travel money exchange post office

Using the Post Office Travel Money Card: Pros and Cons

Table of Contents

What is the post office travel money card, pros of the post office travel money card, cons of the post office travel money card, user experiences and reviews, how to get and use the card, best practices for cardholders, alternatives to the post office travel money card.

T he Post Office Travel Money Card is a convenient and secure way for UK residents to manage their finances while traveling abroad. This prepaid card allows travelers to load funds in multiple currencies, offering a practical alternative to carrying cash or using credit cards overseas. It’s particularly popular among those who seek a controlled and budget-friendly travel spending method.

The Post Office Travel Money Card is a prepaid, multi-currency card that can be loaded with up to 23 different currencies. It functions similarly to a debit card but is specifically designed for international travel. The card can be used to make purchases at millions of locations worldwide where MasterCard is accepted and to withdraw money from ATMs.

• Convenience and Ease of Use : The card is straightforward to obtain and use. Travelers can easily load funds onto the card online or at a Post Office branch.
• Security Features : The card is not linked to a bank account, reducing the risk of fraud. Additionally, if lost or stolen, it can be easily replaced.
• Wide Acceptance : Being a MasterCard product, it’s accepted at a vast number of outlets and ATMs worldwide.
• Currency Exchange Rates : Users benefit from competitive exchange rates compared to traditional currency exchange services.
• Budget Control : The prepaid nature allows travelers to manage their spending effectively, avoiding the risk of debt.
• Fees and Charges : Although the card offers free purchases, there are fees for certain transactions, such as ATM withdrawals and inactivity.
• Limitations in Usage : Some countries and establishments may not accept the card, limiting its utility in certain situations.
• Reloading Issues : Adding more funds to the card can be less straightforward, especially in remote areas or during non-business hours.
• Customer Service Concerns : Some users have reported issues with customer service, particularly in resolving card-related problems quickly.
• Comparison with Other Travel Money Options : While the card has many benefits, it may not always be the best option compared to other travel money products, like credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Feedback from users generally highlights the convenience and security of the card. However, some have noted the fees and reloading issues as drawbacks. It’s essential to consider both the positive and negative aspects to make an informed decision.

Obtaining the card is a simple process, either online or at a Post Office branch. Users need to load the card with the desired amount and can start using it immediately. For reloading, options include online transfers or visiting a Post Office.

To maximize the benefits of the card:

• Keep track of spending and remaining balance.
• Be aware of the fees for different transactions.
• Have an alternative payment method as a backup.

Other options include other brands of travel money cards, credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, and traditional cash exchange. Each has its pros and cons, depending on individual travel needs and spending habits.

The Post Office Travel Money Card is a valuable tool for travelers seeking a secure and convenient way to manage their funds abroad. While it has several advantages, potential users should also be aware of its limitations and fees.

Q: How does the Post Office Travel Money Card work? A: It’s a prepaid card that you load with currency before traveling. You can use it for purchases and ATM withdrawals anywhere MasterCard is accepted.

Q: Are there any fees associated with the card? A: Yes, there are fees for certain transactions like ATM withdrawals, and there may be inactivity fees if the card is not used for a prolonged period.

Q: How do I load money onto the card? A: You can load money online or at any Post Office branch. The process is simple and can be done in multiple currencies.

Q: What should I do if my card is lost or stolen? A: Contact the Post Office immediately to report the lost or stolen card. They will arrange for a replacement and transfer the balance from the old card.

Q: Can I use the card in any country? A: The card is accepted in most countries worldwide. However, it’s always best to check the specific country’s acceptance before traveling.

Q: How does the card compare to using a regular debit or credit card abroad? A: Unlike regular cards, the Travel Money Card is prepaid, which helps in budget management. However, some regular cards might offer better exchange rates or lower fees, so it’s worth comparing options.

