Berlin Company Exchange

One aspect that makes Hong Kong one of the world’s most international cities is the fact they have currency exchange counters in practically every neighborhood. Berlin is probably the most organized, up-​to-​date, and more importantly, offers the best exchange rate anywhere in HK. There might be a few window spots in Kowloon that may offer a marginally better rate, but one can never go wrong by coming here.
First and foremost, check their website (
) for the most current information and exchange rates. It is updated daily and should reflect super competitive rates. Give it a gander before going in as its practically a requirement. Next, make an appointment by giving them a call (at 2523 3403) because …
The lines are terribly long during peak hours. 40 – 70 minute waits for walk-​ins aren’t unfathomable and it gets extra annoying watching people (with appointments) waltz by as if there is no line. Once the security allows for you get into the elevator (which holds 6 – 7 at most), the next stop is the 17^th floor where a tiny (!) office space crowded with people will likely stand until called. For potential walk-​ins who can’t wait, one might be better off sacrificing the few bucks for a worse off rate at one of the street side exchange spots. Busy Hong Kongers hate to wait, but saving money has more priority.
Non-​Chinese speakers fear not, they speak great English here. There are guys behind a bullet proof glass that are constantly counting money and an entire office behind them verifying currency and handling money. There is nothing shady about the operation; I wish I could say the same about the Kowloon ones.
Lastly, if you’re in a rush for local currency and use a non-​fee ATM card like Charles Schwab then hit the ATMs. For all other currency exchanges and situations, Berlin is the place to be.

Be careful! Yes this place has very attractive exchange rates and I’ve used their service many times. But this time was my first time that I’d walked up and brought up foreign currency to exchange back to hkd. (Previous time were all when I’d called ahead to set the agreed amount first.) Anyway, the clerk took my cash and went to the desk to count with the machine. He came back saying that it was £40 less than the amount that I said. And I had just counted the cash a few minutes before. I counted it again and sure enough it was £40 less. The desk where he counted it was within viewing distance but he put the cash into the machine a few times with the machine turned away from me. That’s probably where and when he siphoned off the £40. Lesson learned — have the clerk count the cash in front of you.

This place seriously has the BEST exchange rate (in probably, if not definitely, all of Hong Kong).
Why only 4 stars? I’m definitely a fan, but the lines are ridiculously long. When I came here in 2011, the lines were definitely not as crazy as they are now. Last year was the first time I’ve been back here since 2011 and I was in awe how popular this place has become. It’s ridiculous. It was really inefficient last year as it loops into the stairs and across, but now they have people waiting in the lobby which is much more organized. Plus for efficiency and improvement!
The rate here beats all the other bank exchange rates I’ve researched into.