Fast, competitive rates (no fees), honest consultation, a gem of a business

This is my go-to currency exchange spot! Quick yelp responses to quotes, easy (free) parking, and great people make the money exchange life easy! read more

Fast service, good rates, no fees! Parking is validated!

Good customer service. I bought some Yen for my Japan trip. I sold some back and got a better exchange rate. I will come back.

They pocketed 42 dollars in the exchange rate process. I did research on today's exchange rate and realized it and now it's too late. :( sad

Let me add my two cents (or my few hundred euros) to all the great reviews. My flight leaves LAX too early to exchange there. I got a quote from Travelex in Atlanta, where I have a few hour layover. FCE's rate beat them by 10% - a big amount depending on how much you are changing. (Just think what you would do to get 10% more on your savings account!) I will be changing again in Paris on way to Madagascar, but the layover is short. I don't want to stress out trying to exchange there, nor know what the rate would be. But some posters here said FCE's rate was way better than they got in Europe. I believe it. FCE will definitely be my choice for future exchanges (involving a major currency). I had less problem with the building than many since I used to work near the WTC and occasionally went there. For this purchase, I had someone drive around the block while I went inside. To enter from outside, yes, it's like a fortress. Find the elevator near the corner of 4th and Fig. From there, it should be easy. Take the elevator to the first floor. You will see the guard station nearby. FEC is just a few steps beyond, and currently has a prominent sign that's impossible to miss. It would be better if it were in some mini-mall in the burbs, but what can you do? I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 just because of this issue. But I recommend taking the hassle in stride. You will walk out with a big smile on your face over the rate you got. read more

Amazingly easy. The Euro was 1.36 to the dollar and he gave me an exchange rate (I had a thousand Euros or so left over from a trip) of 1.33, which is fantastic. Plus it was extremely quick; I was in and out in five minutes! Park in the structure just south of there (Pacific Mutual I think) and they even validate. Cannot recommend this place enough. If you need currency you cannot do better. read more

Simple, easy, fast with good, personable service! Would definitely recommend. I was able to park in the lot in their designated spots, got easily reachable and polite phone help beforehand, and found the location convenient. read more

I love this place! I'm so lucky to work in DTLA where I dont have to deal with parking, be sure to check the business hours because they close early. I get my euros here all the time before I go on my trips. They have a great exchange rate and are kind and courteous to help you. This is a small setup you're in and out of this place within 10 minutes or less. I did get lost because its buried way in some business office near the Bonaventure hotel. Give them a call before you go and you won't be disappointed! read more

I came 15 minutes before opening to exchange USD to JPY. They happened to be open, which was a plus for me since I didn't want to linger around since I had to head to the office. My rate for JPY was 99 when the market was at 102, so seems like roughly a 2.5% exchange difference. Not bad, but I realized my ATM card charged me a much better rate. I would suggest just exchanging enough to eat and transportation for the 1st day of travel, if you are going somewhere with plenty of ATM machines. I docked a star because the woman gave me all 10,000 bills when I asked for smaller bills for one of them. She said sure, then as I was verifying the money she gave me, she gave me two 50 coins instead of two 100 coins. I kept staring at it in my hands, and without being able to see it, she said "Oh, I gave you the wrong coin". I thought it was weird that she knew she did without seeing it. Then she suddenly had no smaller bills and simply told me in a rude voice "they like big bills" and basically shooed me away. Hey, if you need currency exchange, this place works, as long as you double check your currency and have low expectations on service. read more

Best exchange rates and the best customer service! I've been a customer of FCE for about 5 years and I never travel internationally without buying currency from them. I've referred friends and family to FCE as well, and they have all been extremely satisfied. Michelle and Russell are happy to go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service, even to the point of driving out of their way to deliver currency when their customers can't make it to downtown LA. I wouldn't buy my currency anywhere else. read more

I am VERY happy with the service I received here. I had called about four places before stumbling across this place. I was trying to find someone who was willing to exchange only $20 for foreign currency. Everywhere else had a minimum of $100. I only need a small amount because it was going to be a gift for a friend, and I was going to put it in a cute travel wallet for her. The foreign money was just a small nice touch that she can spend on tip or snack when she arrives at where she was going to study abroad. Anyhow, not only were they willing to accommodate me on my small request, they were also willing to work with me over the phone so I didn't even have to drive there! WOW!!! Talk about great service! I was blown away! I mailed them a check, and I recieved the foreign currency within a few days. I am so happy. Thank you Foreign Currency Express for being so awesome! read more

After calling multiple currency exchange businesses, I determined that this place offers the best currency exchange rate for USD to Yen. Note: NEVER exchange currency at the airport! read more