Q: Is the Post Office Travel Money Card a good option for all travelers? A: It depends on individual needs. The card is excellent for those who want a secure, budget-friendly way to carry money abroad. However, for those who travel frequently or to less common destinations, other options might be more suitable.

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Traveling Internationally? Order Foreign Currency Before You Go

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Upon landing in a foreign country, expect a lot of lines. There’s immigration, passport control and customs inspection. But there’s one line you can — and absolutely should — skip: the airport currency exchange.

Not only does the airport currency exchange counter’s line cut into precious time abroad, but it’s typically a terrible money move. Airport currency exchange rates are among the worst you’ll find.

It’s not uncommon to see airport exchanges charging 14% more than the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) exchange rate. NerdWallet even found some premiums exceeding 17%. Some also charge additional fees on top of the poor exchange rate.

So what do you do if you need cash upon arrival to order a cab or tip the bellhop? Consider ordering foreign currency before you fly.

Most banks allow you to order foreign currencies, which you can typically pick up at a local branch before your trip. Some banks offer to ship currencies to you, and sometimes they don’t even charge extra for postage if you order a certain amount.

Plus, the exchange rate can be good. For instance, at Bank of America, the exchange rates we checked in January 2024 average roughly 6% more than the IMF rates — and less than half of what the airport currency exchanges are charging.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

How to order foreign currency from your bank

While the exact process varies by bank, most major banks make it easy to order online.

Typically you can access the currency exchange webpage through your bank’s website or mobile app, or by phone. From there, you usually enter the currency you need, add the desired amount, select the pickup method and place your order.

While you can generally expect a solid exchange rate, use a trusted source such as Reuters or the International Monetary Fund to find current exchange rates and ensure you get a fair deal.

Additionally, understand all the fees involved. For example, Citi charges a $5 service fee for transactions under $1,000, though it’s waived for clients with premium bank accounts .

Or you might get charged a shipping fee. Bank of America’s standard shipping costs $7.50, but overnight shipping is $20. Sometimes you can avoid shipping fees by opting to pick up the cash at a local branch or by being a loyal customer. Bank of America Preferred Rewards program members get free standard shipping.

There’s also generally a minimum amount of foreign currency you can order ($100 or $200 is common) and a maximum ($10,000 within a 30-day period is common).

Other good ways to pay abroad

If it’s too late to order foreign currency from your bank, here are other ways to curtail currency fees :

Find an in-network ATM abroad

Major banks usually have branches abroad or partner with other banks to create a network. Using those ATMs often provides a decent exchange rate while eliminating out-of-network ATM fees.

If you end up using a non-network ATM, pay attention to ATM fees , which vary but usually run about $5 per transaction. Given that, consider limiting ATM debit transactions by withdrawing the amount you think you’ll need for the entire trip, or at least a large portion of it.

ATM availability is more common in some places than others. Macau has the highest number of ATMs per capita with 316 ATMs per 100,000 adults, based on 2021 data from the World Bank Group. Uruguay, Canada and Austria are other destinations with the most ATMs per capita.

But other countries tend to have far fewer. For example, Kenya had fewer than 7 ATMs per 100,000 adults and Nepal had only 20 ATMs per 100,000 adults, according to the same data.

Pay with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees

Depending on the card, you might get dinged with foreign transaction fees of 1%-3% when you make purchases at non-U.S. retailers abroad.

That’s why it’s wise to carry a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card abroad.

on Chase's website

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. .

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. .

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. .

» Learn more: The best no-foreign-transaction-fee cards

And more international merchants are taking plastic. This wider card acceptance and increased security are reasons travelers are ditching cash, according to the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study 2023, which polled more than 15,000 people in the Asian Pacific region between April and June 2023.

While this type of card won’t help you pay at cash-only businesses or get money for tips, it’s otherwise one of the smartest ways to pay internationally.

