How to get USD at the best rate before travelling to the USA

Are you travelling to the United States soon and looking to obtain US dollars before departure? Between bureaux de change, banks and online currency exchange services, it can be difficult to find the most cost-effective solution for exchanging your GBP. Don’t worry: in this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the different options available, helping you obtain dollars at the best possible rate and make the most of your stay.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Bureaux de change are easy to access and allow you to obtain dollars immediately, but their rates are often high, especially in airports.
• Online currency exchange services generally offer the best rates and greater transparency, provided you plan ahead for ordering or delivery times.
• Banks offer a secure and reassuring option, but they are often the least competitive in terms of cost.
• The best solution depends mainly on your situation: urgency, need for advice, preference for digital services, or budget considerations.
• Planning your currency exchange in advance remains the best strategy to avoid unnecessary fees and maximise the amount of dollars you receive.

 

You will have no difficulty finding a physical bureau de change to exchange your currency. These establishments specialise in currency exchange and are therefore a popular choice for many travellers looking to obtain US dollars.

However, it is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages associated with this option.

Bureaux de change can be an attractive solution thanks to several benefits:

• They are widely available, particularly in airports and city centres, making them highly accessible.
• They are rarely out of US dollars, allowing you to obtain your currency immediately without delay. You can simply visit in person and leave with your dollars straight away.
• You can benefit from personalised advice by speaking to staff, whether about the best time to exchange your money or general tips for your stay in the USA.

While convenient, bureaux de change also have some drawbacks:

• Exchange rates are often high and can vary significantly between providers.
• Location has a strong impact on rates: in airports, rates are usually higher due to travellers’ urgency. As a result, you will receive fewer dollars if you exchange your money just before departure or upon arrival.
• Additional fees are sometimes applied and not always clearly displayed. Commissions are often added to the exchange rate, further reducing the amount you receive.

Although not the most economical option, bureaux de change can be useful in certain situations:

• You are about to travel and have not planned your currency exchange in advance.
• You want to avoid delivery times.
• You would like easy access to information about your destination.

Rapidly growing in popularity, online currency exchange services are an excellent alternative to traditional bureaux de change.

The process is simple:

• You order your dollars online
• You choose home delivery or free collection from an agency

Online services are widely considered one of the most cost-effective ways to obtain US dollars.

Buying currency online offers several benefits:

• You generally benefit from more competitive exchange rates compared to banks and bureaux de change.
• In most cases, there are no commission fees, helping you maximise your budget.
• Many providers offer home delivery, allowing you to receive your dollars without leaving your home.
• Greater transparency: you know exactly which exchange rate is applied and avoid hidden fees.
• Additional services are often available to make your trip easier or help control your spending, such as BuyBack guarantees, international eSIM cards, multi-currency virtual cards and more.

Obtaining travel money online is therefore a highly recommended option if you want flexibility, competitive rates and the ability to plan ahead.

However, online currency exchange may not suit everyone.

Some people may be reluctant to carry out financial transactions online. Creating an account, providing documents or making online payments can be a barrier for some users. In all cases, make sure you choose a reputable provider to avoid any issues.

You also do not have the opportunity to speak directly with an adviser, which may feel less reassuring.

If the provider does not have a physical branch network, home delivery may be the only option, which can increase the total cost.

Finally, it is essential to plan ahead to ensure you receive your USD on time. Order preparation and delivery can take several days.

Online bureaux de change are generally the best option in most cases:

• You have enough time to plan your currency exchange
• You want to avoid unnecessary travel thanks to home delivery
• You were considering exchanging money at an airport but want to avoid high rates: simply order online and collect your currency at the airport
• You are unsure of your budget: with a BuyBack guarantee, you can resell unused dollars at the original exchange rate

A third option is to obtain US dollars directly through your bank.

Although some people prefer this option, it is usually the least financially attractive.

Despite being more expensive, using your bank has some advantages:

• It offers a secure and reassuring framework, as banks are regulated institutions and transactions are fully protected
• The process is straightforward for existing customers, with no need to create a new account
• You can order your dollars in advance to plan your trip with peace of mind
• You benefit from personalised support and can ask your adviser for recommendations

However, there are several downsides:

• Exchange rates are often far from the interbank rate (the market rate)
• Additional fees are usually applied and may not always be clearly visible
• Delivery times to your branch can be quite long, requiring significant advance planning

You may consider using your bank if:

• You are not comfortable with online transactions
• You have time to plan ahead
• You prefer to manage all your finances in one place
• You value personalised advice from an adviser

Ultimately, obtaining US dollars at the best rate before travelling to the United States largely depends on your ability to plan ahead. If you can anticipate your needs, we recommend using an online currency exchange service. This allows you to benefit from competitive exchange rates and zero commission. You can then choose to collect your dollars free of charge from one of our 50+ branches.