Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Portland International Jetport. 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
Old Port Foreign Exchange, a small independent currency exchange counter, operates landside on Level 1 in the ticketing area. 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 located in the baggage claim area, inside security near Gates 2–3 and across from Gate 5, near Gate 11, and outside the main terminal entrance on Level 1.
ATMs at PWM dispense USD only on standard US networks. Since PWM currently has no scheduled international flights, there's rarely a need for foreign currency here — a Schwab, Wise, or Revolut no-foreign-transaction-fee card is the best way to get cash cheaply if your trip continues internationally through a connecting hub.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for PWM
PWM has no scheduled international flights, so there's little demand for currency exchange — handle any foreign currency needs before you arrive or at your connecting international gateway. If you must exchange here, Old Port Foreign Exchange in the Level 1 ticketing area is the only on-site option.
Pro Tip
Because PWM is a domestic-only airport, don't count on the Old Port Foreign Exchange counter being open outside normal weekday business hours — plan ahead if you need foreign cash before an international connection elsewhere.
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 PWM airport or at my destination?
At your destination. Portland International Jetport 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 PWM airport?
ATMs are located in the baggage claim area, inside security near Gates 2–3 and across from Gate 5, near Gate 11, and outside the main terminal entrance on Level 1. ATMs at PWM dispense USD only on standard US networks. Since PWM currently has no scheduled international flights, there's rarely a need for foreign currency here — a Schwab, Wise, or Revolut no-foreign-transaction-fee card is the best way to get cash cheaply if your trip continues internationally through a connecting hub.
Which currency exchange is at PWM airport?
Portland International Jetport 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 PWM?
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 PWM airport · Live PWM TSA wait times
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