[tdimdad]

How does this work? You hand over AUD cash and get foreign currency? or do you pay with a credit card or something?

How about the ATM fees in Singapore? I need a few hundred SGD in cash and am weighing between taking AUD cash to UOB booth in SIN vs using my Wise card to withdraw from an ATM there? Or should I aim at a change exchange in the city there?