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At the beginning of the 20th century, refugees from across Europe were creating an immigration boom – flocking to the 'promised land' in search of a new beginning.
Many were fleeing persecution, famine and poverty, and arrived in New York by boat with only a few possessions and a small amount of foreign currency.
The US authorities required immigrants to hold US dollars before they were allowed to enter the country. As a result, a number of opportunistic moneychangers operated at the Ellis Island Immigration Inspection Station. Many of these operators took advantage of the immigrants’ desperation to swindle them out of their life savings and valuables, offering unfavourable exchange rates. (Source: Page 97 and 98, Ellis Island: Immigration's Shining Centre).
Courtesty of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, DC, USA
In 1905, the US Immigration Department appointed American Express as the official provider of foreign exchange services on Ellis Island, supporting settlers with fair exchange rates to start their new lives and ventures.
In the years that followed, millions of new arrivals conducted their first business transaction on American soil at the small American Express teller's window on Ellis Island, before transportation to the mainland to begin their new lives, to grow businesses, and to build the entrepreneurial spirit that would come to define the new American century.
Courtesty of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, DC, USA
That same entrepreneurial spirit flourishes today in the thriving start-up culture of all developed countries, including, of course, Singapore.
Like the entrepreneurs that arrived at Ellis Island to complete their first currency exchange with us, we proudly support Singapore businesses to grow in the global marketplace.
Safe and simple international money transfer is a cornerstone of economic growth. We facilitate overseas payments and help customers to manage foreign exchange risk, so businesses can focus on expansion, at home and abroad.
Our business has changed dramatically since that Ellis Island contract of 1905. What hasn’t changed is our relationship of trust with the business builders of today. They display the same entrepreneurial spirit we have supported for over a century with a service built on trust, vigilance and security.
Watchdog Logo represents trust, security and vigilance
The information contained in this document has been prepared for general information and educational purposes only without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and is not designed to substitute for, or replace, a professional opinion about any particular business or situation or judgment about risks or appropriateness of any financial or business strategy or approach for any specific business or situation. This document is not a substitute for professional advice.
You should read the Terms and Conditions and consider the appropriateness of International Payments in relation to your individual requirements. For further information, please refer to the relevant Terms and Conditions
Important Note: Articles, comments and any other materials available on or through the FX International Payments website represent the views of their author and do not reflect the opinions or analysis of the American Express Company or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions. American Express makes no representation as to and is not responsible for, and does not validate, any information, opinions, assertions or statements expressed in any such materials, or the identity or credentials of the individuals communicating through the site. Information available on the site does not, and should not be relied upon to, replace the advice of your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
FX International Payments are arranged through American Express International Inc., (UEN S68FC1878J) Incorporated with Limited Liability in the State of Delaware, U.S.A. with a place of business at 1 Marina Boulevard, #22-00, One Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018989.
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