Is it cheaper to pay wedding suppliers abroad in cash?

Some overseas suppliers may offer discounts for cash payments, although this varies depending on the destination and supplier involved.

Can I order wedding travel money before travelling?

Yes. Sterling FX offers advance travel money ordering and Click & Collect services for a wide range of currencies.

What currency is most commonly used for destination weddings?

Euros remain one of the most commonly exchanged currencies for destination weddings, particularly for Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

Can I send money directly to overseas wedding suppliers?

Yes. Sterling FX provides international payment services for many overseas destinations.

Should You Exchange Currency at the Airport?

If you're heading abroad and realise you still need foreign currency, the airport can seem like the easiest option. Currency exchange kiosks are convenient, easy to find, and available right before departure or after landing.

But convenience often comes at a cost.

In many cases, exchanging money at the airport means accepting weaker exchange rates, higher fees, and less value for your travel budget. While airport exchange services can be useful in emergencies, they're rarely the most cost-effective option for travellers.

Here's what you should know before exchanging currency at the airport.

Why Airport Currency Exchange Often Costs More

Airport exchange bureaux operate in high-demand locations where travellers usually need currency quickly. Because of this, rates are often less competitive compared to city-centre currency exchange providers or online pre-order services.

Many airport kiosks advertise "0% commission", but this can be misleading. Instead of charging a visible fee, the cost is often built into the exchange rate itself.

This means you may receive significantly less foreign currency for your money without immediately noticing.

For example, even a small difference in exchange rate can make a noticeable impact if you are exchanging larger amounts for holidays, business travel, or overseas property purchases.

Option	Convenience	Exchange Rates	Fees
Airport Exchange	Very High	Usually Poorer	Often Hidden in Rate
Online Pre-Order	High	Usually Better	More Transparent
City Centre Exchange	Medium	Often Competitive	Varies
ATM Abroad	High	Can Be Competitive	Bank Fees May Apply

Tips to Get the Best Exchange Rate Before Travelling

Taking a few simple steps before you travel can help you secure a better exchange rate and get more value from your travel budget.

Compare exchange rates before travelling

Avoid exchanging large amounts at airports

Watch out for "0% commission" marketing

Consider reserving travel money online

Exchange currency in advance during favourable market movements

Use reputable, FCA-registered currency exchange providers

Why Travellers Choose Sterling FX

At Sterling FX, we help travellers and international customers exchange currency with competitive rates and transparent service from our London branch.

Whether you're travelling for business, a holiday, or exchanging larger amounts of foreign currency, our team can help you secure better value compared to many airport exchange services.

If you are looking to do an international money transfer, you can visit our send money page for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to exchange currency before going to the airport?

In most cases, yes. Exchanging currency before arriving at the airport often gives you access to more competitive exchange rates and lower overall costs.

Why are airport exchange rates worse?

Airport exchange providers operate in high-convenience locations where travellers may have limited alternatives. Because of this, rates are often less favourable than city-centre or online exchange services.

Is 0% commission actually free?

Not always. Some providers remove commission fees but apply a margin to the exchange rate instead, meaning you still pay indirectly through a weaker rate.

Should I exchange money at the airport or use an ATM abroad?

Using an ATM abroad can sometimes offer better rates, but it depends on your bank fees and whether dynamic currency conversion is applied.

How much currency should I exchange before travelling?

Many travellers exchange enough cash for immediate expenses such as taxis, food, or transport, while using cards or additional exchange services during the trip.

Can I reserve travel money online and collect it later?

Yes. Many currency exchange providers now offer online reservations with branch collection, often at better rates than walk-in airport exchanges.

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Should You Exchange Currency at the Airport?

Why Airport Currency Exchange Often Costs More

Airport Exchange vs Pre-Ordering Currency