San Francisco - Currency

ATMs are available in many parts of San Francisco - 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 San Francisco.

Visit the other San Francisco city guide sections to get more detailed travel advice, and information on the best San Francisco attractions and sightseeing activities, recommended shops and restaurants, as well as the best San Francisco hotels.

San Francisco - Notes and Coins

Currency Exchange in San Francisco

American banknotes (bills; ) can confuse non-US visitors because they are all the same size and color. The dollar is divided into 100 cents. Check the denominations carefully before handing over too many bills. Never accept extremely damaged bills (such as bills that are severely torn or missing large pieces). Small rips and nicks are okay. Eventually they are recycled back into the system.

Bills come in denominations of $1, $2 (though these are extremely rare), $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollars. Larger denominations are not common.

Coins come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter), 50 (half dollar) cent and $1 denominations; however the 50 cent and $1 coins are not very common.

Exchanging Currency

Debit/credit cards are widely accepted. Likewise, traveler’s checks are just as good as cash and are accepted at many locations. You can also replace traveler’s checks should they be lost or stolen. Plan on bringing a combination of cash, traveler’s checks and cards. You can find exchange bureaus at airports, but the best rates are generally at banks within the city.

San Francisco Banks

Many banks will offer you whatever help you need and also have ATMs which are open 24 hours a day. There are some machines that shut down after a certain time due to street crime. You can withdraw money from an ATM not affiliated with your bank, but often an extra charge (often $2) is added. Check with your provider or the bank that owns the ATM to find out about potential fees. Most banks are open Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm, and are closed on Sundays.

Wells Fargo Bank - Potrero & 16th - (415) 437-1582 - 2300 16th St, San Francisco, CA
Lin, Janet - State Farm Insurance Agent - (415) 621-0140 - 1550 Bryant St, Ste 748, San Francisco, CA
United Commercial Bank - (415) 929-6070 - 711 Van Ness Ave, #5, San Francisco, CA
Bank of San Francisco - (415) 744-6700 - 575 Market St, Ste 2400, San Francisco, CA
Wells Fargo Bank - Mission & Ocean Avenue - (415) 396-3091 - 4648 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
Bank of Nova Scotia - (213) 624-8954 - 580 California St, #2100, San Francisco, CA
Bank of America - (415) 622-5982 - 680 8th St, San Francisco, CA
Bank of America - (415) 624-0791 - 33 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
Bank of America - (650) 615-4700 - 445 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Bank of America - (415) 837-1394 - 1 Powell St, San Francisco, CA