Where to exchange Italian Lira in Chicago?
 

Well, that's my question. I have about some Lira left from a vacation about 3 years ago. Also, I have some Swiss Euros.

Swiss Euros?!

Very funny!

Um, Princess, you can't have Swiss "euros" because the Swiss aren't part of the EU. Perhaps you have some Swiss francs.

You can exchange your lire and francs at the national banks of the respective countries if they are in notes, not change. If you've only got change, you've only got souvenirs.

You will not in any case be able to change anything in Chicago.

St. Cirq is incorrect about not being able to change foreign bank notes in Chicago or other major US cities. Major banks in the US often have foreign currency sections and will be happy to change your bank notes. I used to go to my local bank and change money all the time prior to foreign trips until I wised up to the better exchange rate which comes with using ATMS. Call ahead since you will be trying to change notes that are no longer in general circulation but are still good. You might also consider using the currency exchange at O'Hare.

JonJon: The foreign exchange companies I deal with regularly here in the US will no longer exchange old EU currency for US dollars.l Why would they? The currency is 2 years old and not in use in Europe. Even Ruesch International balks at the suggestion. I stand by my statement that you have to go to an in-country national bank, and even then you take our chances. It's way past the date for changing your old European currency for new ones.

As I related on another thread tonight, a few weeks ago I waltzed into a local Travelex Travel office (formerly Thomas Cooke) and they converted my ITL into euro without batting an eye. I had to go to the Bank Of The Netherlands to exchange my guilders and to my knowledge that is currently the only major old currency which requires this (cashing in at the national bank of the country).