I would have happily donated my 215 Euros to the needy or homeless people around Union Square than to exchange it with ChangeGroup. Read on to find out why... Don't throw away your hard earned money at ChangeGroup. Sketchy business with rude staff and hidden fees. If exchange rates were not favorable and I was ignorant enough to exchange my money, then that's on me. But this business goes out of their way to deceive customers. ChangeGroup has a don't ask, don't tell policy. Sarah, the teller took my 215 Euros and before confirming the exchange rate or service fees, quickly proceeded to count US dollars and handed it to me in one swift motion. I received a total of $178.15 (look at the photo of my receipt). There was a $5.95 "compliance recovery" fee and a whooping 14.94% service fee. She said the transaction was completed and that they have a no refund policy. If I agreed to those rates, then this mistake is on me, but at no time did Sara ask me or confirm the transaction total before quickly dispensing the funds to me. It's as though by counting and handing me my funds, ChangeGroup was off the hook. When I asked why didn't Sara confirm the final amount before completing the transaction, Sara replied saying that I didn't ask. What kind of business does this? ChangeGroup's business model is to quickly catch customers off guard and cheat them of their cash. When I asked to speak to a manager she said she's the most senior person despite there being a Deputy Operations Manager, Nazneen Shaikh (look at photo of business card). A quick google search of Euros to USD would show that 215 Euros would equal roughly $246 (as of 12/28/2018). I understand this is a business and they have make money, but not by deceiving customers of $68 dollars. That's just wrong. It's the holidays and I don't want to be sour, but I feel like I have to share this so others won't make my mistake. I wish that I could take all those euros back and donate them to a charity instead. read more

Change Group - Avoid dealing with either Sara or Nazneen. Rude and unreasonable - Currency Exchange Near Me - San Francisco, California

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TOTALLY JOKE They messaged me to delete the negative review I left them couple months ago, how about improve your customer experience and stop the scam instead?? If you want your money then do not waste your time here. They are seriously liars and they use their little scam to trick your money. Don't waste your time here, they are such a joke honestly. read more

They have a sign right outside that says they don't take a commission. I was charged $10.95 and left with only $20 of my exchange amount. That's over 50% commission! Avoid this place like the plague. read more

Horrible rates. Terrible customer service. I shouldn't have to negotiate and pay outrageous hidden fees to exchange my currency. It should be clearly written or visible to the customer , right? Nope, not here! Oh and if you write a bad review on here they message you asking to take it down so their business won't look bad! Lol read more

If I could give it a negative star I would . Sign states no commission but they do charge and at a very high rate . Poor rates , rude staff . Avoid. read more

I had a precise quantity of foreign currency to exchange and I called The Change Group to ask them how much they would give me for that amount. They quoted me a specific figure that I would have in my pocket after all transaction fees. I repeated the figures back over the phone to ensure everything was correct, and they confirmed. I said fine and made a 30 minute trip down to do the transaction, and when I got there the they tried to give me more than 20% less than what was promised over the phone. Crude bait & switch, lacking any explanation or even the customary smoke & mirrors to justify the discrepancy. This was a very straightforward transaction in which they promised more than 20% more over the phone than they were actually going to pay. Wasted my time & money. This is a currency exchange company - - Hello - - if they can't get this right, what can they do right? read more

WARNING: THIEVES! I visited their location at Union Square in San Francisco. I had a 50 Euro note I wanted to exchange for US dollars. There were no rates posted anything in the location, nor a statement of exchange fees. I mentioned to the woman behind the bullet-proof glass that my 50 Euros was worth about $60, so I was happy to exchange it. She didn't dispute my statement. I slid the 50 Euro note under the bulletproof glass. She then proceeded to count out $35.49. I said, "Wait, that's a horrible exchange rate. I want my Euros back". She refused. She claimed the "No refunds sign" (with the typo of "Californica") meant the deal was done. I pointed out that she never quoted me a rate, therefore there was no meeting of the minds in a contract sense, and therefore there had been no deal. I hadn't taken the offered $35.49, so there had been no exchange of consideration. Her "supervisor" then appeared and told her to sweep my 50 Euro note into a drawer and refused to consider my demand to return my money. Despite my increasing anger, the pair told me the sign in the window said I should have asked for the exchange rate and fees - it says not such thing! The "supervisor" gave me a piece of paper with an email address "for customer complaints", with another typo on it. I tried emailing them, but of course the email bounced. This behavior is outrageous. They took 37% of my 50 Euros, based on that day's exchange rate of $55.99 per 50 Euros. While I understand reasonable exchange rates and fees, 37% is no such thing. read more

