Money exchange

There are a lot of exchage offices in the city center. And not only in the center. These are the best places for exchanging money. There are also the banks but usually the rates there are worse. Also the banks close at 5-6 p.m. Most exchange offices are open until 8 p.m.  And there are a few who are open really late, but these ones are good only in case of emergency: lower rate and commission. 

Most of these tiny tiny places where you can change money do not charge commision. When you want to go in one, the first thing you should do is look carefully, not at the exchange rate which would be more or less like the one at the next door exchange office, but if they charge commission or not. Sometimes, if they do not have commission, they write it in big letters on the outside panel where they display the rates. But since most of these offices do not charge commision they do not write it anymore. So, the thing you should do is look down on the display panel and see if there is something written in tiny tiny letters. If there is nothing written most likely they don't. 

Step number two is very important. Inside look  for the paper on which rates and other announcements are typed. Look again for tiny letters. Look for the commision information and see if there are other rates than outside. Usually the bad stuff is annouced in  tiny letters. And it is legal. They are obliged to show the information but nobody specificies in what way. So, if you do not see it it's your fault, they say. So look for tiny letters and be carreful...

There is a trick that outside on the big panel they display the best rate, but this rate is valid only for traveler checks or something else. Once you get inside you realize, if you pay atention, that for cash there is another rate. A lot of people were fooled by this trick. It doesn't happen very often anymore... But if you see the "best rate ever", be sure that there is something "fishy" about it. To be sure ask the clerk about the rate and the commision and don't forget ask for the receipt. 

Change money in the airport only if it is an absolute must. The rates are very  poor. If you have to do it, change only a small ammount. And don't forget, there are ATM's everywhere.

You can also change money at almost every bank. But, usually the rate is worse than in exchange houses.