Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Vlad
I’ll guide you through the best spots in Melbourne to buy Yen. Knowing where to go saves you both time and money, ensuring a smooth financial start to your Japanese holiday. Having yen on hand the moment you land in Japan is very helpful – as cash still rules in Japan!
I’ve dealt with way too many currency exchange places over the years. So I am only listing the best where I personal go for the best rates!
1) United Currency Exchange
I’ve been buying from these guys a while now as they have the best exchange rates around period. They have 3 separate locations in Melbourne CBD. All branches are open Monday to Friday only (which is their biggest drawback imho). No hidden or additional fees, it’s all included in the exchange rate you get. They do have a great website with live exchange rates.
You can also order online and have your order delivered to your nearest AusPost (maximum amount is only $2,500 so be mindful of that), or shop online and pick up your order from any of their 3 locations (I suggest this as the yen is in high demand and frequently sold out).
If you are based in Sydney good news – United Currency Exchange has a shop there too (check their website for details please).
QV Branch 1 – JANE BELL LANE
Rating: 4.1 (135 reviews)
Location: Shop 26, Level 3 QV Melbourne, 22-24 Jane Bell Lane, Melbourne
Contact: 03 9671 3993
Website: Visit Website
Notes: It can get really busy here. Be prepared to wait. The shop is located close to Daiso. There are lots of incorrectly tagged photos on Google Maps so be careful.
QV Branch 2 – ALBERT COATES LANE
Rating: 3.7 (135 reviews)
Location: QV MALL, QVA01 Lonsdale St & Swanston St, Melbourne
Contact: 03 9671 3993
Website: Visit Website
Notes: This is the smallest of their branches. Hard to notice. Entrance is at corner of Swanston Street & Lonsdale Street. Heaps of photos on Google Maps is showing the different branch.
SWANSTON STREET BRANCH
Rating: 4.2 (19 reviews)
Location: Level 5, Suite 503, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne
Contact: 03 9671 3993
Website: Visit Website
Notes: The entrance to the building is on Swanston St, close to Sushi Hub. It’s definitely not at the corner of Flinders Lane & Swanston St as stated on their website and Google Maps. And speaking of Google Maps ignore the Street View, it is completely inaccurate!
2) Danesh Exchange
If you are based in Melbourne’s south-east then this is the place for you to buy your yen! They offer very, very competitive exchange rates. And I found their customer service to be friendly and helpful.
Danesh Exchange doesn’t charge commissions or fees, which means you get more value for your money. They stock a wide range of currencies, which makes them a great place for just about any currency exchange.
You can also order with them online and have your yen delivered to your home or to your local Australia Post location for pickup (delivery fees do apply so keep that in mind).
Rating: 4.9 (467 reviews)
Location: Shop 19/236-242 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175
Contact: +61 3 8753 7579
Website: Visit Website