Where To Exchange Currency At Manchester Airport

As someone who travels often, especially between cities like Manchester and London, I’ve learned that sorting out my currency needs right at the airport can save me a ton of stress later. On my recent trip, I landed at Manchester Airport with a tight schedule and needed British Pounds quickly before heading to London.

Thankfully, having my Portable WiFi device kept me connected the entire time, allowing me to check exchange rates and locate the best currency exchange spots within the airport in real quick.

If you’re just arriving in the UK or catching a connecting flight, Manchester Airport has your back when it comes the issue of money exchange, each terminal offers different services, but in this shared experience, I’ll share what I personally experienced, starting with Terminal 3.

Can You Change Cash At Manchester Airport?

Yes, you definitely can. On my last trip, I was relieved to find out that all three terminals at Manchester Airport offer currency exchange services. I had some U.S. dollars I wanted to convert to British Pounds before heading to London, and using my Portable WiFi, I quickly searched for the nearest booth.

Travelex was the main provider, and they had multiple kiosks both before and after security. It was super handy, especially because I hadn’t pre-ordered cash in advance. I just walked up, showed my passport, and got it done within minutes.

Currency Exchange Services In Terminal 1 Manchester Airport

Terminal 1 was where I landed, and it had the most currency exchange options compared to the other terminals. I spotted at least two Travelex booths, one near the baggage claim and another close to departures.

I checked the live exchange rates while I waited for my luggage and was able to time my exchange for when the rate dipped slightly in my favor. The process was smooth, and the staff even offered a receipt with the reverse rate if I wanted to exchange leftover pounds before flying out, super convenient experience.

Currency Exchange Services In Terminal 2 Manchester Airport

When I flew out of Terminal 2 on my way to London, I found it just as equipped for currency exchange as Terminal 1. There were a couple of Travelex booths, one before security and another just after. I noticed that the post security booth actually had a slightly better offer at the time.

I exchanged just enough to cover my transport and meals for the day. The service was quick, and they accepted both cash and card, which was great since I hadn’t hit the ATM yet.

Currency Exchange Services In Terminal 3 Manchester Airport

Terminal 3 might be the smallest of the three terminals at Manchester Airport, but it still offers a convenient and quick currency exchange option. As soon as I cleared immigration, I spotted a Travelex booth just near the arrivals area. It wasn’t crowded when I arrived early morning, which made things faster for me.

The staff was polite, and the transaction process was straightforward. I exchanged a small amount just to cover my train ticket and a bit of food until I reached central London.

Well all thanks to my Portable WiFi, I was able to compare rates on the go before committing, the rates at the booth were a little higher than what I saw online, but for the convenience, I didn’t mind. Plus, I always keep a backup travel card and only exchange a small portion of cash at the airport.

If you’re flying short haul or arriving from within Europe, Terminal 3 is ideal. You can handle your currency needs quickly without navigating a large terminal, and if you’re like me constantly checking for better rates online, having a Portable WiFi device makes that process easy.

Are There Cash Machines At Manchester Airport?

Yes, there are ATMs all over the airport, and I made use of one right outside the arrivals area, it worked perfectly with my international debit card. Before withdrawing, I checked for any hidden fees using my Pocket WiFi and banking app.

Some machines had lower fees than others, so it was good to have internet access to make a quick call. The limits were decent too, I pulled out £200 without any hassle. It’s a solid backup if you don’t want to deal with exchange counters.

Is It Better To Exchange Money At The Airport?

Honestly, I only exchange a small amount at the airport, just enough to get me through the first day. The rates are usually less favorable compared to what I can find online or in the city. With my Portable WiFi, I always compare accurate rates using apps like XE or Revolut while I’m waiting in line.

If you plan ahead, you can pre-order currency for airport pickup at a better rate, but if you’re in a rush like I usually am, it’s fine for quick cash. Just don’t do large conversions here.

How Much Money Can You Take To Manchester Airport?

On my last trip, I carried under £5,000 in cash, which didn’t require any declaration, but if you’re bringing over €10,000 or the equivalent in any currency, you’ve got to declare it at customs UK rules. I checked all of this while connected to my Temporary Internet Box right before flying. To stay safe, I usually split my funds between cash, a prepaid travel card, and a mobile wallet. It’s just easier and more secure that way.

Conclusion

Overall, exchanging currency at Manchester Airport was convenient, especially for quick cash before heading to London. Each terminal had solid options, but I only exchanged what I needed for transport and food. My Portable WiFi device really came in handy, it helped me check live exchange rates, compare ATM fees, and make smarter decisions at every necessary point.

If you’re traveling like me, I’d say exchange a small amount at the airport, then handle the rest in the city where rates are better. A little planning, and a stable internet connection, goes a long way.