Being able to pack and head to a tourist destination without worrying about exchanging foreign currency is no longer a far-fetched dream in Shanghai, as a service center started operation on Tuesday in the most bustling People's Square Metro Station downtown.

The service center, set up by International Currency Exchange, runs from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm and provides exchange services for 19 currencies, including Hong Kong dollars, US dollars, pounds, New Zealand dollars, Danish krones and Swiss francs. Each customer can exchange up to $5,000 worth of foreign currency every day. The exchange rate given is also more favorable than that provided at airports.

According to the metro station operator, it is the first time an exchange service center has been introduced to the station. The center served more than 10 customers on its first day of operation. Customers only need to bring their identity card or passport to access the service. There is no commission charge for exchanging foreign currency or traveler's checks.

The operator said it took more than one year to coordinate between fire control, license issuing and safety monitoring systems and the currency transport route. They will explore more financial services to ease the life of residents.