Rude. I called in to ask about their service and spoke with a lady. This was the conversation that went down. Me: "Do you have Egyptian Pound?" Her: "Yes we have it." Me: "What is the exchange rate?" Her: "I cannot tell you, you will have to come here to find out." Me: "What? I have to go all the way to downtown, but it takes me an hour to get in, can you just give me the information please?" Her: "No. It doesn't matter anyways we don't have it." Than proceeds to hang up on me. If you do not care for my business than I will just go somewhere else. read more

Whenever I would have some currency to exchange, this was my go to place. Never had a problem with customer service, and was never charged for a fee (check in with Yelp!). Up to my knowledge, I'd give this place 5 stars. However, today I decided to check other places out. After a few calls, I ended up at Mechanic Bank. Changed my life. I had 50 pounds to exchange and wanted to know what I would get. The Change Group California said I would get $53. Ok. Then I called Mechanic Bank and they said I would get back $70 and change... HUGE difference. Even though Mechanic Bank closed at 5, they pointed me to their location at the Westfield mall, a small kiosk just by Aldo behind the escalators and is open until 8:30. The Change Group California never again. Mechanic Bank: 415.249.0321 Westfield kiosk: 415.677.4040 read more

This place is horrible they scam you and some times they don't pay you. The positive reviews on here are for the previous manager. Nazneen Sheik who is the current manager is very short tempered. She will scam you out of your money, ask for the 5% rate if you want the REAL current rates for all currencies. She will tell you an amount at first then your payout will magically change significantly after you negotiate back and forth with her. Your best bet is to go to either the airport or the currency exchange at the Westfield mall. read more

Not the most ethical business in the world. Its basically their job to convince you that your money is worth less than it really is, thus maximizing their profits. Everyone here works on commission, so yes, they are out to get you. They do charge service fees, but will not mention a word about it unless you ask. Unlike the banks, you do not have to be a customer, or previously established patron to change currency here. The rates are typically within reason & comparable to your local bank. If you try to change smaller amounts of money, they either won't do it, or will give you the absolute worst deal imaginable. NEGOTIATE! That is the only way to win, don't be afraid to walk away and try somewhere else if you fail here. read more

I'm suspicious of the positive reviews on here... I'm not sure how someone can be ok with being ripped off. However, I am sure that if you took their first offer they would do whatever it took to get you to come back to them. I attempted to change 200 euros here, they first quote was 212 dollars plus fee's to change it (the proper exchange rate was 267.00). When I balked at this price they agent said "well what rate did you have in mind?". Yes you can haggle with them, but the rate only improved slightly and I still was looking at a substantial loss. Exchange places are hard to find in SF, you can try some of the larger nicer hotels or just bite the bullet and head down to the Airport... however, avoid this place at all costs, their business model is to screw you out of as much money as they can. read more

Come on, stop staring at those etchings of trumpet players, swamp birds and deposed dictators, empty your shorts and turn that $#%* back in. Mexico worked hard to print its currency and they need it back. Your bank has a better rate. But do you really want to ride the escalator on Monday, twenty fluorescent minutes in an armless chair stained of corporate desolation, a flickering windowless office with sea lions mating in badly framed posters? All that for sixty bucks? Naw, come down to Union Square instead. The Change Group offers the most cheerful walk-up counter, conveniently and professionally open until 8 on Saturdays, your last opportunity to fund your own bar tab if otherwise out of american $love. Small sips only please -- their pour size for dollars is 10% downside of market. There's a service fee but you're welcome to haggle that like it's Tijuana. Hella beats the payroll advance and pawning your roommate's stereo. read more

I've had no problem with The Exchange Group. After my initial five dollar fee for my first transaction, they gave me one of their business cards with one of their names upon it and thereafter not charged me any fee whatsoever. I have read some of the compalints here from other people. Well, I have never experienced any rudemess, and insofar as having a kiosk by the pavement, so? I am certain that of the thousands of transactions daily, that no one has been ripped off by any of the passing throng behind them. (At least I hope not)! So I give them the five red stars here! In fact I am at this writing, about to ring them up. (Only used their Powel Street address, never been to the Fisherman's Wharf address yet). read more

A good place to get currency exchanged before a trip. They have good hours (good for a procrastinator like me who rushes around the day before the flight to get this stuff done) and their rates aren't too bad compared to what you might encounter at your destination (when I went to Paris the rates were ridiculous), though they could be better. The best thing about them is that you can try to negotiate a better rate (if you're buying dollars) or try to get them to waive the service fee (if you're selling dollars) - shhhh. I guess an issue I had with this place is that it's on such a busy street and right on the sidewalk - nothing that can be helped I suppose, but I hate flashing large amounts of cash in such an exposed location! read more

