Roberta Aguirre
Cardiff Airport offers currency exchange services, with three bureau de change desks located throughout its terminal. However, airport exchange rates are often less favourable than those found in city exchange services, where competition drives the cost down. It is recommended that travellers exchange only enough currency to cover immediate travel and transportation costs and instead use their bank cards to withdraw cash as and when needed.
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What You'll Learn
Cardiff Airport currency exchange options
Cardiff Airport has several currency exchange options available. The airport has three bureau de change desks situated throughout its terminal, where you can exchange your money into the desired currency. These desks are located before and after security, as well as in the baggage claim hall.
While Cardiff Airport provides convenient exchange services, it is important to note that airport exchange rates are often less favourable than those found in city exchange services, where competition drives down costs. Additionally, not all exchange desks stock all currencies, so it is advisable to call ahead for large exchanges to ensure availability.
To obtain better exchange rates, you may consider the following options:
- Ordering currency online for airport collection, which can offer improved rates compared to on-the-spot exchanges.
- Withdrawing cash in the local currency upon arrival at your destination through ATMs, which can provide fair exchange rates.
- Using a multi-currency account or travel card, such as those offered by TransferWise (Wise) or Revolut, which provide mid-market exchange rates and low fees.
- Exchanging only enough currency to cover immediate travel and transportation costs and exchanging the bulk of your money overseas.
- Comparing exchange rates before travelling and exchanging currency at locations outside the airport, such as local banks or the post office, which may offer more competitive rates.
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Exchange rates at Cardiff Airport
Cardiff Airport has several bureau de change desks located throughout its terminal, both before and after security and in the baggage reclaim hall. The Change Group operates these desks, offering a competitive exchange rate. However, it is generally not advisable to exchange money at airports as the exchange rates can be less favourable than those available in city exchanges, where competition drives costs down.
If you plan to exchange a large amount of money at the airport, it is recommended to call the exchange service beforehand to ensure they have sufficient cash on hand. Not all exchange desks stock all currencies, and their cash supply may be limited. Additionally, airport currency exchange services often have higher fees and exchange rates than other options.
To obtain a better exchange rate, consider ordering your foreign currency online for airport collection. This guarantees that the exchange office will have the currency you need and can sometimes offer a more competitive rate. Travelex, for example, allows customers to calculate their exchange rate online and then collect their currency from one of the two bureaus de change outlets at Cardiff Airport. Alternatively, you can use an ATM at the airport to withdraw cash in the local currency of your destination, which typically offers fair exchange rates.
Another option is to open a multi-currency account or obtain a travel card, such as the Travelex Money Card or the multi-currency debit card from Wise (formerly TransferWise). These cards allow you to hold multiple currencies, spend in various countries, and benefit from mid-market exchange rates and low fees. With some research and advance planning, you can maximise the value of your money when exchanging currency for travel.
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Pre-ordering currency online
Firstly, by ordering your currency online in advance, you can benefit from more competitive exchange rates compared to those typically offered at airport exchange counters. This can result in significant savings, especially when exchanging larger amounts. Additionally, pre-ordering guarantees that the exchange office will have the currency you need, eliminating the risk of limited cash availability at the airport.
Another benefit of pre-ordering currency online is the convenience and peace of mind it offers. With online ordering, you can calculate the exchange rate in advance, ensuring you are happy with the rate before committing. Some providers, like Travelex, offer tools on their websites to help you calculate the exchange rate and make an informed decision. This transparency allows you to compare rates and make cost-effective choices.
When pre-ordering currency online, you may also have the option to receive your travel money in the form of a prepaid currency card, such as the Travelex Money Card. This card offers benefits such as locked-in exchange rates, free cash withdrawals worldwide, and 24/7 assistance. Alternatively, you can opt for delivery or collection options, depending on your preference and the provider's offerings.
While pre-ordering currency online has its advantages, it's important to be aware of potential fees associated with online exchanges. These may include exchange fees, delivery fees, commission, or administration charges. However, these fees are usually transparent and visible during the currency exchange arrangement process. Additionally, if you need to exchange money at the last minute, exchanging cash at the airport might still be a viable option, despite potentially higher rates and fees.
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Using ATMs at Cardiff Airport
Cardiff Airport (CWL) has a range of facilities, including ATMs and currency exchange bureaus. While ATMs are a convenient way to obtain cash in the local currency upon arrival at your destination, exchanging money at an airport is not usually a great idea due to unfavourable exchange rates and high fees.
ATMs are available throughout the main concourse of Cardiff Airport, including in the departure lounge and the arrivals hall. These machines dispense both Pounds Sterling and Euros, with fees that vary depending on your bank's schedule and daily withdrawal limit. It is recommended to notify your bank of your travel plans before using ATMs abroad.
Currency Exchange at Cardiff Airport
If you prefer to exchange currency at the airport, Cardiff Airport offers three currency exchange desks located before and after security and in the baggage claim hall. These desks, operated by Travelex and the Change Group, provide currency exchange services and VAT refunds for non-EU residents. However, it is worth noting that airport exchange rates may be less favourable than those found in city exchange offices.
Alternative Options for Currency Exchange
To obtain better exchange rates and lower fees, consider the following alternatives:
- Open a multi-currency account or order a travel card that offers competitive exchange rates and flexible spending options.
- Use online tools such as TransferWise (Wise) or Revolut to compare exchange rates and make informed decisions.
- Explore currency exchange services in Cardiff city, where competition may drive down costs.
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Currency exchange alternatives
Although Cardiff Airport offers currency exchange services, it is not always the best option due to potentially high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Online Pre-Order Services:
Some providers, such as CXI, Travelex, and the Post Office, allow you to order foreign currency online and collect it at the airport or a designated location. This option often guarantees better exchange rates and ensures that the currency you need is available.
Multi-Currency Accounts and Cards:
Consider opening a multi-currency account or ordering a travel card, such as the Travelex Money Card, which offers locked-in exchange rates, flexible spending, and withdrawals with low overall costs. TransferWise (now Wise) and Revolut are popular choices, offering mid-market exchange rates, low fees, and the ability to hold and spend multiple currencies worldwide.
ATMs:
Using an ATM at your destination airport to withdraw cash in the local currency can be a convenient option. ATMs are commonly available and often offer fair exchange rates. However, it is important to inform your bank about your travel plans to ensure uninterrupted access to your funds.
City Exchange Services:
Exchanging currency at a city exchange service in Cardiff before travelling to the airport might be a better option due to potentially more competitive rates driven by competition. You can use tools like Currencylive.com to check and compare currency exchange rates and find the best deal.
Over-the-Counter Services:
If you need a last-minute currency exchange, Cardiff Airport has three bureau de change desks located throughout its terminal, both before and after security and in the baggage reclaim hall. However, this option can be expensive due to high fees and unfavourable exchange rates, so it is recommended to compare rates and plan in advance whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cardiff Airport has three bureau de change desks situated throughout its terminal. However, the exchange rates and fees offered at the airport may not be the best available.
You can order your currency online and collect it from one of the two bureaus de change outlets at the airport. You can also use an ATM at the airport to withdraw cash in the local currency of your destination.
If you're planning to exchange 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 it's worth checking to avoid any hassle when you arrive at the airport.
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