Currency Exchange in San Diego: Where to Convert Currency and Rates

Currency is amongst the most basic requirements for tourists, especially those travelling internationally. The process of currency conversion is quite a cumbersome one. The working of exchange rates and international cash withdrawal charges can send your head spinning. It is thus important that one has all the relevant information with respect to the destination they are travelling to.

This article will help you understand how to convert currency in San Diego, part of the United States of America. Details of currency, exchanges and withdrawal options will help you plan the financial aspects of your trip with much more ease. 

Currency Exchange in San Diego

Being a territory of the US, the local currency accepted in San Diego is the United State Dollar. The ISO 4217 code for this currency is USD. It is the world’s primary reserve currency, and is used in multiple international transactions. A dollar is further divided into 100 parts, with a single part commonly known as a cent. Here are the common denominations of the American currency in use right now.

Coins

• 1 cent = USD 0.01 (1/100)
• 1 nickel = USD 0.05 (1/20)
• 1 dime = USD 0.1 (1/10)
• 1 quarter = USD 0.25 (1/4)
• 1 half = USD 0.5 (1/2)
• 1 dollar = USD 1

Paperback Currency

In circulation - One dollar (USD 1), two dollars (USD 2), five dollars (USD 5), ten dollars (USD 10), twenty dollars (USD 20), fifty dollars (USD 50), hundred dollars (USD 100).

Travellers must note that any other international currency will not be of use, especially in smaller shops and businesses. So always have some US dollars on you for expenditure.

Credit Cards and ATMs

San Diego is amongst the easiest places to complete transactions. Most businesses accept international debit and credit cards, making cashless payments a seamless experience. Modern methods of transaction using PayPal and Google Pay are also available in many businesses nowadays. However, roadside eateries and small shops may require you to pay in cash.

Withdrawing cash in San Diego is not a difficult process as numerous ATMs are spread across multiple locations in the city, especially near tourist attractions. Travellers must be aware of their bank policies beforehand, including conversion fees and bank charges. A few international banks have tie-ups with American banks, giving you a discounted or waivered rate if you withdraw money at their ATMs. However, while withdrawing cash, prefer being charged in USD rather than your home currency to avoid unknown bank charges which will leave you with a poor deal. Most ATMs in the San Diego International Airport accept international credit and debit cards, which makes it ideal for tourists to withdraw the cash they need at the start of the trip.

Currency Exchange Rate in San Diego

The following is the currency exchange rate for the US Dollar according to xe.com as on December 1st 2020

• 1 USD = INR 74.03015
• 1 USD = EUR 0.83721
• 1 USD = GBP 0.74935

Places to Exchange Currency in San Diego

San Diego is a city that thrives on tourism. It also shares a border with Mexico, which makes it a transit hub for international travellers. However, the advancement of cashless payment modes means it is not easy for travellers to find currency exchangers in the city. Try to avoid exchanging currency in hotels and airports, as they do not give you the best deals even though they are more convenient. If you have no US dollars on you, then exchange a small portion of your budget at the airport, and bill the rest to your credit or debit card. 

Here are a few currency exchangers that you can find in San Diego, which accept a number of international currencies.

• Travelex - San Diego International Airport (T2 International Arrivals, T2 Baggage Claim, T2 Upper Level), Fashion Valley, University Towne Centre
• Currency Exchange International - Westfield Mission Valley, Westfield North County

On Hand Cash Required in San Diego

The amount of money you will need depends primarily on the budget and duration of the trip. The time you choose to travel to San Diego can affect the cost of flight tickets and accommodation, which take up a major part of your budget. Here are a few daily parameters per person that will help you plan the finances of your San Diego trip better.

Expense	Budget (USD)	Average (USD)	Luxury (USD)
Accomodation	37	90	204
Food	14	33	76
Transportation	8	18	43
Entertainment	15	39	117
Beverages/Water	8/2	18/4	39/10
Overall	64	156	358

Do you have more doubts about cash exchange in San Deigo? Ask us in the comments.