Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at George Bush Intercontinental 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.
Travelex operates currency exchange at Terminal E (international arrivals/departures, George Bush Intercontinental's primary international concourse). ICE has a kiosk in Terminal C (United's main hub) near the international gate area.
Travelex at IAH charges 12–18% above the mid-market rate. Terminal E handles significant Latin America, Europe, and Asia traffic on United; the Travelex booth is positioned near international baggage claim exit.
ATMs are in all five terminals (A–E). Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo ATMs are near gate clusters and in the underground Subway connector between terminals. Terminal E has ATMs near the international arrivals customs exit.
IAH ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. A Schwab, Wise, or Revolut card at any IAH ATM gives the real exchange rate with no surcharge.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for IAH
Use an ATM with a no-fee card (Schwab, Wise, or Revolut) and decline any offered currency conversion at the ATM. Airport exchange booths charge 15-20% above the real rate.
Pro Tip
After clearing customs in Terminal E, the Travelex booth is immediately visible near the exit — the Chase ATM is about 30 meters further. That 30-meter walk saves you roughly 15% on any currency you exchange.
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 IAH airport or at my destination?
Almost always at your destination. Airport exchange booths at George Bush Intercontinental 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 IAH airport?
ATMs are in all five terminals (A–E). Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo ATMs are near gate clusters and in the underground Subway connector between terminals. Terminal E has ATMs near the international arrivals customs exit. IAH ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. A Schwab, Wise, or Revolut card at any IAH ATM gives the real exchange rate with no surcharge.
Which currency exchange is at IAH airport?
Travelex operates currency exchange at Terminal E (international arrivals/departures, George Bush Intercontinental's primary international concourse). ICE has a kiosk in Terminal C (United's main hub) near the international gate area. Travelex at IAH charges 12–18% above the mid-market rate. Terminal E handles significant Latin America, Europe, and Asia traffic on United; the Travelex booth is positioned near international baggage claim exit.
What is the best card to use for foreign currency at IAH?
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 IAH airport · Live IAH TSA wait times
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