Can I Exchange Currency at Airports?

Most major international airports provide a currency exchange service such as Travelex or International Currency Exchange. Travel companies advise exchanging a small amount of currency for the country of destination to use for transfers to the hotel or phone calls home.

Rate

The airport currency exchange bureaus will exchange U.S. dollars but travelers will find a better rate of exchange at banks or travel companies on U.S. soil. Shopping around for the best deal might save a few dollars and gain a better rate of exchange.

Time Frame

Travelers should keep in mind that banks or travel companies might need a few days to order the currency of the destination country. If traveling to some of the more obscure places in the world, order your currency well in advance of travel.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks provide an alternative to carrying large amount of cash in foreign currency. Most foreign hotels or banks will cash them in the country of your destination. Traveler's checks can only be cashed by the bearer with a form of ID.

References

• Travelex: World Wide Money
• American Express: Travelers Cheques
• ICE (International Currency Exchange): Travel Money, Travel Insurance, Foreign Exchange Bureaux, Exchange Rates

Resources

• Guardian Money: Airport Currency Exchange Leaves Holidaymakers out of Pocket