Money Exchange at Atlanta Airport: How to Get Cash at Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need to change money, you have several options—but they’re not always obvious, and they don’t all cost the same. This guide walks you through how money exchange at Atlanta airport works, what to expect in each terminal, and when it may be smarter to use ATMs or handle currency in the city instead.

Quick overview: Your money exchange options at ATL

Here’s how most travelers in and out of Atlanta handle foreign currency:

• Airport currency exchange counters
  • Convenient if you’re in a rush
  • Often have higher fees and weaker exchange rates
• Bank ATMs at ATL
  • Usually better rates than exchange counters
  • Good for withdrawing local currency (for your destination) using your debit card
• Exchange at your bank in Atlanta or online (before flying)
  • Often better overall value
  • Less last-minute stress at the airport
• Use cards instead of cash when possible
  • Many destinations accept credit and debit cards widely

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, it’s usually best to plan ahead and use airport exchange only when necessary.

Where to exchange money inside Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson is a large, busy airport with Domestic and International terminals, plus multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F). Currency services are mostly concentrated around international travel areas.

Money exchange in the International Terminal (Concourse F)

If you’re arriving from or departing on an international flight, you’re most likely going through Concourse F and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

Common locations where currency exchange services are often found include areas:

• Near international departure gates
• Close to baggage claim for arriving international passengers
• In the main atrium/lobby area of the International Terminal

Signs typically say “Currency Exchange” or “Foreign Exchange”. They may be operated by large, well-known exchange providers.

At these counters, you can usually:

• Buy foreign currency using U.S. dollars
• Sell leftover foreign currency for U.S. dollars
• Sometimes buy traveler’s checks or prepaid travel cards (if still offered by that provider)

Money exchange in the Domestic Terminal and concourses

The Domestic Terminal (North and South) is used for most flights within the United States. Currency exchange services here are more limited, but you may still find:

• Currency exchange desks or kiosks in or near:
  • Main terminal atriums
  • High-traffic concourses (such as Concourse T or E)
• Bank ATMs that allow international withdrawals

Even if you don’t spot a dedicated money exchange counter immediately:

• Look for “Customer Service” or “Information” desks to ask where the nearest option is.
• Check concourses more likely to handle international or connecting flights (Concourse E or F) if you’re already airside.

Using ATMs at Atlanta Airport for currency needs

For many travelers, the most cost-effective way to get cash is not a currency exchange counter but an ATM, especially if you have a bank card with reasonable international fees.

How this works when leaving Atlanta

If you’re a resident or visitor departing Atlanta for another country:

1. Use your debit card at an ATM when you arrive at your destination, not in Atlanta.
2. Withdraw the local currency directly in that country’s airport or city.
3. Your bank will convert from dollars to the destination currency using the network rate (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), often better than airport exchange booths.

How this works when arriving in Atlanta

If you’re landing in Atlanta from abroad and need U.S. dollars:

1. Use an ATM in the International Terminal or near baggage claim.
2. Withdraw USD using your foreign debit card.
3. Your home bank charges any international or out-of-network fees.

You’ll usually find ATMs from major U.S. banks and ATM networks throughout the airport, including:

• Near baggage claim areas
• Along main concourse corridors
• Close to food courts and seating areas

Exchange rates and fees at Atlanta airport

Airport money exchange is known for convenience—but usually not for value.

What to expect with airport exchange counters

When you change money at ATL currency counters, you may see:

• Less favorable exchange rates compared to banks or mid-market rates
• Service fees or commissions, sometimes as a flat fee or a percentage
• Extra charges if you’re exchanging small amounts of money

Airport booths are geared toward travelers who:

• Forgot to get currency earlier
• Need a small “starter” amount in cash right away
• Prefer in-person service

How this compares to banks in Atlanta

If you have time before your trip, many travelers in Atlanta prefer to:

• Order foreign currency through their own bank or credit union
• Pick it up at a local branch, sometimes with:
  • Better exchange rates
  • Lower service fees
  • Ability to pre-order specific bills (small denominations, etc.)

