Best places for currency exchange in Portland: A complete travel guide

If you're planning a trip abroad and looking for currency exchange in Portland, you'll quickly find that physical options are limited. The good news is that you don't have to settle for airport markups or scarce bank services.

This guide walks through everything you need to know about currency exchange in Portland, from the few physical locations that do exist to our smart, app-based alternative that can save you money and hassle before you travel.

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18+, Terms and Conditions apply. Exchange fees, fair-usage limits, and weekend fees may apply.

Quick answer: What is the best way to exchange money in Portland?

It's a good idea to plan ahead for currency exchange in Portland, since physical options are limited.

For competitive rates, consider setting up a multicurrency account with Revolut, and withdraw from ATMs abroad if you need cash.¹

Where can I exchange foreign currency in Portland, Oregon?

Portland has limited physical currency exchange options. The 2 most common are Currency Exchange International (CXI) at PDX airport and Fred Meyer Money Services. Below is a quick comparison to help you choose.

Portland Airport money exchange: Currency Exchange International (CXI) at PDX

CXI operates 2 locations at Portland International Airport (PDX). The Arrivals Level branch is open Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, and closed on weekends. The Concourse D branch is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 10am–6pm, and closed Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Both locations handle 80+ currencies, with popular currencies available on demand and others reservable ahead of time online or by phone.

You can find CXI on the PDX airport map. The trade-off is convenience: Airport counters typically offer less competitive rates than downtown options, so if you only need a small amount, an ATM withdrawal at your destination may be cheaper.

Fred Meyer Money Services

Fred Meyer's Money Services desk at 14700 SE Division St is open 8am–9pm, Monday–Sunday. It's primarily a money transfer service (via Western Union and Ria), and foreign currency availability is limited. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm they can help with your specific currency before making the trip. Not all Fred Meyer stores offer currency exchange, so be sure to check before visiting.

Can I just walk into a bank and exchange currency?

In most cases, no. Major US banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase no longer offer over-the-counter same-day currency exchange. Wells Fargo confirms that branches no longer keep foreign currency cash on hand for same-day purchase, and phone orders are no longer accepted.

Instead, account holders can often order foreign currency online, through the mobile app, or at a branch, with delivery within 2–7 business days. If you need currency the same day, a bank branch likely won't be able to help.

What banks offer same-day currency exchange in Portland?

None. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase all offer currency exchange, but only through advance online order with 2–7 business days for delivery. None offer same-day, over-the-counter service. Wells Fargo requires a minimum order of $200 and limits orders to account holders.

Some banks also buy back unused foreign currency from account holders after their trip, though availability varies by branch. If you're planning ahead and have a bank account, this can be a convenient option, but it won't work if you need euros same day.

Cash vs card abroad: what should you use?

When traveling internationally from Portland, the question isn't necessarily where to exchange, it's how to pay once you arrive. Most destinations accept card payments, but carrying some cash is still smart for smaller vendors, taxis, and tips.

ATM tips when traveling abroad

• Use bank ATMs, not private ones: Stick to machines inside or attached to banks. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas, which often carry less competitive rates and extra fees.
• Always pay in the local currency, never your home currency: If an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency while you're abroad, decline. That's dynamic currency conversion, and it uses a rate that's typically much less competitive than your card provider's.
• Use a debit card for withdrawals: Credit card cash withdrawals come with high fees from both your issuer and the ATM operator.
• Check your card's foreign transaction fee: Many cards charge 2–3% per foreign transaction. Opting for a travel-friendly card can help you save.

Using US debit and credit cards abroad

US-issued Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are the norm in many countries. The main thing to watch is your card's foreign transaction fee — many US cards charge a 2–3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase made abroad, on top of an exchange rate that's rarely in your favor. A Revolut card handles foreign spending at competitive rates.

ATM withdrawals and dynamic currency conversion (DCC)

The single biggest fee trap for Americans abroad is dynamic currency conversion (DCC). When you insert your card into an ATM or present it at a card terminal while you're abroad, the machine may ask whether you'd like to complete the transaction in the local currency or your own. The option to pay in your own currency seems helpful, since you'll be able to see how much is going to leave your account, but it uses a rate that's typically much less competitive than your card provider's. Always opt to pay in the local currency to get your provider's rate.

Delivery fees may apply.

Exchange your currency in Portland with Revolut

With a Revolut multicurrency account, you can hold and exchange US dollars in-app at the Revolut rate, then spend abroad at the checkout with a virtual or physical card.¹

We exchange currency at the competitive Revolut exchange rate, and there are no additional currency exchange fees on weekdays during foreign exchange market hours, as long as you stay within your plan's fair usage limit. You can create a virtual card right away in-app for secure spending both online and in-person via Apple Pay or Google Pay.

You can also use your physical card to withdraw cash from ATMs at competitive exchange rates with no fees from us during market hours and within your plan limits,² so you always have the right cash for tips and local spots that don't take cards.

How to open a Revolut account for foreign currency exchange in Portland

If you'd like to skip the exchange offices and manage your foreign currency from your phone, here's how to get set up with Revolut before your trip. The whole process takes a few minutes, and you can hold other currencies and order a card without leaving the house. For more on getting set up, see our guide to getting a Revolut card in the US.

1. Download the Revolut app and sign up for an account. You'll need to be 18 or older and verify your identity with a government-issued ID and your SSN or a supported visa.
2. Add money to your account in USD via bank transfer, debit card, or another supported method.
3. Open a currency space in-app and exchange your money at the Revolut rate. You'll see the rate and any applicable fees before you confirm.
4. Order a physical card for in-store spending (delivery fees may apply), or get a virtual one to start spending right away.
5. Use your card anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.
6. You'll see the rate and any applicable fees in-app before the payment settles, and you can track your spending in real-time.

Still got questions about spending abroad with your Revolut card?Check out our Help Center.

¹Exchange and global transfer fees, fair usage limits, and Terms and Conditions apply.

²No ATM withdrawal fees within plan limits on a monthly basis. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals are subject to a 2% fee for Standard customers, and a 2% fee for Premium and Metal customers once their plan limits are exceeded. Third-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee. Currency and ATM fair-usage fees apply. Weekend markups on currency exchange will apply. Foreign exchange market hours begin at 6pm ET on Sunday and end at 5pm ET on Friday.

The information provided is accurate as of September 7, 2026. The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial advisor.