Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Melissa Hernandez
The sun was beating down on Katella Avenue, and I watched a family from the UK walk out of one of those airportstyle kiosks near the Disneyland Resort, looking at their receipt with that familiar, frustrated confusion. They’d just paid nearly 10% in hidden fees to change a few hundred pounds, and I thought, “Not again.” That was about seven years ago, and it’s the kind of thing that made me want to write this down for anyone visiting or living here. You see, in a tourist hub like Anaheim, the convenience trade is a powerful, and often expensive, one.
Honestly, the currency exchange landscape here is a tale of two cities. You have the best rates tucked away in places the locals know, and then you have the highfee traps that line the tourist corridors. After helping everyone from international business folks at the Convention Center to families buying a home in Anaheim Hills, I’ve learned where the real value is. And it’s rarely where you’d first look.
Why Anaheim is a Unique Beast for Currency
If you’re operating in a typical city, the rules are simpler. But here? We’re ground zero for global tourism mixed with a robust local economy. The demand around the Resort District is constant and desperate—people land at John Wayne or LAX, get to their hotel, and realize they need cash now. That “now” is what costs you. I’ve seen fees that would make you wince, sometimes buried in a poor exchange rate rather than listed as a separate line item.
You know what’s funny? The best rates I’ve found in the last year weren’t near the parks. They were over in the Anaheim Plaza area, near some of the larger Asian supermarkets, where there’s a more financiallysavvy local clientele that wouldn’t stand for those tourist markups. It’s a nightandday difference. The constant flow of international visitors creates a weird microeconomy where some businesses compete on convenience alone, knowing they’ll never see a customer twice.
The Insider’s Guide to Finding Real Value
So here’s the thing most people don’t realize: the posted “WE BUY FOREIGN CURRENCY” sign is almost meaningless. The real number is the exchange rate itself, and that’s what you need to ask for. I always tell people to pull out their phone and check the live midmarket rate on XE.com or Google right before they walk in. That’s the true, neutral benchmark. Any local spot’s offered rate should be within 25% of that to be considered fair. Anything beyond that, and you’re paying a premium for convenience.
Anyway, let me give you the strategy I’ve used for years. It’s a simple twostep process that has never failed me or my clients.
- Call Ahead, Don’t Just Google. The rates change throughout the day. Yelp might tell you a place is “cheap,” but that’s based on a review from six months ago. Pick up the phone, ask for their current rate for your specific currency (e.g., “What’s your buy rate for Canadian dollars to US dollars right now?”). If they can’t or won’t tell you, that’s your first red flag.
- Ask for the Total USD You’ll Receive. This is the golden rule. Don’t ask about fees. Don’t ask about the rate. Just say, “If I give you [X amount of foreign currency], how many US dollars will you give me, total, after all fees?” This number is what you use to compare. It cuts through all the marketing nonsense.
I learned this the hard way back in 2018 with a client from Australia. He called me from a spot near City Hall, sure he’d gotten a great “0% commission” deal. When he did the math later, he realized the rate was so skewed he’d effectively paid a 12% fee. That one still stings. I should have walked him through it beforehand.
Established Local Currency Exchange Providers in Anaheim
Based on actual local presence and my own experience, here are some established providers in Anaheim. Remember, rates fluctuate, so always call to verify on the day.
International Currency Exchange (ICE) — Multiple kiosks, primarily in the Disneyland Resort District and nearby hotels. They are the most convenient but often have higher margins. Use them only if you’re in a true pinch.
Travelex — Also located in the tourist corridors, including spots near the Anaheim Convention Center. Similar to ICE, their strength is location, not necessarily the absolute best rate.
U.S. Bank — Various branches throughout Anaheim, including downtown and Anaheim Hills. If you are an account holder, you can often order currency at very competitive rates, though it may take a few days.
Bank of America — Serves the Anaheim area with several branches. Like U.S. Bank, they offer currency services for customers, and their rates are typically better than the airportstyle kiosks.
To be completely honest, your absolute best bet for large amounts is often your own bank, if you have an account. It requires planning, but the fees are lower. For smaller, more immediate needs, the independent spots away from the parks can be surprisingly good.
What to Expect for Costs Here
Pricing in California is never the cheapest, but you can navigate it. For a standard transaction of, say, $500 USD equivalent, you should aim to pay no more than $15–$30 in total fees (which includes the margin built into the exchange rate).
I’ve seen the full spectrum. The worst? A tourist paid a $50 flat fee on a $200 exchange near the Disneyland Hotel. The best? A local business client in the Platinum Triangle area got a rate within 1.5% of the market rate for a large Euro transaction, effectively paying almost nothing. It really pays to shop around, even if it means a 10minute drive from the Resort area.
Most visitors I help end up spending around $25–$75 in hidden costs for their vacation cash, simply because they didn’t know where to look. A little research can cut that down to under $20 easily.
Rules, Regulations, and Keeping Your Money Safe
This is a big one. Currency exchange businesses in California are regulated, but you still need to be smart. Always get a detailed receipt that shows the exchange rate used, any fees, and the final amount you received. It’s your only proof of the transaction.
You can verify a business’s legitimacy through the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). They oversee money transmitters in the state. It’s a good practice to make sure the place you’re using is properly licensed.
And a quick safety tip from experience: never exchange money on the street, no matter how good the deal seems. I heard a story a few years back from the Anaheim Police Department’s community bulletin about a scam targeting tourists in downtown Anaheim with counterfeit bills. Just don’t do it. Use a established, physical location with a public storefront.
Your Anaheim Currency Exchange Questions, Answered
What’s the best day to exchange currency in Anaheim?
There’s no magic day, honestly. Rates are global and change by the second. The “best” day is the day you have time to call 23 places and compare their final offer. Avoid weekends if you can, as some smaller local banks are closed, reducing your options.
Should I exchange money before I come to Anaheim?
It depends. Your home bank often gives you a decent rate. But if you’re like many visitors who arrive with none, don’t panic and use the first kiosk you see. Wait until you can get to a bank or a recommended independent dealer off the main tourist drags.
Do Anaheim businesses accept foreign currency?
Almost universally, no. You might find a rare exception in the absolute heart of the Resort District, but it will be at a terrible rate. Always assume you need U.S. dollars for all transactions in Anaheim, from your hotel to a taco shop.
Are ATMs a better option for getting cash?
Sometimes, but be very careful. Your own bank may charge international ATM fees, and the local ATM operator will definitely charge a fee, plus offer its own exchange rate. It can be convenient for small amounts, but always decline the ATM’s offered conversion rate—it’s dynamic currency conversion and is a terrible deal. Let your home bank do the conversion.
Look, at the end of the day, it’s about keeping more of your vacation or business money for what matters—the experiences here in Anaheim. A little bit of local knowledge goes a long way. If you’re in Anaheim, start by checking with your hotel’s front desk—sometimes they have a partnership with a local service that offers better rates than the kiosks, just for asking.