Donna C's directions and info was SUPER helpful. Just need to add that you are parked on level 'C' - I ran in so quickly I didn't look at the wall markings. Also, to add, I called in to make sure they had my currency but even still, a person walked in before me and snagged most of it up. Dumb luck. The exchange rate was good but not equivalent to the market rate. But no fee and super fast and free parking so I'd recommend. See below. Directions from Donna C.: 1. Let them know you are coming and what you want exchanged so they can get it ready. 2. Enter parking structure from Figueroa (World Trade Center building). 3. Make a right immediately after entering the garage. 4. You will see the South Elevator on your left. Park in the very first spot after the elevator. It's reserved for Foreign Currency Express. 5. Take elevator to FIRST floor 6. Exit elevator, make a LEFT, then another LEFT in the hall, then another LEFT when you see the info help desk. 7. The business will be on your left, you will see a sign. 8. They will keep time on your ticket so you don't have to pay any parking fees. You have 12 mins to do your thing. But they're super quick. You're in and out. 9. Validate your ticket where the elevators are. You will have 10 mins to exit. read more

These guys are great! Prompt response to email inquiry. Cruised to downtown, parked where they told me to, validated my ticket for free 10 minutes of parking, in and out in 7 minutes so parking was free! I saved over $40 with them instead of going with my bank. Very friendly and professional. So happy I found them. Thank you! read more

Best exchange rates in town. I always use them for my travel currency needs!

Not just an exchange with very good exchange rates, but a fountain of information on practical sides of your current travel plans.

This place is great. I was able to easily exchange money at a great rate. They were very friendly as well. The bank wanted to charge me 98cents to the dollar, but Foreign Currency Express charged me 95cents. Thanks foreign currency exchange for helping me out on my travels!!! read more

I used to use them quite a often. I recently called them for exchange. I don't know what happened with them but a woman who answered a phone was very rude. I will not use them anymore. read more

Plain and simple review upcoming. This place rocks. Listen to other Yelp reviews, parking is $2 if you validate with them, so it's no worries. My experience: Walk in. Ask for $1500 worth of yen. Get $1500 worth of yen for within 3% of FMV at today's rate. Ask for validation. Get validation. Walk out. Total cost to get $1500 worth of yen = about $50...which is ABSURDLY CHEAP. Total time - about 3 minutes. Nice guy behind the desk, friendly, no BS, and quick in/out...smooth as silk, baby. I'll be a customer here only as long as I live in LA. read more

quick, competetitive rates and honest people! a hidden gem in los angeles. quick tip: park in the wtc structure have them validate it $2 fee in & out thats it! read more

I called Michelle, to find out if she handled Mexican currency since I will be going on a trip to Mexico. She asked me how much and I said $100.00. Turned my $100 dollars to 1400.00 pesos. No fee just like that. I fell in love with her when I saw her and started speaking with her she's so nice and sweet. The service was easy and fast. She is located in suite 134 after you take the elevator to the 2nd floor right through the glass doors. Parking on a Saturday seems free if you exit out of the visitor's gate. If you go during the week it is $3.50 per 12 min. But you can get validation from her. Anyways you're likely to spend less that 15 min in there. You go in and out. Unless you want to chat of course. I will definitely come back again! read more

Very good exchange rate compared to by bank. I saved probably 2.5% on my exchange. Park on the Figueroa side of the building for a 12 minute validation. I parked on the flower side on paid about 6 bucks in parking. read more

Most competitive exchange rate I found calling four places within 5 minutes today. All four places said there were no fees, everything is built into the exchange rate. The rates I was quoted were: Downtown LA Foreign Currency Express: $1.1698 per euro Wells Fargo and Bank of America: $1.18 per euro (must order currency a few days in advance) Currency Exchange in Pasadena: $1.24 per euro read more

The young man who helped me was super nice and informative. He made my first visit a great experience. I would definitely come back if I had to exchange foreign currency again. read more

Maybe compared to a bank their rates are good, but they just attempted to charge me about 30% to change some foreign currency back into USD. I had some baht leftover from a trip to Thailand. Had planned to hold it, figuring I would eventually go back, but then thought "why not get my money?" Checking current rates, I had just $385. I figured at a 15-20% cut, I was looking at getting 305-325. She hands me a register tape and says "I owe you $275". What?!? Effectively a 29% service fee to change the money? I said "no thanks; give me back my baht!" I also found a 1000 Korean won bill -- worth a measly 87 cents. They exchanged that for 70 cents, or a 19% fee. As I said, I can see a fee of 15-20%, but almost 30% is absurd! I guess it just depends upon the currency. One tip: call ahead. She was asking the guy in front of me what rate he was quoted. If I had called and been quoted that ridiculous rate, I wouldn't have wasted the time to go there. Luckily, they are less than 3 blocks from my office. read more

