Currency Exchange: Detroit Airport's Facilities And Services

If you're travelling through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and need to exchange currency, you may be wondering whether this service is available at the airport. While most major airports offer currency exchange services, the availability of these services at Detroit Airport is less clear-cut. Some sources indicate that currency exchange services are not available at the airport, while others suggest that there are limited options for currency exchange within the airport premises. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and explore alternative options to ensure you get the most favourable exchange rates and avoid last-minute hassles.

Detroit Airport has two currency exchange counters

Currency Exchange at Detroit Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has two currency exchange counters available for passengers. However, it is worth noting that airport currency exchanges often have less favourable exchange rates and higher fees compared to other options. Therefore, it is recommended to compare rates and consider alternative methods, such as using a multi-currency card or travel card, which can offer better value.

Currency Exchange Counters at DTW

The two currency exchange counters at DTW are located at the following places:

• McNamara Terminal B/C, 2500 Worldgateway Pl Suite A2-012D, Detroit
• Delta Sky Club (Gate A68)

Alternative Options

If you are looking for alternative options to exchange currency, here are a few suggestions:

• Multi-currency cards: Providers like Wise or Revolut offer multi-currency cards that allow you to hold foreign currencies in a digital account and make payments or withdrawals in local currency.
• Travel cards: These cards are designed to load popular foreign currencies and can be used for spending and withdrawals. They may have more limited features and support fewer currencies compared to multi-currency cards.
• ATMs: Using an ATM at your destination airport to withdraw cash in the local currency can be a good option, provided your card does not have high fees for foreign transactions and withdrawals.

Planning Ahead

It is generally recommended to plan your travel money needs in advance, as this can help you find better exchange rates and avoid the last-minute pressure of exchanging currency at the airport. Comparing exchange rates and fees from different providers can help you make an informed decision and get the best value for your money.

Exchange rates at the airport are not the best

If you're flying in or out of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, you may be considering exchanging your currency at the airport. While this is a convenient option, it's worth noting that airport currency exchange services typically charge higher fees and offer less favourable exchange rates compared to other alternatives. Here's why you may want to avoid exchanging currency at the airport:

Higher Fees and Unfavourable Exchange Rates

Currency exchange services at airports often take advantage of travellers' urgency and lack of other options. As a result, they tend to charge higher fees and offer unfavourable exchange rates. These fees may not always be obvious, as they can be incorporated into the quoted exchange rate. By comparing the exchange rate with the mid-market rate—the rate you'll find on Google or currency converter tools—you can identify whether the airport exchange service is marking up the rate.

Alternative Options

To get a better deal, consider using a multi-currency card from providers like Wise or Revolut. These cards allow you to hold foreign currencies in a digital account and make payments or withdrawals in the local currency. Another option is to use a travel card, which allows you to load popular foreign currencies for spending and withdrawing. ATMs at your destination can also provide a fair exchange rate, as long as your card issuer doesn't impose high fees for foreign transactions and withdrawals.

Plan Ahead

Planning your travel money in advance gives you more options and helps you get a better deal. Compare exchange rates from different providers and look for those closest to the mid-market rate. Be mindful of various fees, such as commission, exchange charges, and delivery costs for online orders. Using multi-currency accounts or travel cards can help you avoid high fees and lock in favourable exchange rates.

In summary, while Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport does offer currency exchange services, it's important to be aware that airport exchange rates are typically not the most favourable. By exploring alternative options and planning ahead, you can make your money go further and avoid unnecessary fees.

ATMs are available at McNamara and Evans Terminals

If you're looking to exchange currency at Detroit Airport, you may be disappointed. While the airport does have ATMs available, it does not currently feature currency exchange facilities.

ATMs at Detroit Airport

There are ATMs available at both the McNamara and Evans Terminals. At McNamara, you'll find ATMs in the post-security region between Gates A, as well as in the pre-security area within the Parking Garage at Level 6. Over at the Evans Terminal, there are ATMs in the post-security area, as well as two in the pre-security area.