» Frequent travelers: Consider a multicurrency account

Try paying in cash dollars

If all else fails, offer to pay in U.S. dollars. In fact, some merchants or individuals accepting tips prefer it in certain countries. You might find vendors willing to give you an even better deal if you pay with U.S. dollars.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Post Office exchange rates

Today's latest Post Office travel money exchange rates, updated 47 seconds ago at 4:55am

The Post Office have 55 currencies in stock and ready to order now. Buy online and get your currency delivered securely to your door, or collect your order from one of over 11,000 Post Office Bureau de Change branches across the UK.

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Travel money order limits and fees

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Post Office travel money rates

These are the latest Post Office exchange rates available right now. You must buy or reserve your currency online to guarantee these rates or you may be given a lower rate in-store.

Compare the Post Office's exchange rates

We compare hundreds of exchange rates from dozens of currency suppliers across the UK. Select a currency below to see how the Post Office's rates compare against other providers. Bear in mind that exchange rates aren't the only important factor when it comes to getting the best deal; commission, card surcharges and delivery costs can all affect the final amount of currency you'll receive. You can see the full range of currency deals on offer right now on our travel money comparisons .

The Post Office have a minimum order value of £400 for in-store collection and £400 for home delivery. The maximum amount you can order is £2,500 for collection and £2,500 for delivery. Delivery is free for orders over £500, otherwise a £4.99 delivery charge will apply.

Latest Post Office reviews

Our users have rated the Post Office Poor in 681 reviews. Read more on our Post Office reviews page.

Glad I read the reviews before I got a Travel money card. Wont be getting one now will just take cash with me.

Read the full review

I attempted several times today to order currency but the system kept freezing. I took it to my local post office and they saw this for themselves but could not resolve the issue and then offered me an inferior exchange rate. I have made a complain [...]

Mandy Price

I've had reason to phone the travel card money team about 4 times this week (my fault, not theirs). I've spoken to Matthew, Carolyn and Stephen in the Glasgow office and I wanted to say it's been a pleasure. They've sorted all my weird queries, bee [...]

The euro rate at the Post Office right now is 1.1359. You'll need to buy or reserve your euros online to guarantee this rate; the euro rate offered in your local branch may be lower if you don't order online beforehand.

On average, the Post Office's exchange rates are slightly lower than those offered by other high street brands such as Tesco and John Lewis . Many customers who buy their travel money with the Post Office do so because of the Post Office's brand name and convenient locations - there are over 11,000 Post Office Bureau de Change across the UK - but this convenience comes at a cost in the form of slightly lower exchange rates than those available elsewhere.

If you plan on buying your currency with the Post Office, the golden rule is to always reserve your currency online first so you get their online exchange rate. If you turn up and order over the counter at your local branch, you may be given a much lower rate. Ultimately, if you want the absolute best exchange rate on the market, better currency deals are usually available from other suppliers. Check out our travel money comparisons to find the best currency deals available right now.

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Best Travel Money Exchange Rates Compared

This guide explains the cheapest and most expensive ways to buy travel money. It can help save you money if you are thinking about going abroad and trying to work out the best way to spend while you’re there.

Commission charges when you buy foreign currency have mostly been phased out. Now most currency operators make money on the difference between the interbank exchange rate and the rate they actually give you.

So the best way to know if you’re getting a good deal is to compare the actual exchange rate you’re getting.

For each of the currency exchange locations below we have used the euro as an example – but where you see a location giving a bad rate (versus the benchmark interbank rate) for euros, you can be pretty much guaranteed you’ll get a bad rate on any other currency at that place too.

Here are the ways to get the most for your money when buying foreign currency, ranked best to worse.

(All exchange rate figures accessed on 31 May 2023.)

1. Currency cards – BEST RATE

Currency cards are debit card-style payment cards designed to be used while you are on holiday or travelling outside the UK to pay for goods and services, usually anywhere you see the Visa or Mastercard symbol. They either come as regular debit cards with travel money functions, or as a separate card that connects to your current account.

Currency cards offer some of the best exchange rates around, and are available from, for example, Starling, Monzo, Revolut , and Curresea.

