Atlanta International Airport Currency Exchange: How to Handle Money at Hartsfield-Jackson

Traveling through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need foreign currency? Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are just connecting through the world’s busiest airport, knowing your currency exchange options at Atlanta airport can save you time and money.

Below is a practical guide to how currency exchange works at ATL, what’s available inside the airport, and what many Atlanta travelers do instead.

Does Atlanta International Airport Have Currency Exchange?

ATL has historically had on-site currency exchange counters, mainly in the international terminals and concourses. However, the specific operators, locations, and hours can change, and in recent years, some services have reduced or relocated.

Because of that, the most reliable first step is to:

• Check the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport information desks (Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, and main concourses), or
• Call the airport’s main information line: (800) 897-1910 (or the current number listed by the City of Atlanta / Hartsfield–Jackson).

Ask specifically for:

Staff can tell you:

• Whether staffed currency exchange booths are operating that day
• Which terminals or concourses they are in
• What currencies they typically handle

Because ATL is a major international hub, some form of foreign currency service is usually available, especially near the International Terminal (Concourse F) and the areas serving international arrivals and departures.

Where to Look for Currency Exchange in Atlanta Airport

While exact operators may change, currency services at ATL commonly appear in these areas:

1. Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)

This is ATL’s primary international terminal.

Look for services:

• Near international check-in counters
• Close to security checkpoints
• In the arrival hall, where international passengers clear customs

If any traditional currency exchange kiosks or desks are operating, this is the most likely place to find them.

2. Other International Concourses (E and sometimes others)

Some long-haul international flights also use Concourse E and, occasionally, other concourses.

Currency exchange here may be:

• A kiosk or booth near main walkways or food courts
• An ATM offering foreign currency options (less common, but possible)

3. Domestic Terminals (North and South)

In the domestic terminal areas, full-service currency exchange is less common, but travelers may find:

• ATMs that allow international withdrawals
• Banking kiosks or branded ATMs connected to major U.S. banks

If you are flying domestically out of ATL and need foreign currency for a future trip, your best bet is usually to arrange currency in advance (explained below) rather than relying on a same-day domestic terminal exchange.

Types of Currency Exchange Services You May See

At Hartsfield–Jackson, currency-related services generally fall into a few categories:

Traditional Currency Exchange Counters

These are the familiar walk-up booths where you can:

• Exchange U.S. dollars for foreign currency
• Sometimes buy back unused foreign cash
• Exchange major currencies (euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, etc.)

Pros:

• Immediate cash in hand
• Staff can answer questions, confirm rates, and explain fees

Cons:

• Often higher fees or less favorable exchange rates than banks or ATMs
• Limited selection of less-common currencies

ATMs and International Debit Withdrawals

Throughout ATL’s concourses and terminals, you’ll find ATMs from major U.S. banks and networks such as:

• Bank-branded ATMs
• Network ATMs (Plus, Cirrus, etc.)

When traveling abroad, many Atlanta residents:

• Use their U.S. debit card at ATMs in the destination country
• Withdraw local currency directly at that day’s bank exchange rate

This doesn’t exchange money inside ATL itself, but it’s a popular alternative for people departing from Atlanta.

Pre-Ordered Currency Pickups (Outside the Airport)

While this isn’t technically “in the airport,” it’s highly relevant for Atlantans:

• Some major banks in the Atlanta area allow you to pre-order foreign cash (often through online banking or by visiting a branch)
• You then pick up the cash at a designated local branch before heading to ATL

This can be more convenient and may have:

• Better rates
• Lower service fees
  than an airport kiosk.

Common Strategies Atlanta Travelers Use

Because of variability in airport exchange services and fees, many people traveling through Atlanta use one or more of these approaches:

1. Get a Small Amount at ATL, More Abroad

Many travelers:

• Exchange or withdraw a small amount of foreign cash at or before ATL (just enough for immediate needs: taxi, snack, tip)
• Then use ATMs at their destination for larger needs, where the rates can be more favorable

2. Use ATMs in the Destination Country

A common pattern:

• Leave ATL with no or minimal foreign cash
• On arrival abroad, use your U.S. bank debit card at an ATM in the airport or city

Travelers often choose this when:

• Their bank reimburses ATM fees or offers low foreign transaction fees
• They’re comfortable using ATMs and carrying a card

