Best currency exchange bureaus in Portland (OR)

If you’re about to take an international trip you might be looking for foreign currency exchange in Portland to get your travel money sorted before you go.

This guide has you covered — plus we’ll dive into some handy hints to make sure you get a good deal when you switch currency.

Keep reading for all you need to know about where to exchange currency in Portland for a simple service and fair fees.

I don't want to worry
about carrying cash

Tips for exchanging currency, in Portland and everywhere else

Sometimes different rates and fees can make it difficult to understand if you are getting a good deal when exchanging money. However, these tips can help you get the most out of your money no matter where you’re heading off to.

1. Know your exchange rates

The rate used to change one currency into another can greatly affect the amount you receive in the end.

Banks and exchange services have their own rates, which might include hidden fees and charges as a percentage added to the conversion rate used. To make sure you're getting a fair exchange, look for a provider that offers the mid-market exchange rate or something close to it.

The mid-market exchange rate is the rate you can find on Google or using online currency converters. It’s also the rate banks get when they buy and sell currencies on global markets — before any fees or markups are added.

2. Make sure you're not being ripped off

Be prepared before you convert your currencies. Check what your money is worth in the currency you need using a Google® search or an online currency calculator tool.

You can also do a bit of research in advance, to see what rate a few different local providers and online services offer. That means you’ll know whether the rates and fees you find when you’re ready to convert are fair.

3. Avoid exchanging currency in airports and hotels

It might be convenient to change your money at the airport or hotel when you reach your destination, but it's usually more expensive.

Currency exchange services in airports and hotels rely on travelers' transactions, so they don't have any incentive to offer good deals or build customer loyalty. Besides, there isn't much competition nearby to keep prices low.

As a result, you're likely to get a poorer exchange rate which can include high or hidden fees when changing money at the airport or hotel, compared to using a currency exchange service in a city center or an online provider.

4. Look out for ATM fees

Using a card to make a cash withdrawal when you arrive in your destination is convenient and can present pretty good value.

However, you’ll need to make sure you’re clear on the costs of using an ATM, as these can vary based on your bank or account provider. Several different fees can apply — a foreign transaction fee of around 3% is common, plus an out of network or international ATM fee levied by your bank which could be 2.50 USD — 5 USD.

Finally, the ATM operator might also have their own fees which make it even more expensive overall.

If your bank has high international ATM charges, you could be better off with a dedicated travel card from a provider like Wise, which has free and low fee ATM withdrawal options around the world.

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

5. Always choose to be charged in the local currency

Finally, you’ll want to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when you’re spending in a foreign currency. DCC is where you’re asked by a merchant or at an ATM, if you’d prefer to pay in dollars instead of the local currency where you are.

This sounds like a good idea, but actually means you’ll get the merchant’s exchange rate, which can include a higher fee compared to the card issuer’s charges.

Always choose to pay in the local currency wherever you are, to get the best available deal and the lowest fees overall.

Exchange money in just a few clicks with Wise

Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion in over 50 currencies, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.41%.

Open a free personal Wise account online or in the Wise app, and order a linked debit card for spending and withdrawals in 170+ countries.

There’s no fee to spend any currency you hold, and no foreign transaction fee to worry about.

Use your account when you travel or shop online in foreign currencies, send payments to 80+ currencies, and get your own local bank details to get paid from 30+ countries.

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 Portland, Oregon

Currency Exchange International®¹

Exchanging money at the airport isn’t ideal, but if you really need to switch cash on arrival at Portland international airport, Currency Exchange International can help.

Kroger Money Services (Fred Meyer)®²

There’s a Kroger Money Services desk in Fred Meyer, just inside the right hand entrance door. A selection of money services are available, but it’s worth giving them a call to check they can help with your transaction.

Western Union®³

If you need to exchange money to send to someone, Western Union could be handy. Multiple locations available — use the Western Union location finder tool to check which is closest to you

If you need to change your money in Portland, OR, you now have some options to consider. But, don’t forget that you can also avoid waiting in line — or even leaving home — when you exchange currencies by using Wise.

Sign up for a free Wise account online or through the Wise app and change your money hassle-free.