Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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.
None currently operating — SJC's own FAQ states the airport does not offer currency exchange services on-site. Older references to an ICE Currency Exchange kiosk in Terminal A (near Gate 15 and baggage claim) appear on outdated terminal maps and third-party directories, but the airport's current FAQ and directory no longer list it, and its hours show as unavailable in recent listings — treat it as closed.
Even where airport exchange counters exist, they typically run 15-20% above the mid-market rate, so SJC's lack of one is a minor loss for travelers who use an ATM instead. The airport's FAQ notes that "many banks provide currency exchange services" off-site.
ATMs (including Bank of America) are distributed throughout both terminals — near Gates 6, 10, 13, 15, 19, between Gates 17 and 18, and 26 — plus in the baggage claim areas, the arrivals area, and the rental car facility.
SJC's ATMs run on the standard Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus networks. A no-foreign-transaction-fee debit card (Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut) avoids ATM surcharges and gives a far better rate than any currency exchange counter would.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for SJC
Handle currency needs before or after your SJC trip rather than at the airport: since there's no on-site exchange desk, withdraw foreign currency from a home-country ATM ahead of time, order it from your bank, or withdraw local currency from an ATM after landing abroad. If you must exchange cash near SJC, Currency Exchange International at the Great Mall in Milpitas (about 8 miles from the airport) is the nearest dedicated option.
Pro Tip
SJC's international departures — Volaris and Alaska to Guadalajara, Volaris to León, Morelia, and Zacatecas, plus seasonal ZIPAIR nonstop service to Tokyo Narita (roughly June-August) — lead some travelers to assume there's an exchange desk after security. There isn't. Get pesos or yen before you leave home, or plan to withdraw local currency from an ATM on arrival instead.
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 SJC airport or at my destination?
Almost always at your destination. Airport exchange booths at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 SJC airport?
ATMs (including Bank of America) are distributed throughout both terminals — near Gates 6, 10, 13, 15, 19, between Gates 17 and 18, and 26 — plus in the baggage claim areas, the arrivals area, and the rental car facility. SJC's ATMs run on the standard Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus networks. A no-foreign-transaction-fee debit card (Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut) avoids ATM surcharges and gives a far better rate than any currency exchange counter would.
Which currency exchange is at SJC airport?
None currently operating — SJC's own FAQ states the airport does not offer currency exchange services on-site. Older references to an ICE Currency Exchange kiosk in Terminal A (near Gate 15 and baggage claim) appear on outdated terminal maps and third-party directories, but the airport's current FAQ and directory no longer list it, and its hours show as unavailable in recent listings — treat it as closed. Even where airport exchange counters exist, they typically run 15-20% above the mid-market rate, so SJC's lack of one is a minor loss for travelers who use an ATM instead. The airport's FAQ notes that "many banks provide currency exchange services" off-site.
What is the best card to use for foreign currency at SJC?
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 SJC airport · Live SJC TSA wait times
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