Ruth Haines
Heathrow Airport offers currency exchange services, with bureaus located before and after security in terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Two companies, Moneycorp and Travelex, operate in each terminal, offering around 80 currencies. While it is convenient to exchange currency at the airport, it may not be the most cost-effective option, as rates tend to be less competitive, and you may have to pay a commission. However, pre-ordering currency online and opting for click-and-collect or in-store pickup at the airport can offer better rates and no commission fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange companies at Heathrow Airport | Moneycorp, Travelex, American Express, Thomas Cook |
| Number of currencies available | 50-80 |
| Best exchange rates | Online |
| Commission | Usually charged at the airport; 0% commission online |
| Best option | Pre-ordering currency online for collection at the airport |
| Travelex pre-order collection points | Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Travelex click-and-collect ATMs | Terminal 5 |
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What You'll Learn
Where to exchange currency at Heathrow Airport
Currency exchange at the airport is generally not the best idea as foreign exchange companies tend to offer less competitive rates and charge a commission fee. However, if you need to exchange currency at Heathrow Airport, you can do so at one of the two companies operating in every terminal: Moneycorp or Travelex. Both companies are large, trusted foreign exchange providers, offering around 80 currencies, including Euros, Dollars, and UAE Dirham.
Travelex has bureaux located before and after security in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, where you can purchase over 50 currencies in-store or collect currencies that you ordered online. Travelex also offers a "click and collect" service, allowing you to order online and collect your currency from one of their ATMs or stores in as little as 4 hours.
Moneycorp also offers the option to order currency online and pick it up on arrival at the airport. By ordering in advance, you may be able to find better exchange rates and lower commissions.
Additionally, you can order your currency online from the Post Office and have it delivered to your home or a nearby branch before your trip. The Post Office offers improved rates for larger purchases, 0% commission, and competitive rates on over 70 foreign currencies.
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Companies offering currency exchange at Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport offers currency exchange services, but it may not be the best place to exchange money due to potentially unfavourable exchange rates and commissions. As a general rule, it is recommended to compare rates and commissions before choosing a currency exchange service.
Travelex
Travelex is a well-known currency exchange company with a presence at Heathrow Airport. They offer competitive exchange rates on various currencies, including Euros, Dollars, and UAE Dirham. You can order your currency online and take advantage of no commission on online orders and zero fees for click-and-collect purchases. Travelex also offers a Travelex Money Card, which allows you to load up to 22 currencies and manage your balance through their app.
Moneycorp
Moneycorp is another large and trusted foreign exchange company operating in every terminal at Heathrow Airport. They offer a wide range of currencies, with competitive exchange rates and low or no commission on transactions. You can order your currency online and arrange to pick it up on arrival at the airport.
No1 Currency Exchange
No1 Currency Exchange has a store located in Heathrow Tube Station, offering excellent exchange rates on a wide range of currencies. They provide a click-and-collect service, allowing you to reserve your currency online and pay upon collection in-store.
ChangeGroup
ChangeGroup does not currently have a physical presence at Heathrow Airport, but they offer a currency delivery service. You can choose from a wide range of currencies and benefit from competitive online exchange rates with 0% commission. They also provide a home currency delivery service for a small fee.
In addition to these companies, there are other options for obtaining foreign currency, such as ordering online from the Post Office or using a travel money card, which can offer more favourable exchange rates and lower fees.
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The best way to get a good exchange rate at Heathrow Airport
While it is possible to exchange currency at Heathrow Airport, changing money at the airport is generally not advisable due to uncompetitive exchange rates and commission fees. However, if you need to exchange currency at the airport, there are ways to get a good exchange rate.
Firstly, it is worth noting that there are two companies operating in every terminal at Heathrow Airport where you can buy currency: Moneycorp and Travelex. Both companies offer exchange rates for around 50-80 currencies, and you can visit their stores and ATMs located before and after security in terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.
To get a good exchange rate, it is recommended to order your currency online in advance and collect it at the airport. This allows you to take advantage of better rates, save time at the airport, and avoid paying commission fees. Both Moneycorp and Travelex offer this service on their websites. Additionally, you can use the Click & Collect service offered by No1 Currency Exchange, located in Heathrow Tube Station, to reserve your travel money online and pay on collection in-store.
If you have more time before your trip, you can also get your currency delivered to your home address. The Post Office, for example, offers improved rates for larger purchases, charges 0% commission, and provides competitive rates for over 70 foreign currencies.
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How to save time when exchanging currency at Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport offers currency exchange services at bureaux located before and after security in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. However, exchanging currency at the airport may not be the best option in terms of rates and fees. Here are some tips to save time and get the most out of your currency exchange:
Order Currency Online in Advance
Ordering your currency online before arriving at the airport is often the best option to save time and get competitive exchange rates. Both Moneycorp and Travelex, the two companies operating currency exchange services at Heathrow Airport, offer the option to order currency online. By ordering in advance, you can compare exchange rates and potentially find lower or zero commission rates. You can then arrange to pick up your currency at the airport before your flight, avoiding long lines and saving time.
Use a Travel Money Card
Consider using a prepaid travel money card, such as Wise or Revolut, which offers great exchange rates, low or no fees, and the convenience of making payments and withdrawing cash at your destination. These cards are linked to multi-currency accounts that support a wide range of currencies and can automatically convert funds at the mid-market rate with low fees. This option eliminates the need to exchange currency at the airport and provides a secure alternative to carrying large amounts of cash.
Compare Exchange Rates
If you choose to exchange currency at Heathrow Airport, remember to compare the exchange rates offered by Moneycorp and Travelex. Exchange rates at the airport may not always be the most favourable, and you can potentially find better rates by ordering currency online in advance or using a travel money card. Additionally, be mindful of any commissions or hidden fees charged by the currency exchange providers.
Plan Ahead and Allow Sufficient Time
If you plan to exchange currency at Heathrow Airport, ensure you allow enough time before your flight. The bureaux are located both before and after security, so factor in potential queues and processing time for your transaction. By ordering currency online in advance or using a travel money card, you can reduce the time spent at the currency exchange counters and focus on enjoying your journey.
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Alternatives to exchanging currency at Heathrow Airport
While it is possible to exchange currency at Heathrow Airport, there are a number of alternative options available to travellers. These include:
- Ordering currency online in advance: This is often the best option as you can take advantage of better exchange rates and lower commissions. You can then collect your money upon arrival at the airport.
- Using a travel money card: Providers like Wise or Revolut offer travel money cards that can be used to make cheap and convenient payments and withdrawals with low or no fees and great exchange rates. This is a secure option as you won't need to carry large amounts of cash.
- Using a credit or debit card: If you have a card with low or no foreign transaction fees, you may be better off making an ATM withdrawal on arrival at your destination. ATMs are easy to find at most airports globally.
- Shopping around: If you've arrived at Heathrow without foreign currency, it may be worth shopping around at currency exchange stores outside of the airport, as airport exchange rates may not be the best available.
- Traveller's cheques: Although less common, traveller's cheques are a secure option as they can be cancelled and replaced if lost or stolen. However, they are not as convenient as other options as they need to be changed into cash and often have unfavourable exchange rates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange currency at Heathrow Airport. There are bureau de change desks in all four terminals.
There are two companies operating in every terminal at Heathrow Airport where you can buy currency: Moneycorp and Travelex. Both offer around 80 currencies and have stores and ATMs located before and after security in terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Exchanging currency at the airport is convenient, especially if you've forgotten to get currency before arriving at the airport. However, it's generally more expensive than exchanging currency before arriving at the airport. Exchange rates at the airport are often less competitive, and you usually have to pay a commission on your transactions.
