Is it better to get foreign currency at the airport?


Is it better to get foreign currency at the airport? It is cheaper to exchange money at the bank (or by using an ATM) than the airport. That's because currency exchange stores and kiosks at the airports mark up the exchange rate to make a profit. They know that travelers who just got off a plane probably need money right away.


How much do airports charge for currency exchange?

Most charge a fee or service charge of anywhere from $5 to $15, and the exchange rate you get can be seven to 15 percent worse than the standard bank rate. Though better options exist, many international travelers simply don't know what they are and end up trading money at the airport for the sake of simplicity.


Should I bring cash when traveling internationally?

Foreign currency enables you to pay like a local, provides an important backup payment method, and is the most common payment for small transactions. Use cash in addition to your card while traveling abroad to ease your payment worries.


Is it cheaper to get foreign currency at the airport?

It is cheaper to exchange money at the bank (or by using an ATM) than the airport. That's because currency exchange stores and kiosks at the airports mark up the exchange rate to make a profit. They know that travelers who just got off a plane probably need money right away.


How much cash should you travel with internationally?

The general consensus is that you should have $50 to $100 in cash per day for each traveler.


Should you get euros before traveling?

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.
Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.


How much cash should I bring to Europe?

A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling.