Jazmin Li
Heathrow Airport offers currency exchange services, allowing travellers to exchange money before or after their flight. Currency exchange desks are located throughout the airport's four terminals, providing a convenient option for travellers who need to convert their cash. However, it is essential to consider the exchange rates and fees offered at the airport, as they may not always provide the most favourable deals. With some advance planning, travellers can often find better rates and lower fees by ordering currency online or using ATMs outside the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange companies at Heathrow Airport | Travelex, Moneycorp, American Express, Thomas Cook, International Currency Exchange (ICE) |
| Number of currencies available | 50-80 |
| Terminals with currency exchange | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Pre-ordering options | Yes |
| Online ordering options | Yes |
| Home delivery options | Yes |
| Commission fees | Yes, but some companies offer 0% commission |
| ATM withdrawal options | Yes |
| Credit card usage | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange desks at Heathrow Airport
Currency exchange desks, also known as bureaux de change, can be found throughout Heathrow Airport's four terminals. These currency exchange desks are operated by Travelex, a trusted foreign exchange company and specialist provider of foreign exchange with over 45 years of experience. Travelex offers best price guarantees and competitive rates on up to 60 currencies, including Euros, Dollars, and the UAE Dirham.
In addition to Travelex, there are two other vendors offering currency exchange services at Heathrow Airport: Moneycorp and American Express. Moneycorp offers a range of 80 currencies and can be found in every terminal. American Express, located at terminals one, three, and four, also provides great rates on foreign currency and travellers' cheques.
It is recommended to compare exchange rates and fees before choosing a currency exchange desk at Heathrow Airport, as rates at the airport may not be as competitive as those found elsewhere. For example, some travellers suggest using an ATM outside of the airport or exchanging currency before arriving at the airport. Additionally, ordering currency online in advance and collecting it at the airport may result in better rates and lower commissions.
However, if you need to exchange currency at the airport, the currency exchange desks at Heathrow Airport provide a convenient option with a wide range of currencies available. You can find these desks before and after security, as well as in the arrivals and baggage reclaim halls. The friendly staff at these desks will be able to assist you with your currency needs and provide travel money tips.
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The best way to get travel money
While it may seem convenient to exchange currency at the airport, it is not always the best option in terms of exchange rates and fees. Here are some alternative ways to get travel money that may offer better value:
Pre-order currency online for airport collection:
If you want the convenience of picking up your travel money at the airport, consider pre-ordering your currency online from a provider like Travelex. By ordering in advance, you can often get better exchange rates and avoid additional fees. You can then collect your currency from a bureau de change or ATM at the airport before your flight.
Use a travel money card:
A travel money card, such as the Travelex Money Card or a specialist card like Currensea, allows you to preload your foreign currency and use it for ATM withdrawals and purchases abroad. These cards can be ordered online or purchased at some airport bureau de change, offering a secure and convenient way to access your funds.
Compare exchange rates:
Exchange rates can vary significantly between providers, so it's worth comparing rates before committing. Use online tools like TravelMoneyMax to find the best exchange rates from multiple bureaux de change. By purchasing your currency from a provider with competitive rates, you can make your money go further.
Buy currency in advance:
Exchanging currency at your destination can often result in poor rates and limited options. It is generally recommended to buy your travel money before you go, allowing you to shop around for the best rates and avoid the higher fees often associated with tourist hotspots.
Consider a credit card or specialist overseas card:
If you anticipate needing to make large purchases or deposits while abroad, consider using a credit card or a specialist overseas card. These cards can offer favourable exchange rates and are often required by car rental companies. By keeping these cards specifically for foreign transactions, you can avoid the high fees typically associated with overseas spending.
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Exchange rates and fees
Heathrow Airport has many bureau de change desks across its four terminals, with two companies—Moneycorp and Travelex—operating in each terminal. While convenient, exchanging currency at the airport may not be the best option in terms of rates and fees.
Travelex, the world's biggest foreign currency provider, offers different exchange rates for online orders and currency exchange arranged at the airport. The company provides best exchange rates on up to 60 currencies, including Euros, Dollars, and UAE Dirham, with no commission on online orders and zero fees for click-and-collect purchases. However, the currency exchange rate offered for purchases at the airport may not be as competitive as those found elsewhere.
