Foreign currency exchange in Austin

Looking for currency exchange in Austin TX? We have you covered, no matter whether you’re about to land in the US and looking for Austin airport currency exchange services to switch your home currency to dollars — or you’re an Austin local and need to convert dollars for an upcoming trip.

Read on for our full guide to where to exchange currency in Austin, plus some handy hints to make sure you don’t get ripped off along the way.

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Keep these tips in mind when exchanging currency in Austin, TX, and all over the country

Converting currencies can be confusing. Different rates and fees can mean it’s hard to know if you’re getting a good deal — but these tips can help make sure you make the most of your money, whichever currency you need.

1. Get to know the different exchange rates

The exchange rate used to convert from one currency to another makes a huge difference to the amount you end up with. Banks and currency exchange services set their own exchange rates, which can include hidden fees and charges.

To make sure you’re getting a fair deal you’ll want to find a provider which offers the mid-market exchange rate, or as near as possible to it.

The mid-market rate is the one you’ll find on Google® or with an online currency conversion tool — usually this is the best rate available, without any markups, margins or extra fees added.

2. Be careful not to be ripped off

Check how much your money is worth online before you exchange it. You can easily find the mid-market rate using a Google search or conversion calculator, and you can also shop around to see the rates offered by a few different providers.

Watch out in particular for services which say they offer zero commission, or fee free conversion. Usually this simply means their charges are bundled up into the exchange rate used, which isn’t transparent and can often be more costly, too.

3. Avoid exchanging currency in airports and hotels

Switching your money in the airport on the way, or in the hotel once you land in your destination is convenient — but usually one of the most expensive options out there.

Airport and hotel currency exchange services rely on passing trade, so there’s no reason to offer good deals to build customer loyalty — plus there’s little close competition to keep prices down.

All in all, this usually means you’ll get a worse exchange rate in the airport or your hotel, with higher overall fees, compared to using a currency exchange service in a city center, or an online provider.

But what if you need to exchange currency in the airport?

If you have no other choice, Austin airport currency exchange services are located opposite Gate 23¹.

That’s through security, so suitable for departing customers only. If you’re arriving in the airport and need dollars, you’ll need to make an ATM withdrawal instead — more on what to watch out for with ATMs, next.

4. Be aware of ATM fees

Making ATM withdrawals in your destination country can often be the easiest way of getting cash.

However, you’ll need to look at your bank’s terms and conditions to check what fees they add for foreign currency withdrawals.

It’s very common to find foreign transaction fees of around 3% apply, which pushes up the cost of ATM withdrawals.

Plus, both your own bank and the ATM operator may add their own withdrawal fees — Bank of America® out-of network ATM fees overseas are 5 USD per transaction², for example.

Double check all the details before you travel, or consider a dedicated debit card from a provider like Wise, which has free and low fee ATM withdrawal options around the world.

Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks

5. Always choose to be charged in the local currency

If you’re spending or withdrawing with a card overseas you may be asked if you’d rather pay in dollars instead of the local currency wherever you are.

The best answer is always no. If you pay in dollars, your money is converted using the merchant’s exchange rate, which can include extra fees and tends to make it more expensive than paying in the local currency.

Exchange money in just a few clicks with Wise

Exchanging currency doesn’t have to be a headache. Try Wise.

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 50+ currencies with the mid-market exchange rate every time.

You’ll be able to order a linked debit card for spending and withdrawals, with no foreign transaction fees to worry about. Plus you can send payments to 80+ currencies, and even get local bank details to get paid from 30+ countries.

No hidden fees and no hassle, just easy ways to manage your money across borders.

Say goodbye to overcomplicated currency exchange.

Say hello to Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

In person foreign currency exchange in Austin, Texas

Texas Currency Exchange®³

Exchange over 80 different currencies, with lower fees for active military and local police and firefighters.

Travelex®⁴

Travelex is your key option if you’re looking to exchange currency in the airport in Austin — available through security, for departing customers only.

Cambio Express®

Conveniently located in a Shell gas station, Cambio Express is open fairly long hours, 7/7.

If you need currency exchange in person in Austin, TX, you’ve now got a few ideas to start you off. However, you can also avoid standing in line to change your money, with Wise. Get a free personal Wise account online or in-app, today.