Currency Exchange At Rdu Airport: Where And How?

can you do currency exchanges at rdu airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers currency exchange services through Currency Exchange International, Travelex Worldwide Money, and ATMs. While it is convenient to exchange currency at the airport, exchange rates and fees can be less favourable compared to other options. To obtain better rates, travellers are advised to consider alternatives such as ordering currency online, using a multi-currency account or travel card, or withdrawing money from ATMs at their destination.

Characteristics Values
Currency exchange availability Yes, there is a currency exchange counter available at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).
Currency Exchange International location Terminal 2, Ticketing Area/Pre-Security and Gate C1
Hours 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Ticketing Area/Pre-Security), 3 – 7 p.m. (Gate C3)
Currencies offered British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, Euros, Icelandic Krónur, Japanese Yen, Mexican Peso, Swiss Francs, and more
Pre-ordering Possible to pre-order currency 48 hours in advance
Alternative options ATMs, multi-currency accounts, travel cards, banks

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Currency exchange locations at RDU

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has one currency exchange location, Currency Exchange International, in Terminal 2. It can be found in the Ticketing Area/Pre-Security and at Gate C1. The Ticketing Area/Pre-Security desk is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the desk at Gate C3 is open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exchange office accepts British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, Euros, Icelandic Krónur, Japanese Yen, Mexican Pesos, and Swiss Francs. You can also pre-order currency 48 hours in advance.

While it is convenient to exchange money at the airport, exchange rates at the airport tend to be less favourable than those in the city. It is recommended that you compare the fees quoted and the exchange rate with other services before using the airport exchange service.

You can also exchange money at an ATM, or by ordering foreign currency online for airport collection, which often offers a better exchange rate.

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RDU exchange rates and fees

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has one currency exchange counter, Currency Exchange International, located in Terminal 2, Ticketing Area/Pre-Security and Gate C1. The exchange is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Ticketing Area/Pre-Security and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gate C3.

While currency exchange services at RDU are convenient, they may not offer the best exchange rates and fees. Airport currency exchanges often have higher overall costs due to a lack of competition, and fees may be added to the exchange rate. Therefore, it is recommended to compare the fees quoted and the exchange rate used to determine the true cost of the service.

There are alternative options for exchanging currency that may offer better rates and lower fees. One option is to open a multi-currency account or order a travel card, which can provide flexible spending and withdrawal with low overall costs. Another option is to pre-order your foreign currency online from providers such as CXI and collect it at the airport, which can offer a better exchange rate and guarantee that the currency is available. Additionally, using an ATM to withdraw cash in the local currency at your destination can be a convenient option, but it is important to check if your card issuer imposes high fees on foreign transactions and withdrawals.

It is worth noting that customers rank exchange services based on cost, convenience, and ease of use. Therefore, it is advisable to check the most up-to-date information online and compare different currency exchange services before making a decision.

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Money-saving alternatives

Exchanging currency at an airport is usually not a good idea due to the high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Here are some money-saving alternatives to consider:

Exchange currency at your bank or credit union:

Your bank or credit union typically offers the best exchange rates and lowest fees. They may have foreign currency available for exchange in-branch or allow you to order it online or by phone for delivery to your home. However, some banks may charge a small fee for exchanging certain currencies or may not buy back all types of foreign currency.

Use a forex or multi-currency account:

Consider opening a forex or multi-currency account, which allows you to save money in a foreign currency and make transactions without incurring fees for each swipe of your card. These accounts offer flexibility and competitive exchange rates, and you can load money onto them whenever you want.

Pre-order currency online:

Some providers, such as Currency Exchange International and CXI, allow customers to pre-order their foreign currency online and collect it at the airport. This option often provides better exchange rates than over-the-counter services and ensures that the currency you need is available.

Use credit or debit cards:

Using credit or debit cards that offer competitive exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees can be a safer and more cost-effective alternative to carrying large amounts of cash. These cards provide fraud protection and safety features, such as the option to freeze them if misplaced. However, be mindful of potential foreign transaction fees, which can add up over time.

Plan ahead and compare rates:

If you have time before your trip, compare the exchange rates and fees offered by different providers, including banks, credit unions, and online services. By planning ahead, you can make informed decisions and secure the best rates for your currency exchange.

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Foreign currency ATMs

When travelling through Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), foreign currency ATMs can be found on the Terminal 2 concourse. While ATMs offer a viable option for currency exchange, it is worth noting that airport exchange rates are often less favourable than those found in city exchanges, where competition drives costs down.

Additionally, travellers can consider alternative methods such as multi-currency accounts or travel cards, which can provide better exchange rates and lower fees. These cards allow users to hold foreign currencies in a digital account and make payments or withdrawals in the local currency as needed.

For those who prefer an over-the-counter service, currency exchange counters are available at RDU. These provide a fast and convenient option for exchanging money, although they may also come with high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Therefore, it is recommended to research the most up-to-date information and compare different currency exchange services before making a decision.

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Currency exchange recommendations

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has currency exchange services available, with Currency Exchange International and Travelex Worldwide Money offices located in Terminal 2. There are also foreign currency ATMs on the Terminal 2 concourse.

However, it is generally recommended that you avoid exchanging money at the airport due to unfavourable exchange rates and high fees. Instead, it is suggested that you consider the following alternatives:

  • Ordering currency online for airport collection, which can often provide a better exchange rate and guarantee availability.
  • Using a multi-currency account or travel card, which can offer flexible spending and withdrawal at lower overall costs.
  • Exchanging currency at a city exchange, where competition may drive the cost down.
  • Withdrawing money from an ATM upon arrival at your destination, which can provide a better exchange rate and convenience.
  • Ordering currency from your bank, either for pickup or to be sent to your home address.

It is always a good idea to carry some local cash when travelling, and to let your bank and credit card companies know that you are travelling abroad to ensure your cards will work overseas.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can exchange currency at RDU. There are currency exchange counters in Terminal 2, including Travelex Worldwide Money offices and Currency Exchange International.

Exchange rates at airport currency exchanges are often less favourable than those in city exchanges. Customers report that exchange places "rip you off" with high fees and uncompetitive exchange rates.

You can order foreign currency online from your bank or use an ATM at your destination. You can also consider opening a multi-currency account or ordering a travel card, which can offer better exchange rates and lower fees.

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