The reason they don't give live rates is because they update the rates frequently to give the best rate. So your quoted rate may change by the time you show up to exchange your money. All the institutional firms widen the spread and build in the volatility at your expense. Trust me on this, I've been in the business 15 years. Do a test for yourself. Take $100 and go to every exchange booth in the city to see who gives you best rate. Now, stop making comments on something you don't have enough information on and wipe that one star grin off your face, uninformed.