Lois Larson
Chicago O'Hare International Airport offers currency exchange services, including euros. However, exchanging currency at the airport can be expensive due to high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. It is recommended to compare rates and fees before deciding to exchange currency at the airport. Alternatives include exchanging money at a bank before travelling, ordering foreign currency online for airport collection, or withdrawing cash from an ATM at your destination airport or a local bank, which often offers better exchange rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange options at O'Hare International Airport | Over-the-counter service, online pre-order, and ATMs |
| Number of currency exchange locations | 4 |
| Currency exchange service providers | Seaway National Bank |
| Seaway National Bank branch locations | Terminal 1 (gates B9 and C18), Terminal 2 (Main Hall), Terminal 3 (gate K11), Terminal 5 (baggage, lower, and upper levels) |
| Seaway National Bank branch hours | Daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, with the branch in Terminal 5's upper level open until 8:30 pm |
| ATM providers | Bank of America, Wells Fargo |
| ATM locations | Bank of America: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4; Wells Fargo: Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 |
| ATM hours | 24/7 |
| Tips | Compare exchange rates and fees before choosing a currency exchange option; consider using an ATM at your destination airport or a multi-currency card from Wise |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange locations at O'Hare airport
Currency exchange at O'Hare International Airport is offered by the Seaway Bank, which has several locations across the airport. The bank provides fast and convenient currency exchange services, along with other amenities such as advancing credit cards for buying foreign currency.
Passengers can also refer to the official map of the airport to find the exact location of currency exchange services, as the map shows the presence of banking services at each terminal. It is also recommended to call the exchange service in advance to ensure they have enough money and the required currency in stock, especially if you plan to exchange larger amounts.
There are a few options for exchanging money at O'Hare Airport:
- Over-the-counter service: Exchange money on the spot by visiting a currency exchange location and paying in cash or with a card. This option is convenient if the exchange office has the currency you need, but it can be expensive due to high fees and exchange rates.
- Online pre-order: Some providers, such as CXI, allow customers to order their foreign currency online for airport collection, ensuring a better exchange rate and availability of the desired currency.
- ATMs: Withdrawing cash in the local currency at your destination through ATMs is another option, as they are commonly available and can offer fair exchange rates.
It is worth noting that airport currency exchange services generally have higher costs due to a lack of competition. Therefore, comparing options before exchanging money at the airport is advisable to ensure you get the best deal.
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Using an ATM at O'Hare airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has several options for exchanging money and accessing cash. The airport is equipped with ATMs, currency exchange locations, and banks.
ATMs at the airport are a convenient option for travellers who need to withdraw cash in the local currency upon arrival. They are commonly available and can offer a fair exchange rate. However, it is worth noting that using an ATM at your destination may be cheaper. Additionally, some US banks are partnered with foreign banks, which can result in lower or no fees for their customers.
If you plan to use an ATM at O'Hare Airport, it is advisable to inform your bank in advance to ensure that your card can be used without any restrictions. It is also important to be cautious when carrying large amounts of cash at the airport, as travellers are often targets for petty thieves.
For those who prefer not to use ATMs, currency exchange services are available at the airport. O'Hare Airport has four currency exchange locations, offering over-the-counter services where you can exchange money by paying in cash or with a card. However, airport currency exchange services typically charge higher fees and may have less competitive exchange rates compared to other options.
To ensure you get the best value, it is recommended to compare exchange rates and fees before deciding. One cost-effective alternative is to use a multi-currency card, which provides conversions at the mid-market exchange rate without any markups or hidden fees.
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Using an ATM at your destination airport
Advantages of Using an ATM at Your Destination Airport:
- Convenience and Accessibility: ATMs are commonly available at most international airports, making it easy to withdraw cash in the local currency as soon as you arrive.
- Fair Exchange Rates: ATMs generally offer more favourable exchange rates than currency exchange booths at airports. They provide the bank exchange rate, which is typically competitive and closer to the mid-market rate.
- Lower Fees: While ATM transactions may incur fees, they are often lower than the fees charged by currency exchange services at airports. These fees can be further minimised by using ATMs from specific banks that have a presence at the airport.
