Airport currency desks charge for convenience. It is common to pay several percentage points more than you would by ordering online for collection or delivery — sometimes more at busy times or for small notes.
That does not mean “never use them”; it means use them strategically.
Why walk-up airport rates sting
Rent, staffing and captive foot traffic all push airport rates higher. You are paying for immediate access after security or on arrival — fair enough for £50 of taxi money, expensive for the whole holiday budget.
Smarter playbook
- Compare providers at home with our holiday money comparison and lock in a competitive deal before you travel.
- If you need a little cash at the airport, buy the minimum you need until you reach a town centre ATM or hotel with fair fees.
- Read your departure airport in our UK airport guides — local context (terminals, transport) pairs with the general currency message.
Cards still need a cash buffer
Contactless is everywhere, but parking shuttles, tips and small cafés still like notes. A modest euro or local currency float, bought ahead, beats repeated airport top-ups. See euros and US dollars if those match your route.
Don’t forget the non-currency airport spend
Airport parking*, lounges* and on-site hotels* are often cheaper prebooked. Sorting them when you book flights frees budget for actual holiday spend.