The 5 Best Currency Exchange Rates in Brisbane to Buy Travel Money
Find out how to get the best money exchange rates in Brisbane without
running around from store to store.
There are over 10 money exchange locations to buy travel money in Brisbane. Each has their own currency exchange rates which change constantly.
You also have the choice of more than 5 online currency exchange websites that offer collection or delivery in Brisbane
So which is the best place to buy foreign exchange in Brisbane?
Well, it really depends on your situation. Here are our top 5 currency exchanges in Brisbane:
- S Money for the best exchange rate COMING SOON!
- Crown Currency for no fees
- Travel Money Oz for less common currencies
- Unimoni - for larger amounts over $10,000
- Travelex Online for Brisbane Airport
COMING SOON! S Money is an online only currency exchange, so they don’t have any bricks and mortar stores. Currently available from Sydney and coming to Brisbane in 2021.If you order online, you can pick up your currency or have it delivered to your door for $19. They are the only money exchange that offer the same exchange rate seen on Google or XE but they do charge a service fee.
What they are good for
S Money sell currency at the best exchange rates for buying US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, Japanese Yen or New Zealand Dollars up to $8500.
When you should avoid them
S Money is online only so if you don’t like buying your currency online, it may be better heading into a store. They also only offer 5 currencies so if you are looking for less popular currencies like Thai Baht or Indonesian Rupiah, there are better options in a store.
Crown Currency started in Queensland and still has plenty of locations across the state. While they don't have any stores in the CBD, there are 5 stores across Brisbane including Asply, Toowong, Carindale, Logan and Indooroopilly.
What they are good for
They offer excellent service over the counter and you can usually negotiate a better rate if you are buying more than $1000 worth of foreign exchange.
When you should avoid them
While their exchange rates are very good, they still won’t match the rate seen on Google or XE. They also have a dated website that only allows you to get a quote instead of actually buying currency.
Crown Currency don’t publish their store rates and they vary depending on your location. To get a quote, best call 1300 392 426 and ask to speak to one of their Brisbane stores.
Travel Money Oz have a few stores in the Brisbane CBD and across the suburbs. They are owned by the Flight Centre and have good, personal in-store service. While they don’t charge commissions or service fees, their exchange rates aren’t as good as S Money or Crown Currency in many cases.
What they are good for
Travel Money Oz have a good stock of currency. This means if you are looking for a less popular currency like Fiiian Dollars (FJD) or Singapore Dollars (SGD), they are more likely to have some in store.
When you should avoid them
If you are looking to buy more popular currencies like US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR), there are options both online and in-store with better exchange rates.
The exchange rates you see on the Travel Money Oz website are for online orders only. Rates in person are different from store to store but in Brisbane, the store on Queen street in the Myer Centre is one of the most competitive.
Unimoni have a location in the ANZAC arcade in the city and a number of locations across Queensland. They have both retail and wholesale currency exchange services however you cannot buy currency from their website.
What they are good for
Unimoni are particularly competitive for larger amounts over $10,000. You can often negotiate much better exchange rates and they have a good amount of stock for these larger transactions, particularly of the most common currencies.
When you should avoid them
If you’d prefer to order online, then Unimoni isn’t for you. They also don’t offer the best exchange rates for exotic currencies like Canadian Dollars or Vietnamese Dong.
Like Crown Currency, they don’t show their exchange rates online. You either need to call the store on (07) 3021 3001 or physically walk into the store and ask for a quote.
Travelex has 1 location in the Brisbane CBD and a handful in the suburbs. You can order online and collect your currency at a store, an Australia Post office or even the airport. They also offer delivery for online orders.
What they are good for
Travelex are a good option if you like to buy currency online and pick it up at the airport. Their online exchange rates are much better than their own stores.
When you should avoid them
While their online rates are good, the exchange rates and the airport border on criminal. Avoid buying or selling currencies at these stores in-person if you can.
The exchange rates you see on the Travelex website are for online orders only. Rates in person are different from store to store but in Brisbane, the branch on Queen street, inside the HSBC may be your best option.
Conclusion
So while S Money may have the best exchange rates, they aren’t the best option if you prefer a bricks and mortar store. If you are heading into a store, remember to:
- Call ahead if you can to get a quote but also make sure they have your currency in stock
- Ask for a better rate if you are buying more than $1000
- Compare their rates to what you can get online
Avoid getting ripped off on currency will let you spend more money on your trip!