Moneycorp, the other provider at Heathrow, also offers a wide range of currencies and allows you to order online and pick up your money at the airport, potentially securing better rates and lower commissions.
Ordering currency online in advance, either through the providers at Heathrow or other services, can often be the best option for securing favourable exchange rates and lower fees. Services like Wise and the Post Office allow you to order currency online and get it delivered to your home or a nearby branch. Wise offers a multi-currency account and a travel money card to make ATM withdrawals and payments in the local currency, while the Post Office provides improved rates for larger purchases, charges 0% commission, and offers competitive rates on over 70 foreign currencies.
Additionally, using an ATM at Heathrow Airport or elsewhere in Great Britain to withdraw cash in the local currency is an alternative option that may provide better exchange rates and lower fees. However, it is important to consider any ATM fees or transaction charges that may apply.
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Buying currency in advance
It is generally recommended to buy currency in advance, as airport currency exchange rates are among the worst you'll find. Airport kiosks charge premium rates, and it is not uncommon for them to charge 14% more than the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) exchange rate. Some also charge additional fees on top of the poor exchange rate.
Ordering currency in advance from your bank can help you get a better exchange rate and lower fees. Major banks usually have branches abroad or partner with other banks to create a network. Using those ATMs can provide a decent exchange rate while eliminating out-of-network ATM fees. If you end up using a non-network ATM, pay attention to ATM fees, which usually run about $5 per transaction.
When buying currency in advance, it is important to understand all the fees involved. For example, some banks charge a service fee for transactions under a certain amount, though this may be waived for premium accounts. There may also be shipping fees for delivering the currency to you, which can sometimes be avoided by picking up the cash at a local branch.
In addition to buying currency from a bank, you can also order currency online from foreign exchange specialists like Travelex, which has locations at Heathrow Airport. They offer competitive currency rates with no hidden charges and 0% commission. You can pre-order online and then collect the currency before you fly.
Another option is to get a travel money card, which you can preload with foreign currency before you travel. These cards can be used for ATM withdrawals and purchases when you're abroad. Travelex offers a travel money card, which you can order online or purchase at some of their bureau de change at the airport. Wise also offers a multi-currency account with a travel money card.
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Foreign exchange companies at Heathrow
There are two foreign exchange companies operating in every terminal at Heathrow Airport: Moneycorp and Travelex. Both are large, trusted foreign exchange companies, offering around 80 currencies.
Travelex is a market-leading specialist provider of foreign exchange, founded in 1976. It has built a network of foreign exchange stores and is a widely recognised brand in international money. Travelex offers its best exchange rates on up to 60 currencies, including Euros, Dollars, and UAE Dirham. There are over 30 Travelex locations across Heathrow terminals, and currency can be ordered in advance and collected at the airport. It is also possible to get currency conversion on the spot for some major currencies. Travelex also offers a travel money card, which can be pre-loaded with foreign currency and used for ATM withdrawals and purchases abroad.
Moneycorp also offers currency exchange services at Heathrow Airport, with the option to order currency online in advance and collect it at the airport.
It is worth noting that currency exchange rates at the airport might not be the most competitive, and advance planning can help travellers get a better deal. Ordering currency online through providers such as the Post Office can offer improved rates, 0% commission, and a greater variety of options.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange money at Heathrow Airport. There are bureau de change desks located in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
There are two companies operating in every terminal at Heathrow Airport: Moneycorp and Travelex. Alternatively, you can get foreign exchange at the branch of International Currency Exchange (ICE) situated in the Heathrow Airport London Underground Station.
It is convenient to exchange money at the airport, but the exchange rates and fees on offer might not be the best. Exchange rates tend to be very similar between the two companies operating at the airport, but you should still search for the best rate when you arrive. It is often best to order currency online in advance and collect it at the airport, as this allows you to take advantage of better rates.
To get the best exchange rate, it is recommended that you order your currency online in advance and collect it at the airport. You can do this through Travelex, Moneycorp, or the Post Office.
