Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Raleigh–Durham 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.
No exchange booths at this airport
No dedicated currency exchange booths operate at Raleigh-Durham. RDU primarily handles domestic traffic — no Travelex or ICE kiosks are present in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. 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 in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and First Citizens Bank ATMs are at the post-security food courts and at baggage claim exits.
RDU ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. First Citizens Bank is headquartered in Raleigh and has ATMs throughout both terminals; a Schwab or Wise card eliminates non-customer ATM fees.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for RDU
This airport primarily serves domestic routes. If you need foreign currency, withdraw at your destination from an ATM using a no-fee card.
Pro Tip
Order currency from your bank 2-3 days before departure for the best rate without airport hassle — Wells Fargo and Bank of America branches throughout the Research Triangle area offer currency ordering with 2-3 day delivery.
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 RDU airport or at my destination?
At your destination. Raleigh–Durham International Airport 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 RDU airport?
ATMs are in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and First Citizens Bank ATMs are at the post-security food courts and at baggage claim exits. RDU ATMs are on the Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus, and STAR networks. First Citizens Bank is headquartered in Raleigh and has ATMs throughout both terminals; a Schwab or Wise card eliminates non-customer ATM fees.
Which currency exchange is at RDU airport?
Raleigh–Durham International Airport 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 RDU?
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 RDU airport · Live RDU TSA wait times
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