Comments on: Foreign currency exchange in Gainesville, FL?

Question: Foreign currency exchange in Gainesville, FL?

pont — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 19:24:29 -0800

Where can I change my Sterling and Euro banknotes to USD in Gainesville?

I haven't managed to find any dedicated currency exchange places, but I assumed a bank would be a good bet. My online researches suggest that BOA only do it for their own account holders, and Wells Fargo only do it at certain branches (none of them in Gainesville). I guess the next stage would be methodically phoning through all the local bank and credit union branches I can locate, and asking about their foreign exchange facilities. But I'm hoping the hive mind can save me the trouble -- either by recommending a bank, or by pointing out some other option that I've missed.

By: Sara C.

Sara C. — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 19:38:18 -0800

Is a two-hour drive to the Orlando airport an option? They will definitely have an exchange booth. Also maybe try the local regional airport, though it's less likely.

By: Homeboy Trouble

Homeboy Trouble — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 20:19:56 -0800

Isn't Gainesville a college town of some degree? Perhaps there's an exchange students club or something on campus; there may be British/Euro students over here who are willing to exchange cash, although my guess is that before they go back home is more likely than right at the start of a term.

By: jaimystery

jaimystery — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 21:04:59 -0800

There's also a currency exchange place at the Orlando Mall - CXI

Sometimes AAA does currency exchanges. Might be worth a year's membership.

By: gimonca

gimonca — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 22:12:22 -0800

My online researches suggest that BOA only do it for their own account holders, and Wells Fargo only do it at certain branches (none of them in Gainesville).

Exact answer for Wells Fargo appears to be:

What should I do if I have foreign currency left from my travels that I want to sell?

Wells Fargo account holders may sell foreign currency (cash only, no coins) back to Wells Fargo at the nearest Wells Fargo banking location or International Teller Site. Non-account holders may sell foreign currency (no coins) back to Wells Fargo at the nearest International Teller Site.

So, if you had a WF account, you could sell foreign currency to them at any WF bank, but if you don't have a WF account, there aren't any nearby locations to you. This matches my experience--for customers, they're willing to accept foreign currency at any bank location, but "full service" currency exchange is only at a few locations.

By: oneirodynia

oneirodynia — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 22:28:06 -0800

Why not find a friend with a Wells Fargo account, and have them do it for you?

By: pont

pont — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:15:10 -0800

Thanks for all the answers! The amounts involved aren't really worth the time, effort, and gas for a round-trip to Orlando (and the local airport can't help) -- looks as though my best option would be going via a friend with a BOA or WF account.