Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Portland 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 a kiosk in Concourse D near the international gates (Alaska/Southwest international service) and in the main terminal near the international arrivals customs exit. Service is seasonal on some routes.
ICE kiosks at PDX charge 12–16% above the mid-market rate. PDX's international service is primarily Canada, Mexico, and some seasonal trans-Pacific routes — the ICE kiosk serves mainly Japan and Canada currency exchange.
ATMs are throughout all concourses (A–E) and in the main terminal. US Bank and Wells Fargo ATMs are near gate clusters and at the baggage claim exit. The main terminal food hall has ATMs at both ends.
PDX ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. US Bank has a strong presence at PDX; a Schwab, Wise, or Revolut card gives the best rate at any of these ATMs.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for PDX
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
PDX has limited international exchange demand relative to larger airports — the ICE kiosk hours may be reduced on low-traffic days; the US Bank ATMs are 24/7 and are the more reliable option for any currency needs.
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 PDX airport or at my destination?
Almost always at your destination. Airport exchange booths at Portland 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 PDX airport?
ATMs are throughout all concourses (A–E) and in the main terminal. US Bank and Wells Fargo ATMs are near gate clusters and at the baggage claim exit. The main terminal food hall has ATMs at both ends. PDX ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. US Bank has a strong presence at PDX; a Schwab, Wise, or Revolut card gives the best rate at any of these ATMs.
Which currency exchange is at PDX airport?
ICE (International Currency Exchange) operates a kiosk in Concourse D near the international gates (Alaska/Southwest international service) and in the main terminal near the international arrivals customs exit. Service is seasonal on some routes. ICE kiosks at PDX charge 12–16% above the mid-market rate. PDX's international service is primarily Canada, Mexico, and some seasonal trans-Pacific routes — the ICE kiosk serves mainly Japan and Canada currency exchange.
What is the best card to use for foreign currency at PDX?
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 PDX airport · Live PDX TSA wait times
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