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Currency exchange

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dailycamino

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Time of past OR future Camino
2015
Does anyone know if there’s an actual currency exchange place in St. Jean? I am aware that I can get money out of ATM machines. Thanks in advance!
 
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Does anyone know if there’s an actual currency exchange place in St. Jean? I am aware that I can get money out of ATM machines. Thanks in advance!
Godgle says “No”. There’s unlikely to be a Bureau de Change in StJ. Although it sits on a national border it isn’t an international entrepôt nor does it sit on a currency border.

ATM’s are effective Bureaus de Change. If you’re trying to launder a few k/$ in loose folding then Paris or Bordeaux offer the best opportunities but the worst exchange rates
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Hola

Some larger hotels in the world will sometimes offer an exchange of cash.

You might wirte some hotels to hear if they can offer it to you.

Buen Camino

Lettinggo
 
Join the Camino cleanup. Logroño to Burgos May 2025 & Astorga to OCebreiro in June
ATM's are the way to go. The Exchange Bureau is as dead as American Express travelers checks.
Thanks for your input, but I am aware of this so it is irrelevant question asked. Maybe a moderator could close this thread thank you.
 
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@dailycamino, as to your question:

There appears to be no currency exchange office in Saint Jean Pied de Port. The nearest such option is in Bayonne, the name is “Change by Fidso”. They have offices in other French towns.

In SJPP I would go to a bank although here in Europe obtaining as well as changing foreign currency is no longer as quick and easy as it used to be but you could try. Maybe they still change dollars into euros without you being an account holder with the bank.

Large hotels in tourist areas may still change foreign currency into local currency but it is always a bad exchange rate and I have my doubts that the smallish hotels in SJPP would do this.

PS: You said that you know about ATMs so no need to comment in it. ;)
 
The nearest such option is in Bayonne, the name is “Change by Fidso”. They have offices in other French towns.
This currency exchange is not far from Bayonne railway station.

Use their website to see their current exchange rates and how many euros you would get for any amount in foreign currency.
 
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A Wise debit card is even better. Put money into the debit card account in your local currency and spend it in Euros at an excellent exchange rate and very minimal fees. Including some free ATM withdrawals that depends on which Bank owns the ATM.
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Does anyone know if there’s an actual currency exchange place in St. Jean? I am aware that I can get money out of ATM machines. Thanks in advance!
If you walk down the hill from the cathedral to the town there are 2 banks I changed some Sterling to euros in the Santander.
 
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But those of us in the US can get a Charles Schwab account and debit card which has excellent exchange rates and rebates fees charged at ATMs. 😊

If you live in the USA and are a member of a Credit Union, check with your credit union. Mine offers the exact same perks, without needing to create a new account at Schwab. I get 3rd party ATM fees reimbursed and excellent exchange rates with my debit card.
 
A Wise debit card is even better. Put money into the debit card account in your local currency and spend it in Euros at an excellent exchange rate and very minimal fees.

But those of us in the US can get a Charles Schwab account and debit card which has excellent exchange rates and rebates fees charged at ATMs. 😊

If you live in the USA and are a member of a Credit Union, check with your credit union. Mine offers the exact same perks, without needing to create a new account at Schwab. I get 3rd party ATM fees reimbursed and excellent exchange rates with my debit card.
OH...here we go again.... 😁
 
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!
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