Foreign currency exchange in Philadelphia guide

Just landed and looking for currency exchange at Philadelphia airport? Or maybe you’re already in the city center and wondering, where can I exchange foreign currency in Philadelphia?

This guide to options for foreign currency exchange in Philadelphia gives you some ideas — plus some handy hints for exchanging currency in Philly with lower overall costs.

I don't want to worry
about carrying cash

Tips for exchanging currency, in Philly and everywhere else

Wary of getting ripped off when looking for Philadelphia currency exchange? These tips can help you find lower fees and a fair exchange rate, so your money goes further.

1. Be mindful of the exchange rates

Exchange rates can be confusing — but there’s only one rate you really need to know about — the mid-market exchange rate. The mid-market rate is the one banks get when they buy and sell currencies themselves — but it’s not always the rate that’s offered to retail customers.

Check the mid-market rate for your currency using a Google® search or a currency converter tool, and look for a provider which offers this rate — or as close as possible to it — to get the best available deal.

2. Make sure you're not being ripped off

A little research can go a long way when it comes to changing currencies. Check the mid-market rate for your currency, and see how much your dollars should be worth when you convert them.

This gives you something to compare when you’re picking providers. You’ll be able to find available fees and rates from some local exchange services online before you convert your funds, so you know which is the best value for the currency you need.

3. Avoid exchanging currency in airport and hotels

Changing your money at the airport or hotel when you arrive at your destination might seem easy, but it's usually the priciest option.

Currency exchange services in airports and hotels don't have to offer good deals because they have plenty of passing business.

Additionally, there's often not much competition around to keep prices low.

That can mean higher overall costs — even if the fees you’re paying aren’t obvious because they’re bundled up in the exchange rate available.

But what if you need to exchange currency in the airport?

It’s not ideal, but if you really need to exchange money as you pass through, there are Travelex® airport currency exchange bureaus in Philadelphia international airport¹:

• Terminal A-West (near gate A18)
• Terminal A-East (near gate 2)
• Terminal D (near gate D8)

4. Look out for ATM fees

Spending and making withdrawals with your bank card while you travel can be safe and convenient compared to carrying lots of cash. However, before you use your bank card overseas make sure to check the fees you’ll pay.

It’s common to find a foreign transaction fee of 3% added to all foreign currency spending, plus out of network and international ATM fees which can be as much as 5 USD a transaction. ATM operators overseas may also add their own fees which pushes up the price even more.

Avoid foreign transaction fees entirely, by getting a Wise international debit card. You’ll be able to make some fee free ATM withdrawals every month, with low, transparent fees after that. More on how Wise can help cut the costs of currency conversion, in just a moment.

Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks

5. Always choose to be charged in the local currency

If you’re asked by a merchant, or when making a cash withdrawal, if you’d prefer to pay in dollars rather than the local currency in your destination, it’s always best to say no.

This service is called dynamic currency conversion (DCC), and it means your money is converted by the merchant rather than your card network. The rates and fees applied tend to be far worse — so you’ll often spend more than you need to, without even realizing it.

Exchange money in just a few clicks with Wise

Want to exchange money without leaving home? Try Wise.

With Wise, you can sign up for an account online or in-app, to hold and exchange over 50 currencies with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.41%.

You can also get a Wise international debit card to spend and withdraw money without any foreign transaction fees.

Add dollars to your Wise account and exchange to the currency you need for travel, or let the Wise card do the hard work for you — you can also send money to over 80 currencies and receive payments from 30+ countries, just like a local. Easy.

Say goodbye to overcomplicated currency exchange.

Say hello to Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

In person foreign currency exchange in Philadelphia

TD Bank®²

TD Bank has foreign currency services available in Philly, whether or not you have a TD account already. Exchange 55 currencies when you order in advance, or pick from 15 currencies with same day availability.

Global Currency Services Inc®

Well reviewed provider which offers a selection of services, with extended week day opening hours.

Western Union®³

If you’re looking to send an international payment, Western Union could be a convenient option as you can walk into an agent and pay in cash. Multiple locations available — use the Western Union location finder tool to check which is closest to you

Now you have a few options for exchanging foreign currency in Philadelphia, in person, at the airport, or online.

Before you pick the right provider for you, compare the fees and rates available — and be sure to check out Wise for currency exchange in 50+ currencies with the mid-market rate every time.