Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Key West 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.
None. EYW has no on-site currency exchange counter or kiosk.
EYW's international service is limited to a small charter-style operator (Air Key West) running a few flights a week to Havana, Cuba — it is not a major international gateway, so it has never built out a dedicated currency-exchange concession the way large international hubs do.
ATMs are located throughout the terminal, including near the ticket counters, in the departure area, and at baggage claim.
Exact ATM network/bank branding at EYW is not published by the airport; expect standard Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus network ATMs. Using a Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut debit card at any ATM avoids foreign transaction fees and ATM surcharges.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for EYW
Use an in-terminal ATM with a no-fee card (Schwab, Wise, or Revolut) rather than seeking currency exchange — EYW simply doesn't have an exchange booth, and the nearest bank branch is about 2 miles away and only open weekday business hours.
Pro Tip
If you genuinely need foreign currency exchanged in person, the closest option is the Bank of America Financial Center on Flagler Ave in Key West (about 2 miles from the airport), open weekdays only, roughly 9am-4pm, closed weekends — plan around those hours rather than expecting an airport counter.
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 EYW airport or at my destination?
Almost always at your destination. Airport exchange booths at Key West International Airport charge 10-20% above the mid-market rate. At your destination, ATMs give the real interbank rate minus a small network fee — typically saving $50-100 on a $500 exchange versus the airport booth.
Where are the ATMs at EYW airport?
ATMs are located throughout the terminal, including near the ticket counters, in the departure area, and at baggage claim. Exact ATM network/bank branding at EYW is not published by the airport; expect standard Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus network ATMs. Using a Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut debit card at any ATM avoids foreign transaction fees and ATM surcharges.
Which currency exchange is at EYW airport?
None. EYW has no on-site currency exchange counter or kiosk. EYW's international service is limited to a small charter-style operator (Air Key West) running a few flights a week to Havana, Cuba — it is not a major international gateway, so it has never built out a dedicated currency-exchange concession the way large international hubs do.
What is the best card to use for foreign currency at EYW?
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 EYW airport · Live EYW TSA wait times
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