Whether you're planning on traveling out of the country, have some currency leftover from a previous trip or simply have some time and money on your hands, it's worthwhile to take a trip downtown. Foreign Currency Express is situated inside the World Trade Center in DTLA. The rates are better than you'd find at Travelex or the airport. Be sure to call ahead and compare what the money's trading at. My only gripe was trying to get smaller denomination €'s. The lady behind the window countered my request to get smaller than 50€ notes by saying 50's are good and I won't have a problem. Whatever, I wasn't there to argue even though I needed smaller denominations to use the metro! Parking is $2 with sticker validation. read more

I've been here twice now and had good experiences both time. The staff were nice and my exchange rate was just one Mexican peso less than the rate on Google. I'd definitely recommend coming here - and yes, they validate parking. read more

WARNING. Do not go to TravelEx to exchange your currency. Go to this place. Park in the garage downstairs below the World Trade Center and this office is on the 1st floor where all the stores are. I needed 500 Euros for a trip. TravelEx wanted $695.00 compared to this place at $625.00. TravelEx lady said that I wouldn't be able to find a better price anywhere else. What a rip off artist. If you can't get to Downtown LA then maybe other places will do but they will rip you off. Probably better rates here than LAX too. There are probably a lot of travelers here since the Bonaventure and other hotels are next door. One note. She didn't give me a receipt of any kind but I guess the money should be good otherwise they wouldn't be here still. You might want her to show that one of the bills is real money. read more

Always go here for currency needs. Free parking. Good exchange rates and great service. They also carry a large assortment of currencies. I needed Yen and NZ dollars and they had both! No need to call days before. read more

I always come here to get foreign currency and sell them back if I have left over. The exchange rate is really good. I always do my research what the bank rate is online before buying or selling them. I have been coming here for years. Highly recommended. read more

Made an appt which they were a little late for on the weekend, but once I was in, I was out in less than five minutes. My friend didn't make an appointment and she was in and out in the same time. read more

hands down the best place to exchange your currency. the service is always amazing, they are very friendly and quick!

Hello, this is my first review here. I decided to go to FCE because of what I read here and because I just didn't want to chance going to Japan without any type of currency. My rating is based on checking my bank's rate vs FCE today. I'm not sure if I got the best exchange rate but for my $1000.00, I received 92000 yen from FCE. I made an appointment for 10am for this past Saturday a couple of days before because it states on their website that you can come in Saturday by appointment only. Any how, on Friday, my wife suggested that I go to our bank because it might be easier and save time since our bank is really close by. So I go to my bank online and it shows that my bank would have given me 90000 yen for $1010.70. Based on my calculations, I think that I saved about $31.93 going with FCE and not with my bank. My bank would have made me wait 3 business days to receive the yen and the exchange part of the bank was closed at 4pm when I got there at a little after 5pm on Friday. My bank said that I can order online and there would not be a shipping charge or other charges for transactions over $1000.00. So I went online and found out what I wrote above. When I read that my bank would only give me 90000 yen, and had to wait, I was very disappointed. I thought, wow? My bank finally does do things for their customers at no additional charge. I was wrong. Oh well, at least I know next time, for sure not to count on a bank for currency exchange. On another note, My wife wanted to buy something in Little Tokyo so, she just dropped me off at the the World trade center building where FCE is located, so no need to pay for parking. I went up through the parking garage elevators and from what I remember, I exited to the main lobby and turned the corner to my left, and wa la, FCE. When I got to the window, there was someone buying currency so I had to wait a minute or so and then it was my turn ( the wait was probably less, but it went so fast, I didn't think about it). The lady at the window knew who I was since I made my appointment at 10am and was there at about 10:05am. She asked me if I was the person coming in for the yen? I said yes, then I signed a receipt with my name and address and gave it back to her with my $1000.00 and a second later, she gave me my yen. The total time it took was no less than 2-3 minutes at most. I couldn't believe it. I'll be back, unless I find another place that will give me more for my money. Thank you FCE. read more

I brought a myriad of random currencies, mostly in coin. They helped me sort, without complaint and took all currencies. Much appreciated. Parking was the only issue, that's not their problem. read more

I've been here twice ..... very positive experience, they don't charge fees and they give you good exchange rates!! Parking is as soon as you drive in to parking structure ,right after elevators to your left . Will definitely be back ! read more

You will not find a better place to change your money, guaranteed I just changed Euros to dollars, the best rate I found (over 10% better than in some places, 5% better than the second best). Courteous, fast, clean service, could not be better on any account. read more

Very convenient to access the place. It's between 3 & 4 streets on figura street. They pay the parking if less than 12 minutes.

Rates are much better than Bank of America or the Airport currency exchange places. Used them to get GBP and Euros. Directions from Yelper Donna C. were the the most detailed and useful I have ever seen on Yelp. They are located in downtown LA. They reply to you quickly through Yelp. Will definitely use them again when getting foreign currency for my next foreign trip. read more

This place is great! I've exchanged money here twice, and both times they have been incredibly polite and helpful. They also respond to my request for their exchange rates really quickly. Highly recommend! read more