Where Should You Exchange U.S. Dollars? What You Need to Know About Currency Exchange in New York Before Traveling

Since New York uses U.S. dollars (USD), it’s easy to exchange money even while you’re still in your home country. Many travelers prefer exchanging yen for dollars before departure. However, if you run out of cash during your trip, you’ll need to exchange money while in New York—and for first-time travelers, it can be confusing to know where and how to do it.
This guide explains everything you need to know about exchanging money in New York City.

1. About the U.S. Currency

The currency used in New York is the U.S. dollar, written as “USD” or the familiar “$.”
U.S. banknotes come in six denominations: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Since they’re all the same size and similar in color, be careful not to hand over a large bill by mistake when tipping, and always double-check your change to avoid confusion.
The smaller unit of the dollar is the cent, and prices in stores are shown as 99¢ or $0.99. Common coins include 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents, each with its own nickname:

1 cent = Penny
5 cents = Nickel
10 cents = Dime
25 cents = Quarter

It’s helpful to remember these names before your trip.

2. Should You Exchange to U.S. Dollars in your Home Country or in New York?

If you plan to exchange money in your home country, most people do so at a bank, where you can use a foreign currency counter or foreign exchange machine to easily convert yen into U.S. dollars. You can also find exchange services at major airports worldwide or even at gift certificate and ticket shops, which often offer reasonable rates.
If you run out of cash while in New York, most stores and restaurants accept credit cards, but there are still situations—like paying tips—where cash is necessary. In that case, you can exchange money at your hotel’s front desk or cashier, at exchange offices in the city or at the airport, or through a bank.
However, it’s worth noting that in New York, exchange rates are often less favorable, and fees may apply regardless of whether you use a bank, hotel, or exchange counter. That’s why many travelers recommend exchanging your yen to U.S. dollars before leaving your home country.

3. How to Exchange Money in New York

If you do need to exchange money in New York, you’ll find currency exchange offices (Currency Exchange / Money Exchange) near major tourist areas like Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as at major banks such as CHASE or TD Bank, or at your hotel.
Banks generally offer better exchange rates than hotels or small exchange counters, but they usually charge service fees and may have limits on the amount you can exchange per transaction. Also, not all bank branches handle foreign currency exchanges.
Hotels and dedicated exchange offices tend to offer less favorable rates, so it’s best to treat them as last-resort options.
When exchanging, hand over your yen at the counter and receive your dollars. To avoid any problems later, always check the day’s exchange rate, count your yen before handing it over, and confirm the amount of U.S. dollars you receive on the spot.

◎ Summary

Now you have a better idea of how currency exchange works in New York. Surprisingly, it’s often more advantageous to exchange to U.S. dollars while still in your home country.
Before your trip, exchange your cash at a nearby bank or at the airport before departure. Any leftover dollars can easily be converted back to yen once you return to your home country, so it’s safe to exchange a little extra. Alternatively, you can combine cash with credit card payments during your trip to manage your spending efficiently.
Plan your money smartly—and enjoy a stress-free, fun trip to New York City!

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Where Should You Exchange U.S. Dollars? What You Need to Know About Currency Exchange in New York Before Traveling