Other Banking Services

In addition to the ATMs, there are a variety of other banking services available at Detroit Airport. JPMorgan Chase provides an ATM and branch just across the Metro Airport on Middlebelt Road, offering services such as safe deposit boxes, a drive-up ATM, and a no-envelope deposit ATM. They can be reached at 734-946-7750 from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Wings Financial Credit Union also has a branch and ATM below Gate A2 in the Edward H McNamara Terminal. They offer banking services, including non-cash transactions, notary services, visa gift cards, loan approval, and starter checks. Their ATM also allows for night deposits. They can be contacted at 1-800-692-2274 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Online pre-order is a cheaper alternative to exchanging currency at the airport

Online Pre-Order: A Cheaper Alternative to Exchanging Currency at the Airport

Exchanging currency at the airport is often an expensive option. While it may be convenient, airport currency exchange services usually have little competition, resulting in higher costs for travellers. Online pre-ordering offers a more cost-effective solution, allowing you to get better exchange rates and avoid the high fees associated with on-the-spot airport exchanges.

The Costs of Airport Currency Exchange

Currency exchange shops and kiosks at airports tend to offer unfavourable exchange rates and charge various fees, taking advantage of travellers' need for local currency upon arrival. These services know that travellers may need cash immediately for transportation or other expenses, so they offer poor exchange rates and add various fees, resulting in significant profits.

Benefits of Online Pre-Order

Online pre-ordering currency for airport collection is a more economical approach. By ordering foreign currency in advance, you can secure a better exchange rate compared to on-the-spot exchanges. This option also ensures that the exchange office has the currency you need, avoiding last-minute hassles.

Additionally, online pre-ordering helps you make informed decisions by allowing you to compare exchange rates and fees from different providers. You can take the time to research and choose a provider that offers the best value for your money, ensuring you don't pay hidden fees or excessive markups on the exchange rate.

Other Alternatives to Airport Currency Exchange

If you're looking for alternatives to airport currency exchange, consider using a multi-currency card or a travel card. These options provide flexible spending and withdrawal options with lower overall costs. Multi-currency cards, such as those offered by Wise or Revolut, allow you to hold multiple foreign currencies in a digital account and tap to pay with a physical or virtual card. Travel cards, on the other hand, let you load popular foreign currencies in advance and use them like a regular card.

Another option is to use ATMs at your destination to withdraw cash in the local currency. This can be a good choice if your card issuer doesn't impose high fees for foreign currency transactions and withdrawals. However, it's important to be mindful of any applicable ATM fees and choose ATMs from reputable networks to ensure fair exchange rates.

In summary, online pre-ordering currency for airport collection is a more cost-effective alternative to exchanging currency at the airport. By planning ahead, you can secure better exchange rates, avoid excessive fees, and make informed choices to get the most out of your money during your travels.

Multi-currency cards are a cost-effective alternative to exchanging physical currency

Multi-Currency Cards: A Cost-Effective Alternative

If you're travelling through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, you may be considering exchanging your money at the airport. While this is a convenient option, it's important to note that airport currency exchange services typically charge higher fees and offer less favourable exchange rates compared to other alternatives. This is because there is often a lack of competition at airports, allowing them to charge higher prices. As a result, exchanging physical currency at an airport can be quite costly.

Benefits of Multi-Currency Cards

Multi-currency cards, offered by providers like Wise, Revolut, and State Bank, are a cost-effective alternative to exchanging physical currency at airports. These cards allow you to hold multiple foreign currencies in a single digital account, providing a more convenient and flexible way to access your money when travelling. Here are some of the key benefits of using multi-currency cards:

• Cost-effectiveness: Multi-currency cards often provide conversions at the mid-market exchange rate without any markups or hidden fees, ensuring you get a better value for your money compared to airport exchanges.
• Convenience and flexibility: With a multi-currency card, you can easily manage your funds across different currencies using online platforms. This allows you to transfer balances between currencies and make payments in multiple currencies with ease.
• Security: Many multi-currency cards offer additional security features such as chip and PIN protection, 24/7 global assistance, and the ability to block your card instantly if it's lost or stolen.
• Accessibility: Multi-currency cards can be used to withdraw local currency from ATMs worldwide or make direct payments at merchants that accept Mastercard or other major card networks. This provides easy access to your funds wherever you are.
• Insurance: Some multi-currency cards offer complimentary insurance coverage for various travel-related incidents, such as loss of checked-in baggage, personal documents, or cash in transit.
• Online and contactless payments: These cards often support digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay, allowing you to make online and contactless payments in multiple currencies.

Planning Ahead

While exchanging cash at the airport is convenient, it's generally not the most cost-effective option. By planning ahead and considering alternatives like multi-currency cards, you can get better exchange rates and save money on fees. This allows you to make the most of your travel funds and have a more enjoyable travel experience.

Frequently asked questions