Things to Consider:
- Transaction Limits and Charges: Be aware of any transaction limits or withdrawal fees imposed by your bank or the ATM operator. These fees may vary depending on the ATM provider and your location.
- Network Compatibility: Check the network logo on your ATM card (e.g., Plus, Cirrus) and verify which banks in your destination country participate in that network. This ensures compatibility and ease of use when withdrawing cash.
- Card Acceptance and Security: Ensure that your debit or credit card is widely accepted in your destination country. Additionally, be cautious when using ATMs to safeguard against potential fraud or theft, especially in unfamiliar locations.
- Cash Carrying Risks: Carrying large amounts of cash may be inconvenient or risky. Consider having a mix of cash and payment cards to balance security and accessibility.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about using an ATM at your destination airport to obtain local currency. It is generally a convenient and cost-effective option, but it is always recommended to research the specific circumstances of your destination and financial situation.
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Ordering foreign currency online for airport collection
When travelling, it is almost always better to order foreign currency before arriving at the airport. Airport currency exchange services usually have high fees and unfavourable exchange rates due to a lack of competition.
One option is to order foreign currency from your bank before travelling. Most major banks allow you to order foreign currency online, by phone, or at a local branch, and some banks offer free shipping. Banks typically offer better exchange rates than airport currency exchanges. However, it is important to check your bank's exchange rate before initiating the transaction. There may also be a minimum and maximum amount of foreign currency you can order.
Another option is to use a service such as Travelex or AAA, which allow you to order foreign currency online and choose home delivery or airport collection. Ordering online in advance can help you get a better exchange rate and ensure that the currency you need is available.
If you decide to exchange currency at the airport, it is a good idea to compare a few options to get the best deal. You can exchange money on the spot at a currency exchange location, but this can be expensive due to high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Some airports also have ATMs that offer fair exchange rates, and it may be more cost-effective to use a multi-currency card from a service like Wise. Additionally, if you plan to exchange a large amount of money, it is recommended to call the exchange service in advance to ensure they have enough cash on hand.
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Using a multi-currency card
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four currency exchange locations. However, airport currency exchange services are often expensive due to a lack of competition, high fees, and unfavourable exchange rates. Therefore, it is recommended to compare a few options before exchanging money at the airport. One cost-effective alternative is to use a multi-currency card, such as those offered by Wise, Travelex, or Revolut.
A multi-currency card, also known as a travel money card or prepaid currency card, is not linked to your bank account, providing an extra layer of security. It allows you to keep and spend multiple currencies when you travel, reducing the amount of cash you need to carry. You can use these cards to make purchases in stores, online, and to withdraw cash at ATMs worldwide, just like a debit or credit card.
With a multi-currency card, you can often lock in your exchange rates, protecting your budget from unexpected currency fluctuations. Some cards, like the Travelex Money Card, offer free cash access with no overseas ATM charges. Additionally, these cards provide security features such as freezing/unfreezing your card and 24/7 global assistance if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged.
When choosing a multi-currency card, consider the available currencies, withdrawal limits, and associated fees. For example, the Post Office Travel Money Card supports EUR, USD, and AUD, with specific daily cash withdrawal limits and charges for each currency. It is also essential to understand the card's terms and conditions, including any spending or withdrawal fees that may apply.
By using a multi-currency card, you can avoid the hassle of exchanging physical currency at the airport and benefit from competitive exchange rates and convenient access to your funds while travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chicago O'Hare International Airport has four currency exchange locations where you can exchange money for Euros.
You can either exchange money on the spot by visiting a currency exchange location and paying in cash or with a card, or you can order your foreign currency online for airport collection, which may give you a better exchange rate.
Yes, there are several ATMs available at O'Hare Airport, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo ATMs, which are open 24/7.
Currency exchange services at airports tend to be more expensive than other options due to a lack of competition. It is recommended to compare exchange rates and fees before deciding to exchange your money at the airport.
Yes, some travellers suggest waiting until you arrive at your destination to withdraw cash in the local currency from an ATM, as this can offer a fair exchange rate. You could also consider using a multi-currency card, which may provide conversions at the mid-market exchange rate without any additional fees.
