A Currency Exchange or Bureau de Change

• 1). Verify--with an employee or via a posted board-- that the outlet accepts the amount of currency you have. This ensures you meet any posted minimum amounts.
  
  
• 2). Establish the rate of exchange for your currency against the U.S. dollar. The daily exchange rate is often posted on a board outside the currency exchange office.
  
  
• 3). Request that the office provide you a quote to convert the amount in the foreign currency into U.S. dollars, e.g., "How much is 500 British pounds in U.S. dollars?" If the quote is acceptable to you, proceed with the transaction.
  
  
• 4). Provide the clerk with proof of identification, if requested.
  
  
• 5). Confirm any transaction fees or commission rates with the clerk. These can vary from 0.5 percent to two percent.
  
  
• 6). Tell the clerk which denominations you would like your money in, if applicable.
  
  
• 7). Complete the transaction and sign any transaction receipts.
  
  

Converting at a Bank

• 1). Call your bank and ask if it can exchange your foreign currency and whether it requires any minimum amounts.
  
  
• 2). Go to the foreign exchange teller at your branch and indicate you have currency to exchange into U.S. dollars.
  
  
• 3). Confirm the exchange rate with the teller.
  
  
• 4). Indicate to the teller whether you wish the transaction to be credited to your account or whether you wish to receive the money in cash.
  
  
• 5). Provide proof of identification and a bank card if requested.
  
  
• 6). Tell the clerk which denominations you would like your money in, if applicable.
  
  
• 7). Complete the transaction and sign any transaction confirmations or receipts.