Finding Yen

Picture from flickr user MShades

After weeks of trying and pulling my hair out, I have finally found a place in southern California that sells the Japanese Yen (currency). The business is called Travelex, and they are dotted across several places in the San Diego County area. Normally, I would suggest to avoid these places, due to the high rates. However, I didn't feel the exchange fees were too high, but I was given a raw deal. According to x-rates.com, one American Dollar equals 107.42 Yen. Today at the Travelex in Carlsbad, the selling rate was 94.4856 Yen per Dollar. So, I was pretty much short by at least 10 Yen (not much, but once you pay higher, it will mean a difference). The fee was 5.95 for the transaction, which wasn't too bad after looking at it. I wish more banks had the Yen, but I guess that isn't big in demand, like the Euro. So, to get 10,0000.00 Yen, I had to pay 111.79 dollars, including fees (taxes were not charged). At least the fees are not as bad as you might find in airports, which might charge an even higher price. I also cannot believe how easy it was. I told the guy that I have X USD and how much Yen can I get for this? He said this much and it will cost that much. No paperwork, no hassle, straightforward. I was in and out in about 5 minutes, mostly due to a person in front of me changing her Chinese Yuan to American Dollars. I was pleased with the service overall, but I wish I got a better deal. I am not sure what other banks order currency, but if you probably ask, they could do it. The Japanese Government gives a few hints on how else to get Yen. If I felt the need to go to LA, I seen users suggest a place that has good rates and cheap fees. Life is a lesson, but at least I got some yen to where I can survive for the first few initial days.