Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Los Angeles 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.
ICE (International Currency Exchange) operates kiosks in Terminals 2, 4, 6, and 7, and in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Travelex no longer operates at LAX as of 2025.
ICE kiosks at LAX typically charge 10–15% above the mid-market rate. Rates are posted at each kiosk — compare to the mid-market rate on your phone before transacting. The TBIT location near international arrivals baggage claim sees heavy demand.
ATMs are in all terminals, with the highest concentration in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) near baggage claim on the arrivals level and throughout the concourse. Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo ATMs are throughout all domestic terminals.
ATMs at LAX are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. A no-fee card (Charles Schwab debit, Wise, or Revolut) eliminates both the ATM surcharge and foreign transaction fees.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for LAX
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
The TBIT (international terminal) has both ICE kiosks and ATMs near baggage claim on arrival — always choose the ATM. The ICE kiosk is physically closer to the exit but will cost you significantly more.
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 LAX airport or at my destination?
Almost always at your destination. Airport exchange booths at Los Angeles 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 LAX airport?
ATMs are in all terminals, with the highest concentration in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) near baggage claim on the arrivals level and throughout the concourse. Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo ATMs are throughout all domestic terminals. ATMs at LAX are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. A no-fee card (Charles Schwab debit, Wise, or Revolut) eliminates both the ATM surcharge and foreign transaction fees.
Which currency exchange is at LAX airport?
ICE (International Currency Exchange) operates kiosks in Terminals 2, 4, 6, and 7, and in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Travelex no longer operates at LAX as of 2025. ICE kiosks at LAX typically charge 10–15% above the mid-market rate. Rates are posted at each kiosk — compare to the mid-market rate on your phone before transacting. The TBIT location near international arrivals baggage claim sees heavy demand.
What is the best card to use for foreign currency at LAX?
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 LAX airport · Live LAX TSA wait times
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