Show Us the Foreign Money--by Mail

Busy travelers who can’t spare time for a bank visit--or live far away from major banks--have another option for ordering foreign currencies by mail.

The “Currency Rush” service of International Currency Express charges $10 for two-day UPS delivery to ship currencies. Exchange rates are competitive. For instance, last week, the service offered the British pound at .59 to the dollar, slightly better than the .57 offered by Thomas Cook Currency Services (tel. [800] 287-7362), which offers a similar service. International Currency Express, which began its service last year in Washington, D.C., has opened a Beverly Hills office (427 N. Camden Drive, Suite F), where currency can be bought in-person. The toll-free “Currency Rush” phone is (888) 278-6628.