Roberta Aguirre
Birmingham International Airport offers currency exchange services, but it's worth noting that airport currency vendors often hike up their prices. If you're planning to exchange money at the airport, it's a good idea to call ahead and make sure they have the currency you need and enough cash on hand. To get the best rates, it's recommended that you order your foreign currency online in advance and then pick it up at the airport. Alternatively, you can use an ATM at the airport to withdraw cash in the local currency of your destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange options at Birmingham Airport | Over-the-counter service, online pre-order, ATMs |
| Best exchange rates at Birmingham Airport | Online pre-order, multi-currency accounts, travel cards |
| Currency exchange providers at Birmingham Airport | Travelex, CXI, eurochange |
| Tips for exchanging currency at Birmingham Airport | Call in advance for large amounts, compare rates, consider home delivery or branch pick-up |
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What You'll Learn
In-person exchange services
You can exchange your money in person at Birmingham International Airport by visiting a currency exchange location and paying in cash or with a card. You will be given your foreign currency in cash instantly. There are two currency exchange counters available at Birmingham International Airport, including Travelex. However, exchanging currency at the airport may not be the best option, as exchange rates and fees are often higher than elsewhere.
If you are exchanging a large amount of money, it is a good idea to call the exchange service in advance to ensure they have enough of the currency you need. Not all exchange desks stock all currencies, and the cash they keep in stock can be limited.
You can also exchange currency at the Post Office, which offers home delivery of travel money six days a week. Eurochange is another option, with over 240 branches across the UK, including six within 10 miles of the airport.
If you are looking for convenience, you can order your currency online for airport collection. This can often get you a better exchange rate compared to an on-the-spot exchange, and you are guaranteed that the exchange office will have the currency you need.
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Pre-ordering currency online
Pre-ordering your foreign currency online is a great way to ensure you get the best exchange rate and avoid the high fees associated with on-the-spot exchanges. Some providers, such as CXI, allow customers to order their foreign currency online and collect it at the airport. This guarantees that the exchange office will have the currency you need.
At Birmingham Airport, you can pre-order your currency with Travelex, who have outlets throughout the airport. They offer competitive exchange rates with no commission or hidden charges. You can order online and your currency will be ready for collection in as little as 4 hours. They offer over 40 currencies, including Euros, US Dollars, and UAE Dirham.
Another option is to use a multi-currency account or travel card, which can offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional currency exchange. The Wise multi-currency card is one such option, allowing you to load up to 15 currencies and manage your money through an app.
If you're exchanging a large amount of money, it's a good idea to call the exchange service in advance to ensure they have enough cash on hand. Not all exchange desks stock all currencies, so a quick phone call can save you hassle when you arrive at the airport.
Finally, remember that airport exchange rates are not usually the best option, so consider other methods such as ordering your currency online for delivery or using an ATM at your destination airport to withdraw cash in the local currency.
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Using ATMs
Birmingham International Airport offers a few options for currency exchange. One option is to use an ATM to withdraw cash in the local currency of your destination. ATMs are commonly available and can offer a fair exchange rate.
Travelex ATMs are located throughout Birmingham Airport, offering instant cash in Euros or British pounds. These ATMs accept most credit, debit, Maestro, and American Express cards.
While ATMs can be a convenient option, it is worth noting that some ATMs at Birmingham Airport charge a fee for their use, which can be around £1.75. Additionally, if you plan to exchange larger amounts of money, it is advisable to call the ATM provider in advance to ensure they can accommodate your request.
Compared to over-the-counter exchange services, ATMs may provide more competitive rates. However, it is generally recommended to plan ahead and order your foreign currency online for better rates and guaranteed availability. Services like euroChange and Travelex offer online ordering with the option of home delivery or airport collection.
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Multi-currency accounts
Birmingham Airport does offer currency exchange services. Travelex, which is available at the airport, offers instant cash in Euros or British pounds through its ATMs, which accept most credit, debit, Maestro, and American Express cards. You can also get foreign currency in cash instantly by visiting a currency exchange location and paying in cash or with a card. Some currency exchange services also allow customers to order foreign currency in advance for collection.
However, the exchange rates and fees on offer at the airport might not always be the most favourable. As such, you might want to consider a multi-currency account, which can help you get a better exchange rate and offers flexible spending and withdrawal with low overall costs.
A multi-currency account is typically an account at a bank or financial tech firm that lets you spend, receive, and hold multiple currencies. It can work like an international checking account with multiple sub-accounts, each with a different currency, allowing you to manage international payments without opening a new bank account overseas. Most multi-currency accounts are reserved for businesses and high-net-worth individuals through international or private banking services at banks such as Citibank and HSBC. However, fintech companies like Wise and Revolut offer multi-currency accounts to the general public and businesses.
With a multi-currency account, you can get country-specific bank details, such as a UK account number and a US routing number, allowing you to receive payments in different currencies. These accounts can also be linked to debit cards, enabling you to transact directly in foreign currencies without conversion fees. For example, DBS offers a multi-currency account that can be linked to an eligible DBS Visa Debit Card, allowing you to transact in foreign currencies without conversion fees. HSBC also offers a multi-currency account with access to up to 19 currencies and no HSBC fees.
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Travel money cards
Birmingham Airport offers currency exchange services, including over-the-counter exchanges, online pre-orders, and ATM withdrawals. However, airport currency exchange services may not offer the best exchange rates and fees. As an alternative, travellers can consider ordering a travel money card, which can provide better exchange rates and lower fees.
A travel money card, also known as a prepaid currency card, is a convenient and flexible option for travellers. It allows users to hold multiple currencies and switch between them while abroad. This eliminates the need for carrying large amounts of cash or travellers' cheques, making it a safer option. Additionally, travellers can benefit from more favourable exchange rates compared to traditional exchange desks or hotels.
One example of a travel money card is the Wise Prepaid Currency Card, which offers a range of features. With the Wise card, users can hold up to 40+ currencies and convert them at the mid-market rate with the free Wise app. It can be used instantly with Google Pay or Apple Pay, and withdrawals can be made from over 3 million ATMs worldwide. The Wise card also offers transparency in pricing, with no hidden fees, and users can spend any leftover currency in the UK for free.
Other providers, such as Mastercard and Visa, also offer prepaid travel cards. These cards provide security and convenience, allowing users to recover their money in case of loss or theft. They are widely accepted and are not linked to users' bank accounts. Additionally, cardholders can benefit from emergency services and assistance, such as blocking the card and protecting against unauthorised transactions.
In summary, travel money cards offer a secure, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to traditional currency exchange services. They are widely accepted, provide competitive exchange rates, and offer features such as ATM withdrawals, digital payments, and budget control. When considering a travel money card, it is essential to research the specific terms, conditions, and benefits offered by different providers to find the best option for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange money at Birmingham International Airport. Travelex is the world's largest travel money provider and has a branch at the airport. Eurochange also offers a click and collect service at Birmingham Airport.
You can exchange money at Birmingham Airport by visiting a currency exchange location and paying in cash or by card. You can also order your foreign currency online for airport collection, either through Travelex or CXI. Alternatively, you can use an ATM at the airport to withdraw cash in the local currency of your destination.
Exchanging money at the airport is convenient, especially if you are short on time before your flight. However, it can be expensive due to high fees and uncompetitive exchange rates. It is recommended that you order your currency online in advance for better rates and to ensure that the exchange office has the currency you need.
