Airport currency exchange is convenient but rarely offers the best rates. A little planning before you travel can save you a meaningful amount — especially on longer trips or larger amounts.
Airport exchange rates
Bureaux de change at UK airports — operated by companies such as Travelex and ICE — typically offer exchange rates that are 5–10% worse than the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google). On a £500 exchange, that could mean losing £25–£50 compared to a better alternative. The rates at airside bureaux (after security) are often worse than those in the check-in hall, because passengers have fewer options once they have passed through. If you do use an airport bureau, compare the rate displayed on the board against the mid-market rate on your phone before handing over any money.
Pre-ordering currency
Most airport bureaux de change offer a pre-order service where you lock in a rate online and collect your currency at the airport. This is almost always better than the walk-up rate — sometimes significantly so. Travelex, M&S Bank, and the Post Office all offer competitive pre-order rates. Order at least 24 hours before your flight to guarantee collection. This is the best option if you want cash in hand before you land.
Travel debit and credit cards
The best exchange rates for most travellers come from specialist travel cards that use the mid-market rate with no foreign transaction fees. Cards from Wise, Starling, and Chase (UK) all offer near-perfect exchange rates with no hidden fees. Revolut offers fee-free exchange up to a monthly limit on its free tier. These cards work at ATMs and for card payments abroad. Using a travel card for most spending and carrying a small amount of local cash for emergencies is the approach most experienced travellers use.
Using ATMs abroad
Withdrawing cash from an ATM at your destination is often better value than exchanging at a UK airport, provided you use a fee-free travel card. Avoid ATMs that offer to charge you in pounds rather than the local currency — this is called dynamic currency conversion and always gives you a worse rate. Always choose to be charged in the local currency. Be aware that some overseas ATMs charge their own withdrawal fees regardless of your card — these are set by the ATM operator, not your bank.
How much cash do you need?
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in Western Europe, North America, and Australia, so carrying large amounts of cash is rarely necessary. For destinations where cash is more commonly used — parts of Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and rural areas generally — it is worth having more local currency available. As a rough guide, carry enough cash for your first day's expenses (transport from the airport, a meal, any entrance fees) and use your travel card for everything else.
Quick tips
Never exchange currency at a hotel — the rates are almost always worse than airport bureaux. Avoid exchanging leftover foreign currency back to pounds at the airport on your return — the buy-back rate is typically very poor. If you have leftover coins, many airports have charity collection boxes that accept foreign currency. Check whether your destination country has restrictions on importing or exporting currency — some countries have limits on how much cash you can bring in.