Some banks in the Atlanta area that commonly offer foreign currency services include:

• Large nationwide banks with branches throughout the city
• Certain community banks and credit unions (often by special order)

You’ll usually need:

• A customer account with the bank
• 1–2 business days (or more) for them to get the currency

Should you exchange money at Atlanta airport or before you go?

For someone based in Atlanta or spending time in the city before flying, it’s useful to weigh convenience vs. cost.

When airport exchange makes sense

Consider using ATL currency exchange if:

• You have a tight schedule and forgot to prepare
• You just need a small amount of foreign cash for initial expenses like taxis or snacks
• Your arrival airport abroad doesn’t have reliable ATMs or you’re traveling somewhere remote

In these cases, many travelers:

• Exchange a modest amount at ATL (for immediate use)
• Plan to withdraw more cash from ATMs after arriving overseas

When to handle exchange in the city instead

You may get better value by handling foreign currency needs before arriving at ATL if:

• You live in the Atlanta metro area and have a few days before departure
• You have an account at a bank that offers competitive foreign currency services
• You want a mix of denominations (small bills for tipping, etc.)

You can:

• Call your local Atlanta branch to ask:
  • Which currencies they stock
  • How long special orders take
  • What fees will apply
• Pick up the ordered currency before heading to the airport

Practical tips for exchanging money at ATL

Here are some Atlanta-specific, traveler-focused tips to keep things smooth:

1. Decide on cash vs. card before you go

From Atlanta, many travelers find it easiest to:

• Use a credit or debit card for most spending abroad
• Keep some cash in the local currency for:
  • Taxis or rideshare where cards aren’t accepted
  • Small markets or street vendors
  • Tips and small purchases

Check with your card issuer while you’re still in Atlanta:

• Ask about foreign transaction fees
• Confirm if your card uses a network like Visa or Mastercard, which may offer good currency conversion rates
• Inform them of your travel plans to avoid fraud alerts

2. Know where you’re entering or exiting the airport

Hartsfield-Jackson has two main terminal entrances on the Atlanta side:

• Domestic Terminal – West side of the airport
• International Terminal (Concourse F) – East side, also called the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
  • Address: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
  • Main telephone (airport information): (800) 897-1910

If you know you’ll need money exchange:

• Plan to allow extra time when using the International Terminal, where most currency services are centralized.
• Use airport wayfinding signs for “Currency Exchange,” “Foreign Exchange,” or “Banking Services.”

3. Have identification ready

At ATL currency exchange counters, you may be asked to show:

• A valid passport (especially for larger transactions)
• Possibly a boarding pass or proof of travel

This is standard in many airports and helps the provider comply with financial regulations.

4. Compare options quickly

If you see more than one exchange counter or both an exchange booth and an ATM nearby:

• Glance at the posted exchange rate and any service fees
• Consider whether using an ATM with your debit card could be cheaper
• For larger amounts, even a small difference in rate can add up

Simple comparison: Airport vs. city vs. ATMs

Use this as a quick reference if you’re in or around Atlanta planning a trip.

Tips for international visitors arriving in Atlanta

If you’re flying into Atlanta from another country and need cash:

• Look for ATMs near baggage claim in both the International Terminal and Domestic Terminal.
• If you prefer an exchange counter, ask at the airport information desk for the nearest currency exchange location.
• Many businesses in the Atlanta area—especially hotels, restaurants, and larger stores—readily accept Visa, Mastercard, and other major cards, so you may not need large amounts of cash.

For concerns or questions while at ATL, you can:

• Call the main airport information line: (800) 897-1910
• Visit one of the information desks in the terminal atriums

Key takeaways for money exchange at Atlanta airport

• Yes, you can exchange money at Atlanta airport, mainly in and around the International Terminal (Concourse F) and some other concourses.
• Airport exchange is convenient but usually not the cheapest; expect higher fees and less favorable rates.
• Many Atlanta-based travelers get a better deal by using:
  • Their bank in the city before departure, and/or
  • ATMs at their destination country.
• If you’re arriving in Atlanta from abroad, ATMs in the terminals are often the simplest way to get U.S. dollars.

Planning ahead in Atlanta—even with a quick call to your bank or a check of your cards’ travel policies—can significantly cut costs and stress when it comes to currency exchange at Hartsfield-Jackson.