The euro rates for Monzo and Starling are based on the Mastercard rate so are the same:

• £1 = €1.152 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• On the (free) Curresea Essential plan the euro rate is:
• £1 = €1.152
• On the (paid for) Curresea Elite and Premium Plans the euro rate is:
• £1 = €1.163
• Ease : Currency cards are easy to apply for and usually arrive within a few days. If your bank already offers a travel card service as part of your account you may not even need to apply for a new card. Plus you don’t need to worry about changing up loads of cash before you go away.
• Safety : If you lose cash, it’s usually gone forever. If you lose your currency card you can cancel or freeze it in the app that comes with it to prevent anyone else using your holiday money.
• Virtual wallet: You can add most currency travel cards to your phone’s virtual wallet, so you can still pay if you only have your phone with you.
• Charges : Fees and charges to use your currency card abroad can vary significantly so it’s a good idea to compare different providers before you choose which one to go with. Be aware the card provider – typically either Visa or Mastercard – can add its own fees of 1% to 3% on top of transactions.
• ATM limits : Some card providers limit how much you can withdraw from an ATM in another currency, after which point more charges will kick in.
• No section 75 protection : Debit card payments and purchases are not covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. But you might be able to make a claim for a refund under a voluntary scheme called ‘chargeback’.

2. Cash point abroad

Withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad can be a good option if you use one of the cards mentioned above, or a travel credit card. They are designed for use while travelling, so give the best rates on foreign exchange, and limit the fees and charges you pay while using them abroad. It is for this reason that cash point abroad is 2nd on this list.

Currensea , for example, as well as offering one of the best exchange rates, allows free ATM withdrawals of up to £500 using its Essential Card (2% fees over), and with its Premium Card (which costs £25 a year) you can make fee free ATM withdrawals up to £500 (1% over).

Just remember – if the ATM tells you a fee applies, always choose to be charged in the local currency of the country you’re in (this also applies to card purchases).

However beware – this is important – if you just take your normal debit card or credit card abroad you can expect high fees from both your bank and the ATM you withdraw cash from every time you use it.

For example, Barclays charges a 2.99% fee for using your standard debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds.

So while you get a pretty decent exchange rate with Barclays (which uses the Visa rate), once the fee is added the real rate is much less. It works out as:

• Visa rate: £1 = €1.161 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate) before charges
• Barclays debit rate after 2.99% fee added £1 = €1.128
• Cheap if you use the right cards: Taking money out at an ATM abroad can be one of the cheapest ways to access cash if you use a card designed for travel that has fee-free options and a good exchange rate (see out Best Rated above).
• Don’t have to carry so much cash : Carrying huge wads of cash is a theft risk. Carrying a couple of cards (one for use and one for back up) is much safer.
• High costs if you use the wrong card : Avoid taking your regular debit or credit card abroad as to use it you will have to pay high fees.

3. Highstreet in the UK

UK highstreets offer a number of exchange rate options, from inside department stores like John Lewis, to specialist foreign exchange rate shops like No1 Currency. The rates will vary from place to place.

At No1 Currency, for example, the online rates are below, although the website says the in store rates may differ from what is advertised.

• £1 = €1.136 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• £100 = €113.67

At John Lewis, on the same day the rate was a little lower.

• £1 = €1.133 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• £100 = €113.38

At Marks & Spencer, the rate was:

• Click & Collect: £1 = €1.138 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
•  £100 = €113.80
• In-store bureau de change: £1 = €1.119
• £100 = €111.90

At a TUI branch the rate was:

• £1 = €1.139 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• £100 = €113.90
• Click and collect rates : No1 Currency for example gives you a better rate if you order online then pick up in store, rather than have your currency delivered.
• Perks: For example at John Lewis you can earn points when you pay for currency with your Partnership Credit Card.
• Delivery charges : No1 Currency only offers free delivery for orders of £800 or more. At John Lewis the minimum for free home delivery is over £500.
• Minimum orders online: John Lewis, for example, has a £250 minimum for online orders.

