Lois Larson
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport. While you can exchange money at the airport, you may not get a good deal. Travelex, which has 12 outlets at the airport, offers currency exchange services, but its rates may not be favourable. Airport currency exchangers tend to offer poor rates because they cater to a captive market. If you need euros, it is recommended that you exchange your money after you land at your destination, where the rate will likely be better. You can also withdraw euros from a bank ATM at your destination, but make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exchange dollars for euros at Atlanta Airport | Possible |
| Good exchange rate | No |
| Alternative | Using an ATM in Europe, ordering foreign cash from the bank before departing, or using a credit card |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange at Atlanta Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport. It has 12 Travelex outlets where you can exchange currency, as well as Travelex ATMs that dispense dollars, euros, and other currencies. However, exchanging currency at the airport is generally not recommended due to unfavourable exchange rates and high fees.
If you need euros before your trip, it is recommended that you order them from your bank, as they will often provide a better exchange rate than the airport. Alternatively, you can use an ATM at your destination to withdraw euros directly. This way, you can avoid the high fees and poor exchange rates associated with airport currency exchange services.
When using an ATM abroad, it is important to inform your bank of your travel plans and be mindful of any fees or charges that may apply. It is also advisable to choose to be charged in the local currency when given the option, as this will usually result in a better exchange rate.
Additionally, consider using a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for expenses while travelling, eliminating the need to exchange large amounts of cash.
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Using an ATM at the airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport provides ATM services for passengers to withdraw cash in the local currency. While this is a convenient option, it is important to note that you cannot withdraw euros from an ATM in the USA. Therefore, if you are looking to exchange dollars for euros, using an ATM at the Atlanta airport will not be a viable option.
However, if you still decide to use an ATM at the airport, here is some general information on using an airport ATM to obtain foreign currency. First, it is essential to understand that exchange rates at airport ATMs tend to be unfavourable. The exchange rate you receive may differ significantly from the mid-market rate, resulting in higher costs for your transaction. Additionally, your card issuer may impose high fees on foreign currency transactions and withdrawals, further reducing the benefits of using an airport ATM.
To ensure you get a fair deal, it is recommended to compare exchange rates and fees before choosing an ATM. You can use online currency converters to check the mid-market rate and identify providers that offer rates closest to it. Additionally, consider using a multi-currency card from providers like Wise or Revolut, which allow you to hold foreign currencies in a digital account and make local currency ATM withdrawals with reduced fees.
If you have the option, exchanging money at your destination is generally recommended, as you are more likely to find better exchange rates there. ATMs are readily available throughout Europe, and withdrawing cash directly from a European ATM will provide you with euros at a more competitive rate compared to exchanging dollars at the Atlanta airport.
In summary, while using an ATM at the Atlanta airport may offer convenience, it is not the optimal choice for exchanging dollars for euros due to potentially unfavourable exchange rates and card fees. Instead, consider obtaining a small amount of euros from your bank before departing or using a multi-currency card, and plan to withdraw the majority of your cash directly from ATMs at your European destination to take advantage of better exchange rates.
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Getting euros before you leave the USA
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport. While you can exchange money there, you may not get a good deal. Airport currency exchangers tend to offer poor rates because they cater to a captive market.
If you need euros before you leave the USA, it is recommended that you order them from your bank. Some banks may offer this service for free, but be aware that you may be given a poor exchange rate.
Another option is to use a service like Transferwise. If you have a USD bank account, you can transfer money between accounts using the real mid-market exchange rate.
If you decide to exchange currency at the airport, be sure to shop around for the best rate. Compare the rates you're offered to the mid-market rate that you can find online. Remember that the more money you exchange, the more you will lose out if the exchange rate is poor.
You can also get euros once you arrive in Europe. Using your credit card or a debit card with no foreign transaction fees is a good way to avoid poor exchange rates. You can also use an ATM to withdraw cash in the local currency, but be aware that you may be charged a fee for this.
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Avoiding bad exchange rates
While it is possible to exchange dollars for euros at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it is not advisable due to the high fees and poor exchange rates. Here are some tips to help you avoid bad exchange rates:
Plan ahead
Don't wait until you get to the airport to exchange your currency. Planning ahead can help you avoid getting stuck with a bad deal out of desperation. Spend some time before your trip deciding on a plan and getting a good deal on the exchange rate. Check online currency converters and compare the deal you're offered to the mid-market rate. If you're offered a bad rate, don't settle—keep looking.
Use your bank
Before your trip, head to your bank or credit union to avoid paying ATM transaction costs abroad. Some banks will exchange your dollars into foreign currency before and after your trip if you have a checking or savings account with them. Banks like Citibank and Bank of America may not charge a fee and will provide options such as conducting the transaction online or mailing you the currency.
Use a foreign ATM
If you don't have time to get foreign currency before leaving, check if your bank has ATMs in your destination country or its cities. Using a foreign ATM will usually give you a better exchange rate than exchanging cash at the airport. When withdrawing money, make sure to select the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion, which gives a terrible exchange rate.
Spend your foreign coins
Since big-value coins are common in Europe, try to spend your foreign coins before leaving a currency zone. Spend them on small items or snacks, change them into bills, or give them away. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a bunch of coins that are worthless in the next country.
Know approximate exchange rates
It's important to have a rough idea of what the unit of currency you're exchanging for is worth in American dollars. This will help you determine if you're getting a fair deal and avoid being shortchanged.
By following these tips, you can avoid bad exchange rates and make the most of your money when exchanging dollars for euros.
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Alternative ways to pay for things abroad
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport does allow you to exchange dollars for euros, but the exchange rates at airports are notoriously bad. So, what are some alternative ways to pay for things abroad?
Firstly, you can use your credit card for purchases where possible and use ATMs to withdraw local currency for when you need to pay in cash. Using a credit card will allow you to get the wholesale exchange rate, which is more favourable than the retail rate posted at currency exchange facilities. However, it is important to notify your card issuer before your trip so that unusual transactions do not trigger a fraud alert and freeze your account.
Secondly, you can use a specialist travel credit card. These cards do not have fees for spending overseas, and they give you an exchange rate close to the mid-market rate. Some even offer perks such as cashback, air miles, or other travel-related rewards. However, you will need to pass a credit check and make sure you can pay back whatever you spend.
Thirdly, you can use a prepaid travel card. These cards can be loaded with cash and allow you to lock in an exchange rate in advance. While locking in an exchange rate can be beneficial for budgeting, you may not get the best rate.
Lastly, you can use a debit card, but this may come with high fees for using it outside of your home country. If you plan to use a debit card, it is important to check whether your bank has fees for using your card abroad and whether there are any ATM withdrawal limits.
Overall, by using a combination of credit cards, travel credit cards, prepaid travel cards, and debit cards, you can effectively pay for things abroad without having to rely on unfavourable currency exchange rates at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange dollars for euros at the Atlanta Airport. Travelex has several branches in four of Atlanta's airports. However, the exchange rates at the airport may not be favourable.
Exchange rates at the airport are notoriously bad. People passing through an airport are a captive market and don't have many other places to go to get foreign currency.
It is recommended to exchange only the cash you need for immediate expenses like a taxi from the airport. You can then head into town to find a better rate for the rest.
You can use an ATM to withdraw cash in the local currency when you arrive at your destination. You can also order foreign cash from your bank before departing or use a credit card that has no exchange fee or transaction charges.
Check an online currency converter and compare the deal you're being offered to the mid-market rate. You can also look for providers that offer "zero fees" or "no commission" on currency exchange products.
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