Currency exchange at its best! Joan (manager) and her friendly staff do their best to buy and sell foreign currency at the best possible rates. I cannot emphasize enough how helpful and courteous they are behind that one inch bullet-proof glass. I've bought various currencies from Joan as I've been expanding my collection. There is a service fee but the rates and fees are both negotiable. The best part about an independent exchange is the negotiation process. They WANT your business, unlike the huge banks around the corner who don't deal much in foreign currency and could care less that you may need smaller notes or even coin before traveling abroad. Apparently there is another location at Pier 39 and if needed I wouldn't hesitate doing business there. I'm a very satisfied customer and would recommend this place to anyone! read more

I read all those bad reviews and don't understand them. After going to several places asking for their rate I ended up there. The initial rate was horrible but after letting them know what the other exchange agencies proposed me, everything changed for the best! Rates are negotiable and they will always beat the best proposal you had somewhere else. I don't know how this could be better. 5 stars and + read more

You may want to call in advance to see if they have your desired currency or if they can order it for you. I arrived cold seeking Rupees and they only had about $US10 worth in stock. I guess I'll have to convert when I arrive in India. I did exchange $US40 for 20UK Pounds with a $3.22 fee [works out to a rate of 1: 0.4627]. read more

Getting ready to travel and needed Euros, used Change Group and pretty good exchange rate. I called to exchange $1000 US and the folks at Change group held the Euros for me. Nice service read more

I'm lukewarm on this place... The location is essentially a kiosk which means that you are physically standing out on the street, with your back to foot traffic behind you, while it is announced over the loudspeaker how much money is being exchanged between you and the nice people behind the bulletproof glass. I don't know about you, call me paranoid, but I wasn't too comfortable having my bidness advertised to the world about how much money I was getting back and walking away with. I could keep going but that's the major gripe I have with the place. read more

This store is just pure BS with all of the hidden fees and charges. Don't EVER go to this place because they don't tell you anything when they exchange your money. They charge you at-least 20% service change AND a Compliance Recovery on top of i! WOW if I honestly could get my money back I would. read more

In business soley to undercut unsuspecting tourists. You will get the lowest exchange rate at this hole in the wall establishment and be treated rudely for it. I decided to wait until the bank opened the next day. read more

My brother arrived yesterday from paris. This morning he went to do a currency exchange in this location. They are advertising no fee. I would like to mention that he lives in Paris, and his English is not that good. He went inside asking for the rate. He said the lady was nice to him trying to preparing him for the scam. She gave him a form to fill up, however she highlighted for him only the passport information. He finished the form and gave it back to her with the money. She took the money then she started filling up the other information concerning the rate and the commission. He told her you are advertising no commission . She said no that's only for the people that are selling. He asked her to give him his money back, and she didn't want to. He also asked for the manager she said he is not here. She was taking advantage of him not being able to speak his mind due to language barriers. But from this review I would like to let them know that I will be contacting the FTC and to take it to another level. read more

Change Group - That's the receipt with almost 15% commission. - Currency Exchange Near Me - San Francisco, California

I felt burnt after dealing with these guys and would not recommend them. Here's how it went: I'm an Australian who flew in to SF on a Saturday. I avoided exchanging cash at the airport, hoping to get a better rate in the city. The Change Group was the first place I tried. I'd done my due diligence and checked the open market (internet) rates in advance. I was selling a couple of currencies and at the internet rates, should have received $1000USD total, give or take a few bucks. The cashier was friendly (though in hindsight, probably just slimy). I asked for a quote on my money and handed it to him (I should have held on to it before getting the quote). He counted it up, ran the numbers and said (I SWEAR he said it) $956. I was expecting to pay more than the online rate and i was happy enough with that, so I went ahead. He shuffled some papers, counted out money and hands me $756! I counted it, looked at the receipt and objected that he'd just said $956. He then made up some crap about the intercom (we were talking through glass) not working properly. I told him that I never would have agreed to $756 if I'd heard it properly, and I asked him for a cost breakdown. He told me the rates and that there was also a service fee of 14% (!). I made it clear I wanted to cancel the transaction and then he started to negotiate. The 756 magically turned into 850. I told him I needed to run some numbers, got out my phone and checked the internet rates again. I then said I wanted to cancel and shop around. He then said that they could 'generously' wave the service fee altogether, and offered me 900. At that point, I foolishly said OK. I got less screwed that I would have if I hadn't negotiated but i still lost 10%, which is more than I would have if I'd changed my money at my bank before leaving home. Who knows if it was worse than what I would've got at the airport. The only saving grace at this place (and they only reason I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1) was that they were open on a Saturday. Feeling like I might have just been screwed, I wanted to get a quote on the same amount from another exchanger, in the hope that I might discover I couldn't have done better elsewhere. Nothing else was open. I feel like I paid $50 for a valuable lesson: 1. Read online reviews first.and check open market rates. 2. Exchange at a big bank and ORDER ONLINE first, then pick up the cash at the branch on a week day; the online rate is better than the in-person rate. 3. If you have to go to one of these other places in person, NEGOTIATE and be tough about it. read more

