Jazmin Li
Currency Exchange International (CXI) offers foreign currency exchange services at JFK International Airport. CXI has several locations within the airport, including in the T4 Arrivals Hall, T4 Departures Concourse B Gate 31, and T8 Shopping and Dining. CXI offers exchange services for over 80 foreign currencies, including shekels. They accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards for payments in US dollars. Credit and debit card transactions require valid government identification, and additional costs may apply.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange at JFK | Not recommended due to unfavourable rates |
| Alternative options | Withdraw shekels at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, use ATM or credit/debit card, or exchange cash at kiosks in Israel |
| Number of terminals | 5 (1, 4, 5, 7, and 8) |
| Location | Queens, New York |
| Annual passenger traffic | Over 48 million |
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What You'll Learn
Exchanging dollars to shekels at JFK vs. in Israel
Exchanging currency before travelling is often a necessity for travellers. If you are travelling from JFK Airport to Israel, you may be wondering whether to exchange your dollars to shekels at the airport or once you arrive in Israel. Here is some information to help you decide:
Exchanging Dollars to Shekels at JFK Airport
One option for exchanging your dollars for shekels is to do so at JFK Airport before your departure. There are currency exchange kiosks located within the airport that offer this service. However, it is important to note that the exchange rate at JFK Airport may not be favourable compared to other options. Some travellers have reported that the exchange rate at JFK is worse than in Israel, and even some users have suggested not exchanging money at JFK at all.
Exchanging Dollars to Shekels in Israel
Another option is to wait until you arrive in Israel to exchange your dollars for shekels. You can find money exchange kiosks throughout Israel, including at Ben Gurion Airport, that may offer better exchange rates than JFK Airport. Additionally, you can use your ATM/debit card to withdraw shekels directly from ATMs in Israel, which can be a convenient and secure option. It is recommended to notify your bank and credit card company about your travel plans to avoid any unexpected freezes on your cards.
Other Considerations
When deciding where to exchange your currency, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option. Exchanging money at JFK Airport may offer the convenience of having local currency in hand before departure, but the exchange rates may not be as favourable. On the other hand, exchanging money in Israel, either at exchange kiosks or through ATM withdrawals, can potentially provide better exchange rates, but you may need to have some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival. Additionally, some travellers prefer to carry a mix of cash and cards to balance their financial needs and security while travelling.
In summary, when deciding between exchanging dollars to shekels at JFK Airport or in Israel, it is generally recommended to wait until arriving in Israel, as you are likely to find more favourable exchange rates and have more flexibility with your financial options.
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Using an ATM card to withdraw shekels at JFK
When travelling, it is always a good idea to notify your bank and credit card company of your plans so that they do not freeze your card due to unexpected foreign activity.
JFK airport houses several ATMs from different banks, including HSBC, Cardtronics, J.P. Morgan, and Chase Bank. These ATMs are located at Terminals 4, 5, 6, and 7 and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, it is not recommended to exchange money at JFK airport as the rates are typically worse than in other places.
For example, one source suggests that you will get a better exchange rate in Israel than at JFK airport. Therefore, it is advisable to use your ATM card to withdraw shekels directly from ATMs in Israel rather than exchanging your money beforehand. Additionally, some travellers have reported that they obtained better exchange rates at money exchange kiosks in Israel than at banks.
If you need to exchange money before arriving in Israel, consider using the currency exchange services at JFK airport, such as Lenlyn Ltd. Ice Currency in Terminal 1 or Travelex Currency Services in Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
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Travelling with cash vs. credit cards
When travelling, it's important to consider the pros and cons of carrying cash or using a credit card.
Carrying Cash
Carrying cash is widely accepted as a form of payment and is a reliable method of paying in many countries. It can be a good way to stick to a budget, as you can't spend what you don't have. However, carrying large amounts of cash can be risky, as it is difficult to get back if lost or stolen.
