Best Places To Exchange Currency in Orlando

With Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Discovery Cove, and SeaWorld, it’s no wonder Orlando, Fla., is the theme park, attraction, and amusement capital. The town has gained traction as a culinary and luxury resort destination with prestigious hostelers like Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Waldorf Astoria. 

In 2022, 74 million tourists came to Orlando, many from overseas. Here are some of the best options for exchanging currency when coming for vacation.

Key Takeaways

• Currency Exchange International is the sole foreign exchange provider at the Orlando International Airport.
• Banks like SunTrust and other major banks have ATMs in the airport and within Orlando.
• There are currency exchange stores located outside the airport.

Currency Exchange International

Many airport locations may not offer the best exchange rate, but it’s convenient and sometimes necessary. Currency Exchange International is the sole foreign exchange provider at the Orlando International Airport with more than 80 foreign currencies whether customers need U.S. dollars converted into foreign currency or foreign currency converted into U.S. dollars.

The Orlando airport address is 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Terminal A Level 3. Branch hours for this location are:

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

In addition to standard currency exchange services, Currency Exchange International offers Currency Price Protection so customers get the best buy-back rate.

Companies like OANDA provide online resources to check the rates for daily currency conversions.

ATMs

An automated teller machine (ATM) card is considered one of the best ways to get cash while traveling abroad. Because withdrawals are based on the wholesale exchange rate, you’ll usually get a better deal than a currency exchange store.

If your home bank has an agreement with a U.S. bank, you might even be able to skip the expensive ATM fees—check with your bank before you leave home so you know what to expect, and so they don’t deactivate your card due to “odd charges.” If you pay a per-transaction fee, try to manage your withdrawals so you make a few larger transactions instead of many small ones.

SunTrust Bank offers ATMs in the airport in secured and non-secured areas. Other ATMs close to the airport include: 

• Bank of America—10419 Narcoossee Rd.
• Chase Bank—5189 S. Conway Rd.
• Citibank—3911 McCoy Rd.
• Wells Fargo—6491 S. Chickasaw Trl.

Currency Exchange Stores

If you prefer to use a currency exchange store, you’ll find a better rate once you’re outside the airport. Currency Exchange International offers multiple locations, including:

• The Florida Mall, 8001 South Orange Blossom Trl.
• ICON Park, 8395 International Dr.

What Questions Should Customers Ask Before Exchanging Currency?

If a currency exchange store advertises “no commissions or no fees,” don’t assume there aren’t any hidden charges. To ensure you know what kind of deal you’re getting, ask the clerk, “How many U.S. dollars will you give me?” Don’t settle for just the exchange rate; ask for the actual dollar amount you will receive in exchange for the amount of your home currency.

What Is a Currency Converting App?

A currency-converting app can be useful whenever you exchange money. These apps let you enter the type and amount of currency you want to change, and then calculate how much you can get at the current rate. Free apps like XE Currency and GlobeConvert are available for iOS and Android phones.

Can Travelers Use Credit Cards Instead of Currency in Other Countries?

Credit cards provide an alternative to paying in cash and allow you to limit the amount of money you need to exchange and carry with you. However, many credit cards charge hefty foreign transaction fees that can add 2% to 3% to the cost of each purchase.

The Bottom Line

Travelers often need to exchange foreign currency when they arrive at their destination. In Orlando FL, the leading source for currency exchange is Currency Exchange International with locations throughout the city.

Read the original article on Investopedia.