I'm heading to Europe in May and since the exchange rate of the Euro to the Dollar is now 1 Euro to $1.58, I wanted to research where I could get the best exchange rate. I use to use my ATM card in Europe. It was convenient, BUT... do you know that transaction fees, ATM charges and conversion fees range from 3-8%!!!! Oh no! The conversion is bad enough. I called AMEX, their rate was $1.68 to 1 Euro with a $5.00 fee, Thomas Cook was $1.68 with a $15.00 fee. My bank charged $1.68 to the Euro plus a 3% fee! They actually advised me to go somewhere else! The airport is even worst! Then I happened to stumble upon the Change Group on Powell. They had a great rate and if you exchange more than $500, they waive the fee. The rate I got on April 8 was 1 Euro to $1.6126! All denominations are available. If you're worried about carrying too many bills... ask for 500 or 200 Euro bills.Change them to small denominations when you're there and put them in your money belt for safekeeping! What a deal!!!! Its the best deal i found so far! I'm all for saving money! read more

I'm greatly puzzled by the bad reviews here. My family and I have been changing money here for years because they always had the best rate. Granted their location facing the sidewalk isn't optimal but because it's on such a busy street, you're actually quite safe. I came to exchange USD to a foreign currency and their exchange rate was better than the stall in SF Westfield and my bank. There were no fees or commissions charged. The customer service rep told me exactly how much it would cost and that was exactly how much I paid. So if you're planning to exchange money, ask up front how much it would cost and then hand over the money if you agree. If you can't hear clearly, ask the rep to write down the amount on paper so there's no misunderstanding. Nearly everybody has a device in their pocket now that allows them to do their own calculation or if you don't have one, bring a calculator and do the math yourself. The only reason I deducted a star was because they weren't open at 9:30a when they were supposed to be open at 8:30a. Also they didn't have enough of the foreign currency I needed so I had to go to another location. read more

After seeing the number of stars here I actually went and double checked my receipt to be sure I had the right business-I wouldn't want to diss a business in error. But, no, this is the right one. I changed 32000 Japanese Yen for dollars and lost 25% of the value of the money on the transaction. Not only did they charge a 15% "service fee", they offered an exchange rate that was significantly less than the going rate (90.2 yen to dollar, instead of the actual rate of 81 per dollar. To add insult to injury, there was an additional fee of $5.95). All of this added up to a 25% commission, much worse than any bank or airport has ever charged me. The location is convenient, but next time I will certainly do more research to find a fair price for a necessary service. read more

I went to the US to visit some family and had a great experience purchasing some Aussie dollars from the change group with zero fees and a great rate!" read more

Maybe everyone's experience varies with who you get at the window. But I just had a very easy and smooth transaction at The Change Group. They gave me the rate right away when I walked up (exchanging dollars to yen) and said fee is only $5 for the amount I wanted to exchange. The rate was much better than what I was told at Travelex only 5 minutes before. Yahoo rate = 100yen, Travelex = ~89 yen and Change group was ~96 yen for every $1. Plus Travelex charged 7.95 as its fee. They will waive the service fee if you have foreign currency left from your trip, just show your receipt. This is a great service in the middle of Union sq and very well run. read more

I was in San Francisco with my husband in August 2014, and needed to change some Euros in Dollars. We found the kiosk at Fisherman Warf and we didn't have doubt to change money there cause of the convenient place. We gave them 200€ and they gave us back 216$... THIS IS A RIP OFF AND A THEFT! 200€ are 265$ so they steal us 50$!! Unfortunately I haven't notice it straight away, I was pretty sure to get a good conversion cause of the central location and I didn't checked. They should feel ashamed. read more

The Change Group provided me an excellent rate and payout for the euros I had left over from my trip to Italy :)

They dont accept bills because they look worn out...im like wtf? I only go here because its near work and had to exchange money from my vacation from the Philippines. The lady there said she cant accept it because it looks washed or worn out. Wtf? I kept telling them I got it from the exchange there so it can't be fake. Maybe thats her damn excuse. God! read more

I have had an ugly service from these people but the other day as I waited at their Pier39 branch I met a decent Human being who has a great attitude. He is still undergoing training but he is an honest kid. I have hope for this Currency Exchange place... read more