Using Credit Cards
Credit cards are generally more secure than cash as they can be cancelled and replaced if lost or stolen, and you won't be held liable for unauthorised charges. They also offer rewards, such as cash back, points or miles on purchases, and can help build a positive credit history. However, there may be international transaction fees or currency conversion fees, and it is easy to overspend and return home with unwanted debt. Additionally, not all destinations or vendors accept credit cards, so it is important to have some cash on hand as well.
Shekels at JFK Airport
Regarding exchanging money for shekels at JFK Airport, it is generally recommended to wait until arriving in Israel, as the exchange rate will be better. It is also possible to use an ATM card to withdraw shekels from an airport ATM upon arrival.
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Re-issuing a debit card before travelling
When travelling, it is always a good idea to carry multiple valid cards to avoid being stranded without access to money. It is recommended to carry at least two permanent cards, such as a debit and a credit card, as temporary cards may not always work abroad. Additionally, replacement cards can take several days to arrive, which could be a problem if you're left without any means to pay.
Before travelling, it is important to take steps to ensure you can safely access your accounts from abroad. Firstly, inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent transactions from being flagged as suspicious and potentially blocked. Many banks offer online portals or mobile apps where customers can easily submit travel notices. It is also a good idea to set up travel alerts, which can notify you of any unusual activity, allowing you to take quick action if fraud occurs. Most banks offer customisable alert options, including notifications for large purchases or transactions in specific areas.
It is also recommended to memorise your PIN before travelling, as some international ATMs only support four-digit PINs and may not have letters on their keypads. Ensure your PIN does not start with a zero and that you know the numbers, rather than relying on the letters. Some foreign card readers may also require a PIN for credit card transactions, so it is important to know the PIN assigned to your card.
To further protect yourself from fraud, consider using a credit card for significant expenses like hotel stays or car rentals, as they often offer better purchase protection and make it easier to dispute charges. Additionally, many debit cards offer the option to process transactions as credit, providing an extra layer of protection by preventing direct access to the linked bank account.
Finally, it is crucial to keep a close eye on your account activity while travelling. Many banks offer mobile apps that allow users to monitor transactions in real-time, helping to quickly catch any unauthorised charges. In the event of a lost or stolen card, contact your bank immediately to have the card blocked. Familiarise yourself with your bank's procedures for reporting lost or stolen cards before travelling.
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Notifying your bank before travelling
It is not possible to exchange money for shekels at JFK Airport. It is recommended that you wait until you arrive in Israel and exchange your money there, as you will get a better rate than at the airport. Alternatively, you can use your ATM card to withdraw shekels from the airport once you arrive.
Now, onto the topic of notifying your bank before travelling:
It is always a good idea to notify your bank before travelling abroad. Banks are eager to protect you from identity theft and fraud, and if they notice transactions in unfamiliar locations or abnormal spending patterns, they may assume your card is being used fraudulently and block it. By letting your bank know about your travel plans, you can prevent this from happening. Most banks allow you to set up a travel alert on your account, either through online banking or by calling them directly. You can specify the countries you will be visiting and the dates of your trip.
In addition to notifying your bank, there are a few other financial precautions you should take before travelling. It is recommended to have multiple credit or debit cards and to keep one in a safe place separate from your wallet. Make sure you have a copy of your bank's customer service phone numbers and your account information in case you need to contact them while abroad. Check the expiration dates on your cards and memorise your PINs. Downloading your bank's mobile app can also make it easier to monitor and manage your funds while travelling.
It is also a good idea to ask your bank whether your card will work in the countries you are visiting and to inform yourself about the money exchange kiosks in your destination country. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether to bring cash or rely on your cards for transactions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Currency Exchange International (CXI) has several locations in the airport where travellers can exchange foreign currency.
CXI has locations in the following areas of the airport: T4 Arrivals Hall, T4 Concourse B18, T4 Departures Concourse B Gate 31, T4 Retail Hall East, T4 Retail Hall West, T5, T7 Arrivals, T7 Departures, T8 Arrivals, T8 Departures, and T8 Departures Concourse C.
CXI buys and sells over 80 foreign currencies. They accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards when paying in US dollars.
Yes, you can call ahead to ensure your currency is available and reserve it for pickup before you travel.
