Where to exchange money: is the airport exchange rate worth it?

Choosing the right place to exchange money: airport vs online in advance

When you’re heading off on holidays, you might be inclined to grab your travel money at the airport for ease. And you’re not alone.

Many travellers in the UK still use and rely on airport exchange counters. But buying currency at the last minute like this can mean fewer chances to compare rates and less choice over how you pay abroad.

Getting your travel money at Post Office instead means you can get everything you need in one place with a selection of currencies, rates and ways to pay.

You can order foreign currency online, add travel money to a prepaid Travel Money Card or combine cash and a card in one order. And you can collect your order from a branch or request for home delivery.

Here, we break down the different ways and places you can buy travel money so you can choose what’s best for you, whether that’s cash for taxis and tips, a card for everyday spending or both for more flexibility.

Airport vs online or in branch: what’s the difference?

You’ve got a few options when buying travel money. The biggest difference is whether you leave it until the airport or sort it in advance by ordering online or in branch.

If you want a simple rule to help you get the most out of exchanging your money, keep this in mind:

• Ordering ahead gives you time to compare rates, choose cash, card or both to suit your needs and avoid last-minute decisions
• Airport exchange can be convenient, but it often gives you less time to compare rates and charges

Is the airport currency exchange rate worth it?

Exchanging money at the airport is often a last-minute choice. If you haven’t ordered the currency you need in advance, you may have to settle for whatever exchange rates are on offer the day you fly.

It tends to cost more at airports because:

• Exchange providers there pay high rent to operate inside airports
• They rely on travellers who forgot to plan ahead
• You can’t easily compare rates on the spot

If you have to exchange money at the airport, keep it to a minimum if you can. Then you can find other options when you arrive at your destination.

Ordering travel money online: compare rates before you travel

If you want more control over your travel money, ordering online can be a good option. You can compare exchange rates in your own time before you choose a provider.

That means less pressure, less rush and fewer last-minute decisions. You can check the rate, see any charges upfront and decide whether you want cash, a prepaid travel money card or a mix of both.

Many providers let you order online for collection, which can be handy if you want to pick up your currency before you travel. Some also offer home delivery, depending on your order and where you live, though delivery charges may apply.

Why buy travel money online from Post Office?

When you order online from Post Office, you can choose foreign currency, a Travel Money Card or both in one order. If you buy cash and card together, your exchange rate can be based on the total amount, which may help you get a competitive rate.

You can collect your order from a Post Office branch, with euros and US dollars ready to collect from selected branches in as little as 2 hours. You can also get your order delivered to your home.

It’s a simple way to get your travel money sorted before you go, with a choice of cash, card or both for your trip.

Order your currency online

Buying travel money on the high street: speak to someone in person

Prefer to speak to someone face to face rather than ordering online? Buying travel money on the high street can give you that extra reassurance. You can ask questions, check your options and get help choosing what works for your trip.

It can also be handy if you want to pick up your money in person, need currency at short notice or want to check whether a branch has what you need before you travel.

What to expect from many high street providers:

• Face-to-face help if you’re not sure what to choose
• The option to collect currency in person
• A chance to ask about rates, charges and currency availability before you buy

Why buy travel money in branch from Post Office?

With thousands of Post Office branches across the UK, many open on weekends, it’s easy to sort your travel money somewhere local.

• Choose from over 60 foreign currencies
• Order and top up a Travel Money Card with any of 22 supported currencies
• Some currencies, like euros and US dollars, are available on demand in selected branches
• Get help from branch teams if you’re weighing up cash, a Travel Money Card or both
• Get a better rate the more currency you buy
• Collect your chosen currency from your local branch

It’s worth noting exchange rates may not be as good on the high street as those online because it can cost more to transport money to branches rather than deliver it directly to you.

What about supermarkets and travel kiosks?

You’ll often find travel money desks in supermarkets or shopping centres. These usually offer a selection of foreign currency and may also provide reward points if you’re a member of the supermarket’s loyalty card scheme.

These kiosks can offer a range of commission rates, their rates can change often and not every location offers the same deal. So it’s a good idea to compare all your options online first before you visit supermarkets or travel kiosks.

Can you buy travel money at your destination?

Yes, you can often buy travel money when you arrive at your holiday destination. Airports, hotels, exchange shops and local ATMs usually offer ways to get foreign currency. This can suit you if you’d rather not carry a large amount of cash from home.

But there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Airport desks abroad can still offer weak rates
• You may need cash as soon as you arrive for transport or food
• Access to the foreign currency isn’t always easy in every destination
• ATMs may charge high fees or be prone to tampering

Some countries also use closed currencies, which you can’t buy before you travel. Places like Cuba and North Korea fall into this group, so exchanging money on arrival may be your only option.

A simple approach is to take a small amount of cash with you and bring a prepaid travel money card for everyday spending where it’s accepted. You can always get more cash while away if exchange rates look more competitive than at home. Having a mix of both cash and card is often a good idea.

Tips for getting the best exchange rate

Want more for your money and to make it go further on your next trip abroad? These travel money tips can help you avoid overpaying when exchanging money for foreign currency:

• Order or collect your foreign currency before you travel
• Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport
• Compare exchange rates across providers online
• Check how close the exchange rate is to the market rate
• Don’t change leftover money at the airport on your way home

Read more travel money tips