Using Euros At Heathrow Airport: Is It Possible?

can you use euros at heathrow airport

If you're travelling through Heathrow Airport and want to use euros, it's important to know what to expect. While some shops and restaurants at Heathrow may accept euros, you will likely receive a poor exchange rate, and shops may not accept euro coins, only notes. If you're looking for a specific euro amount, it may be better to exchange your money beforehand or use an ATM, though be aware that ATMs at Heathrow may also offer unfavourable rates.

Characteristics Values
Are Euros accepted at Heathrow Airport? Yes, some shops and restaurants accept Euros but the exchange rate may not be favourable.
Where can I exchange currency at Heathrow Airport? Travelex offers currency exchange services at Heathrow Airport. You can order online and collect from a Travelex desk or ATM.
Are there ATMs that dispense Euros at Heathrow Airport? It is unclear if there are ATMs that dispense Euros at Heathrow Airport. Some sources suggest that most ATMs are owned by currency exchange companies and may not offer favourable rates.
Can I donate my leftover Euros? Yes, there are charity collection boxes at Heathrow Airport that accept spare currency.

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Some shops and restaurants accept euros

If you have euros and want to use them at Heathrow Airport, you're in luck—some shops and restaurants do accept euros. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the exchange rate you'll get at the airport is likely to be poor. You may be better off changing your euros into pounds before arriving at the airport, especially if you have time to shop around for a good rate.

Secondly, while shops and restaurants may accept euro notes, they are unlikely to accept euro coins. So, if you only have coins, you may want to consider other options. One option is to donate your spare change to charity. There are coin collectors situated around Heathrow's terminals for donations to various charities, which is a great way to get rid of any unwanted currency while also supporting a good cause. Alternatively, some airlines collect odd change for charity, so you could consider donating your coins to the flight attendants on your departing flight.

If you would rather exchange your euros, you have a few options. Heathrow Airport has currency exchange kiosks, but the exchange rate at these kiosks is likely to be unfavourable. You can also exchange your euros at a bank in London, or at a Travelex desk at the airport. Ordering your currency online from Travelex in advance and then picking it up at the airport may give you a better rate than simply walking up to the desk. Additionally, some London ATMs dispense both pounds and euros, although these may be hard to find and will likely charge a withdrawal fee.

Overall, while you can use euros at some shops and restaurants in Heathrow Airport, it is generally recommended to use pounds sterling for the best rates and to avoid unnecessary fees.

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Poor exchange rates

While some shops and restaurants at Heathrow Airport do accept euros, the exchange rate is reported to be poor. Travellers have noted that it is better to change euros into pounds before arriving at the airport, as the exchange rate at Heathrow is unfavourable.

One traveller noted that they were unable to find any ATM at Heathrow that dispensed euros, including those at Travelex currency exchange desks. However, it is possible to order euros in advance online from Travelex and collect them from a desk at the airport. While Travelex's rates for walk-ups are reported to be poor, their online rates are said to be decent.

If you are looking to exchange a small amount of money, it may be more cost-effective to use a credit or debit card, as the foreign exchange commission fee may be lower than the cost incurred from an exchange rate spread when buying and selling sterling.

Heathrow Airport also has charity collection boxes where you can donate leftover currency. UNICEF, for example, often has collection boxes in central locations at the airport.

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Notes accepted, not coins

If you have euros and want to use them at Heathrow Airport, it's important to note that shops and restaurants may accept euro notes, but they generally do not accept euro coins.

While you may be able to use your euro notes for purchases at Heathrow Airport, it's important to keep in mind that the exchange rate might not be favourable. You may get a better exchange rate if you change your euros into pounds before making purchases. Additionally, any change you receive will likely be in pounds, as shops and restaurants at Heathrow Airport typically provide change in the local currency.

If you're looking to exchange your euros for pounds, Heathrow Airport offers currency exchange services through Travelex. You can order your desired currency online through the Travelex website and collect it from a Travelex desk at the airport. While their rates for walk-up customers are not favourable, their online rates are usually more competitive.

Alternatively, if you're looking to donate your euros to a good cause, Heathrow Airport has charity collection boxes located throughout the terminals. These boxes accept spare currency, and the donations go towards various charities supported by the airport.

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Travelex currency exchange

While some shops and restaurants at Heathrow Airport may accept Euros, it is recommended that you exchange your currency to pounds, as the exchange rate may not be favourable and shops may not accept euro coins.

Travelex offers currency exchange services at Heathrow Airport, with bureaux located before and after security across Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. You can order from a choice of over 50 currencies online and collect your cash from one of the airport stores. This option offers competitive currency rates and zero commission. If you are unable to pre-order, you can still visit any Travelex store at the airport to purchase your desired currency. Travelex offers its 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. You can also collect your order from a Travelex ATM for free.

Additionally, Travelex offers a Money Card that can be loaded with up to 22 currencies and managed through the Travelex Money App. This card can be ordered online and picked up from a Travelex store at Heathrow within 4 hours, or you can purchase it in-store within minutes. With the app, you can manage your balance, freeze and unfreeze your card, and view card details such as your PIN.

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While some shops and services at Heathrow Airport do accept euros, it is recommended that you exchange your money, as the exchange rate may not be favourable, and shops may not accept euro coins.

If you would like to donate your euros to charity, you can do so at Heathrow. The airport has several collection boxes, and they accept any currency. The Heathrow Community Trust (HCT) is the airport's primary charity partner and has been supporting the local community for over 25 years. The Trust raises funds from the public and supports programmes for young people, the environment, sustainability, and communities. Heathrow also has a programme called Heathrow's World of Work, which is an inclusive employability programme that inspires young people and helps them develop the skills they need to unlock career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, some shops and restaurants at Heathrow Airport accept euros. However, you will get change back in GBP and the exchange rate may not be favourable.

You can exchange your euros at one of the many currency exchange huts at Heathrow Airport. You can also order euros online on the Travelex website and pick them up from a Travelex desk at the airport.

Yes, you can donate your euros to charity as Heathrow Airport has several collection boxes that accept donations in any currency. You can also save your euros for your next trip to a country that uses the euro or exchange them at a bank in London.

Most, if not all, of the ATMs at Heathrow Airport are owned by currency exchange companies and dispense GBP. However, you may be able to find ATMs that dispense euros at the Eurostar terminal or major train stations in London.

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