How can someone get the best currency exchange for their foreign currency?

Question

I traveled and came back to the US, with a bunch of currency from Trinidad, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. How can I get the best exchange to US Dollars, as close as possible to the going exchange rate?

I traveled and came back to the US, with a bunch of currency from Trinidad, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. How can I get the best exchange to US Dollars, as close as possible to the going exchange rate?

I am exchanging the currency in New York.

Also, compared to the listed exchange rates for these currencies, what percentage of the cash can I expect to get back when exchanging? for example, for one of the currencies the rate was approx. 34 units to 1 US$ on a particular day, yet a currency exchange place was offering 41 units to 1 US$. Is this a reasonable difference?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the three currencies that you mention aren't exactly high demand. Currency exchanges pay less for them because they are harder to sell. It also depends on where you are - The airport currency exchange in Miami or Orlando would give you a pretty good rate, but the currency exchange at Los Angeles airport probably won't because it's a lot harder for them to sell.
Where are you? I would base a specific reply on that information.

Answer 2

Forex has pretty low fees.