Tips

Using Currency Exchange Counters Abroad: What to Check

Exchange-rate boards showing buy and sell rates for foreign currencies. — Currency exchange in Gori, Georgia · Photo: Tiia Monto / CC BY-SA 3.0

Where city guides say to change money, how to read buy and sell rates, counting cash at the counter, small notes and the street-exchange scams to avoid.

Published Oct 13, 2026

What this post covers: using an exchange counter well

Whether to use cash, cards or a travel card is covered in our payment comparison post. This post is about the next step only: when you do change money at a counter abroad, where to go, what to read on the rate board and what to check as you take the cash.

The city lines below are examples, not a complete list. Local rules and practices can change, so check official information before you go.

Where to change: banks and licensed counters

The advice city guides give most often is to change money at banks or licensed exchange counters. Some places display a sign showing a counter is licensed, so take a look around the counter.

These are the cities whose guides say where to change money.

Ho Chi Minh City: change money at banks or licensed exchange counters.
Bali: change money only at authorized money changers.
Ubud: change money only at licensed money changers displaying the official QR code of Indonesia's central bank.
Warsaw: change money at registered exchange points.
Vientiane: Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says US dollars and Thai baht are also widely usable, but exchanging at a bank in advance is better value.
Dalian: cash is available from bank exchange counters and ATMs.
Haikou: get some cash at a bank or ATM.
Tashkent: you can change money at hotels, banks and exchange offices.

Changing money at the airport

Some guides mention exchange facilities at the airport. Knowing the floor and area before you land saves wandering around with your luggage.

Some guides also say which currencies are easiest to exchange, so check before you leave. At an airport counter, read the board and count your cash exactly as described below.

Tashkent: the check-in area on the second floor of the airport has currency exchange, ATMs and SIM card sales.
Xiamen: the airport's one-stop service centre for foreign visitors helps with currency exchange, ATMs and setting up mobile payment (airport notice, February 2026).
Luang Prabang: the Lao tourism authority says US dollars, euros and Thai baht are the easiest to exchange, at banks, the airport or exchange offices.

Reading the rate board: buy, sell and commission

Exchange boards often show two rates side by side for each currency. One is the rate at which the counter buys that currency from you (usually 'Buy' or 'We buy'); the other is the rate at which it sells that currency ('Sell' or 'We sell'). When you hand over foreign cash for local currency, the counter's 'buy' rate applies.

Don't choose on the board's numbers alone; ask whether a commission is added. The surest check is to ask, before handing over any money, 'If I give you this amount, how much will I receive in total?' and confirm that figure first.

Here is what the guides warn about rate boards.

Prague: Korea's embassy warns that some exchange offices advertising no commission still charge heavy fees; the guide suggests banks, ATMs or card payments.
Bali: avoid places advertising unusually good rates.
Istanbul: prices and exchange rates change quickly, so double-check prices locally.

At the counter: count on the spot and ask for small notes

Count the money on the spot before you leave the counter. Once you walk away, it is hard to dispute a shortfall. Taking a receipt also makes checking easier.

Many city guides say you'll need small notes for markets, stalls and transport, so ask for a mix of smaller notes when you change. With currencies that have many zeros, check the colours and the number of zeros carefully.

Coins and banknotes from several countries spread out together on a table. — Coins and banknotes from many countries · Photo: Caleidoscopic / CC BY-SA 4.0

Bali: count the money on the spot.
Ho Chi Minh City: the 10,000 and 100,000 dong notes, and the 20,000 and 500,000 dong notes, look similar, so double-check when paying.
Da Lat: check the zeros carefully when paying.
Manila: jeepneys, street stalls and small eateries are cash only, so carry 20, 50 and 100 PHP notes.
Cebu: jeepneys, taxis and stalls often lack change, so carry small notes.
Bohol: small shops and tricycles take cash (pesos) only, so carry small notes.
Da Nang: carry a mix of small notes rather than only large ones.
Luang Prabang: carry small kip notes for markets and tuk-tuks.
Siem Reap: US dollars are also commonly used in towns and tourist areas; carry small notes for markets and tuk-tuks.
Amsterdam: cash payments are rounded to the nearest 5 cents, and smaller shops may refuse EUR 100 and 200 notes.

Exchange scams the guides warn about

The warning guides share most is about street exchange and unlicensed places. If someone on the street offers a better rate, don't follow them; go to a bank or a licensed counter.

Some guides note that changing money at an unlicensed place is not only a risk to your money but can also break the law.

Budapest: never change money on the street.
Warsaw: never change money on the street or with strangers.
Ho Chi Minh City: exchanging foreign currency at unlicensed places (including some gold shops) can break the law.

Exchange counter checklist

Run through these steps at the counter and you are much less likely to lose out.

Check it is a bank or a licensed or registered exchange counter
Find the counter's 'buy' rate for your currency on the board
Ask whether there is a commission and confirm the final amount first
Don't rely on 'no commission' signs or unusually good rates
Count the cash on the spot before leaving the counter
Ask for a mix of small notes
Turn down exchange offers on the street or from strangers

FAQ

Can I trust a 'no commission' sign?

Not on its own. The Prague guide notes Korea's embassy warning that some exchange offices advertising no commission still charge heavy fees. Confirm the final amount you will receive before handing over money.

Should I go to the counter with the best rate on the street?

The Bali guide says to avoid places advertising unusually good rates and to use authorized money changers. Look at whether the counter is licensed and at the final amount, not just the headline number.

Which currency is easiest to exchange?

It depends on the destination. For example, the Luang Prabang guide says the Lao tourism authority lists US dollars, euros and Thai baht as the easiest to exchange. Check your destination's guide and official information.

What if someone on the street offers to change money?

Say no. The Budapest and Warsaw guides warn against street exchange, and the Ho Chi Minh City guide says exchanging foreign currency at unlicensed places can break the law.