3. Pre-Order Currency in Atlanta Before Flying

Residents of Atlanta and nearby areas sometimes:

• Pre-order foreign currency through their local bank branch
• Pick it up in-person days before their flight

This strategy:

• Avoids last-minute stress at ATL
• Lets you know the exact rate and fees beforehand

Key Things to Know About Airport Currency Exchange at ATL

Here are practical points that matter if you’re specifically trying to handle currency at Atlanta International Airport:

Rates and Fees

Airport exchanges (worldwide, including Atlanta) typically:

• Charge a margin on the exchange rate
• May also charge flat fees or commissions

This means:

• You’ll generally receive fewer foreign currency units per dollar compared with mid-market or interbank rates
• The convenience premium is built into the rate/fees

Currencies Most Likely Available

At a large international hub like ATL, currency exchange counters—when operating—tend to stock:

• Euros (EUR)
• British Pounds (GBP)
• Canadian Dollars (CAD)
• Mexican Pesos (MXN)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Possibly other major currencies, depending on the operator

Less-common currencies may:

• Need to be pre-ordered
• Or may not be available at all at the airport

Identification and Limits

Currency exchange booths will often:

• Ask for a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license)
• Have minimum and maximum transaction amounts

It’s smart to:

• Have your ID handy
• Ask upfront:
  • “What is the current rate?”
  • “What is your fee or commission?”
  • “What is the total I will pay, and how much foreign currency will I receive?”

Quick Comparison: Common Options for Atlanta Flyers

Here’s a simple snapshot of typical choices for someone traveling from ATL:

Practical Tips for Using Currency Services at ATL

If you know you’ll be relying on Atlanta airport directly for currency:

1. Call or Check Airport Info Before You Go

Because kiosks and hours change:

• Contact Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport information
• Confirm:
  • Exactly where the exchange is located
  • When it’s open
  • Whether they offer buy/sell or only one-way exchange

2. Bring Multiple Payment Methods

When passing through ATL for an international trip, it’s wise to have:

• At least one debit card (for ATM use abroad)
• At least one credit card (for hotels, larger purchases, emergencies)
• A small amount of cash in U.S. dollars as backup

This helps if:

• The exchange counter is closed
• Your card is temporarily declined or flagged for security

3. Know Your Bank’s Policies Before You Leave Atlanta

Before you ever arrive at ATL, consider:

• Calling your Atlanta-area bank or credit union
• Asking about:
  • Foreign transaction fees for debit and credit card use
  • ATM withdrawal fees abroad
  • Whether you can pre-order currency at a nearby branch

Many Atlanta residents find:

• Their bank’s fees and policies determine whether airport exchange is a good backup or a last resort.

4. Don’t Over-Exchange on the Way Back

If you still have foreign cash when flying back to Atlanta:

• Some airport exchange counters may buy back foreign currency
• Buy-back rates are often less favorable than purchase rates

Many travelers:

• Spend down foreign cash before leaving
• Keep a small amount as a souvenir or for future trips
• Use ATMs or banking services back in Atlanta if they need to convert larger amounts

What If You’re Just Connecting Through Atlanta?

If you’re connecting internationally through ATL (for example, flying from another U.S. city through Atlanta to Europe or Asia):

• Currency exchange services, if open, will generally be in the international concourses or International Terminal, not necessarily near your domestic gate.
• You may need to:
  • Take the Plane Train to Concourse F (International) to locate a currency service, or
  • Wait until you reach your final international destination to use an ATM or exchange service there.

Because connection times can be tight at ATL, many connecting travelers avoid seeking currency in Atlanta and handle it at their arrival country instead.

When Using Atlanta Airport for Currency Makes Sense

Using currency exchange at Atlanta International Airport can make sense when:

• You forgot to prepare and need at least a small amount of foreign cash immediately
• You prefer to speak with a person in real time about the transaction
• You’re arriving in Atlanta with foreign currency you’d like to convert to U.S. dollars (and don’t want to handle it later at a bank)

Just keep in mind:

• It is typically a convenience service with premium pricing
• Many Atlanta residents and frequent flyers treat ATL currency exchange as a backup option, not their primary plan

For anyone living in, visiting, or passing through Atlanta, the key is to decide how much cash you truly need, then combine airport services, bank options, and card use in a way that fits your comfort level and travel plans.