Los Angeles - Currency
ATMs are available in many parts of Los Angeles - ensure you inform your bank before travelling abroad, and be aware you may be charged for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to exchange some cash before arriving in Los Angeles.Visit the other Los Angeles city guide sections to get more detailed travel advice, and information on the best Los Angeles attractions and sightseeing activities, recommended shops and restaurants, as well as the best Los Angeles hotels.
Los Angeles - Notes and Coins
Currency Exchange in Los Angeles
Visitors from foreign countries should plan on exchanging their money before they come to Los Angeles. LA’s currency is the American Dollar, which comes in notes of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Larger denominations are used very rarely, as is the $2 bill. The penny (one cent), nickel (five cents), dime (ten cents), and quarter (25 cents) are also used regularly, with 100 cents equaling one dollar. Rarely, you will see fifty cent or dollar coins. Changing money in LA can be difficult, so exchanging money or purchasing travelers checks in your home country will save a great deal of trouble. LAX offers money changing services as well.
For those who do not want to carry large amounts of case, there are conveniently located ATMs throughout Los Angeles. These can be found in banks, airports, stores, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and more. In addition, major credit cards are accepted at most locations. Visa, MasterCard (EuroCard) are almost universally accepted.
Banks in Los Angeles
Typical Los Angeles banks are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Banks are closed on Sundays, as well as on state and federal holidays. ATMs are easy to locate in Los Angeles, as most blocks have several from which to choose. When determining which ATM to use, look at the back of your bank card. It will probably have either the Cirrus or the PLUS network logo. This means that your card will be accepted at ATMs in that network, and since they are global, this is not a problem. You can check online for Los Angeles ATM locations in your network.
Be aware that your bank may charge a fee if you withdraw money from a different bank and that the bank you take money from may also charge a fee. Domestic transactions are typically $1.50 - $2.00. Foreign transactions may have a fee of $5 or more attached. You can use a number of different web-based services to compare fees. If you don’t want to incur a fee of $5 when taking out small amounts, use a store that offers cash back. Ask if the store accepts ATM cards (most accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards) and offer no-fee cash back with purchases. This way, you can buy some groceries or sunscreen, get your cash, and be on your way without an ATM fee.
Bank of the West - (213) 625-2628 - 333 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA
Bank of America - (213) 312-9000 - 590 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Bank of America - (323) 730-9140 - 1127 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA
State Bank of India California - (213) 896-0287 - 707 Wilshire Blvd, #1995, Los Angeles, CA
Mizuho Corporate Bank of CA - (213) 243-4505 - 350 S Grand Ave, Ste 1500, Los Angeles, CA
First Bank - (213) 625-1888 - 711 W College St, Los Angeles, CA
Cit National Bank - Pershing Square - (213) 347-2200 - 606 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA
Manufacturers Bank - (213) 489-6400 - 200 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA
Bank of the West - (213) 972-0200 - 300 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
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