Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport. Use an ATM with a no-fee card — the ATM gives you the real mid-market rate, while airport exchange booths charge 10–20% above it. On a $500 exchange, that difference is $50–100 in hidden costs.
The key rule
Airport currency exchange booths typically charge 10–20% above the mid-market rate.
On a $500 exchange, that is $50–100 in hidden fees. The ATM is almost always better — even with a bank fee. And with a no-fee card, the ATM is unambiguously better.
No exchange booths at this airport
No dedicated currency exchange booths operate at Austin-Bergstrom. AUS handles a small number of international routes (primarily Mexico and Canada) but no dedicated Travelex or ICE kiosks are present in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. This means your in-airport options are limited to ATMs — which is actually a better outcome, since you automatically get the real mid-market exchange rate.
ATMs are available throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Chase, Wells Fargo, and Frost Bank ATMs are in the main food hall and at baggage claim. Frost Bank has a strong Texas presence with ATMs prominently placed at AUS.
AUS ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. Frost Bank charges non-customer fees; a Schwab, Wise, or Revolut card reimburses these fees and gives the real exchange rate.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for AUS
This airport primarily serves domestic routes. If you need foreign currency, withdraw at your destination from an ATM using a no-fee card.
Pro Tip
For AUS–Mexico travelers (Cancun, CDMX, Monterrey), withdraw pesos at your Mexican destination ATM — the Banxico rate at Mexican ATMs is typically 12-15% better than what any US airport kiosk would charge.
Before you leave
Order foreign currency from your bank before departure — Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer currency ordering at branches and online (3–7 business days). Rates are better than airport booths, and you avoid the airport rush entirely.
At your destination
Withdraw from a local ATM at your destination — you get the real mid-market exchange rate, minus a small network fee. A no-fee card eliminates even that. This is almost always the cheapest option.
In transit
Currency exchange at city banks or post offices in your destination country is typically far better than airport rates in both countries. Most major cities have walk-in currency exchange with rates 5–10% better than airport booths.
Is it better to exchange currency at AUS airport or at my destination?
At your destination. Austin–Bergstrom International Airport primarily serves domestic routes and has no dedicated exchange booths. Withdraw from an ATM at your destination using a no-fee card (Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut) for the best possible rate.
Where are the ATMs at AUS airport?
ATMs are available throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Chase, Wells Fargo, and Frost Bank ATMs are in the main food hall and at baggage claim. Frost Bank has a strong Texas presence with ATMs prominently placed at AUS. AUS ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. Frost Bank charges non-customer fees; a Schwab, Wise, or Revolut card reimburses these fees and gives the real exchange rate.
Which currency exchange is at AUS airport?
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport does not have dedicated currency exchange booths. It primarily serves domestic routes. For foreign currency, use an ATM with a no-fee card and exchange at the real mid-market rate.
What is the best card to use for foreign currency at AUS?
The Charles Schwab debit card is the top choice — it reimburses all ATM fees worldwide and charges 0% on international transactions, giving you the real mid-market exchange rate. Wise and Revolut travel cards are strong alternatives with similar 0% fee structures. Avoid using a standard bank debit card, which typically charges 1-3% foreign transaction fee plus an ATM surcharge of $3-5.
See also: Getting around AUS airport · Live AUS TSA wait times
Know exactly when to leave for the airport
The Leave-By Time calculator folds the live AUS TSA wait, real-time drive time from your door, and gate-walk distance into one exact time to leave home — no guesswork.
Calculate my Leave-By Time →