4. Online with a supermarket

Most supermarkets sell travel money these days and it can be a convenient way to pick up some currency while you do your weekly shop. You can buy on the day or order online to collect.

As an added bonus, supermarkets offer a better rate on foreign currency for their loyalty card holders, pushing supermarkets up the ranking in terms of rates.

• Standard rate: £1 = €1.130 (vs €1.16 interbank rate)
• £100 = €113
• Tesco Clubcard rate:  €1.135
• £100 = €113.50

Sainsbury’s

• £1 = €1.131 (vs €1.16 interbank rate)
• £100 =  €113.17
• Sainsbury’s Nectar card rate: €1.1340
• £100 = €113.40
• Loyalty perks and points : Loyalty card holders get better exchange rates, plus you can earn loyalty points when you pay for the currency just like any other purchase.
• Convenience : Order online then pick up when you do your weekly shop.
• Minimum order amounts: For example Tesco has a minimum order amount of £400 worth of currency when you buy online, and a minimum of £500 to have a free home delivery. There is no minimum order amount for Sainsbury’s but a £4.99 fee to have currency bought online delivered at home.

5. Post office

The Post Office is a handy one-stop-shop for lots of holiday related things, from travel insurance to international driving permits, and including travel money. While the Post Office doesn’t offer the best rates on the market, it does have several other advantages that could make it a good option, especially if you are in a hurry.

• £1 = €1.116 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• £100 = €111
• Rate increases : Order online for the best rates on every currency. The more you buy, the better the rate.
• Fast pick up service : You can pick up euros and US dollars from your nearest branch in as little as 2 hours, from selected branches. Order by 2pm (1pm Saturday) to collect the same day, from 2 hours later. Order after 2pm (1pm Saturday) to collect the next working day, from 11am. Or you can choose delivery to your home.
• Refund policy : Will refund 100% of the holiday money you bought if your trip abroad is cancelled
• Queuing : With a number of Post Offices closing, and banks shutting branches that force Post Offices to do more services with less, queues to get you travel money in person can be long.
• Limited currencies: Post Office in my experience don’t carry that much currency and only in a few of the most common types. Beware buying last minute – if you try to just pop in on the day to buy your currency without pre-ordering you may find they have run out, or don’t stock it.
• Buying limits : The minimum you can buy online of a currency is £400 worth, and the maximum is £2,500.

6. At the airport

The only times I have bought currency at the airport it has been out of desperation and from a lack of forward planning – and I have always regretted it. It is typically one of the most expensive (i.e. worst exchange rate) places to buy foreign currency.

But if you’re in a panic because you forgot to get out any cash before your trip, it is at least convenient to be able to grab some foreign currency before your flight.

Two of the most common foreign exchange kiosks you’ll find at UK and global airports are Travelex and Eurochange. The rates below are for their online services – rates in the airport are likely to be worse.

Travelex (online)

• £1 = €1.130 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)

Eurochange (online)

• £1 = €1.131 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• £100 = €113.10
• Location : If in the rush to get away you forgot to pick up any currency, airport foreign exchange kiosks offer a last minute lifeline.
• Availability of currencies: Because of their location, currency kiosks in international airports tend to be well stocked in multiple currencies, even the less common ones.
• Switching currency : If you are visiting multiple countries on a trip but don’t want to carry large amounts of currency, changing up just what you need at each airport you pass through is an option.
• Expense : You will never get the best foreign exchange rate at an airport.
• Lack of comparison : Even if there is more than one currency store at the airport, they all tend to offer the same rates. Once you’re there you have no other options, you have to take what you can get.

7. Online with a bank

Buying travel money from your local bank might seem like the obvious choice, but surprisingly the rates on offer are likely among the worst you’ll get anywhere in the UK. However the limits on how much you can purchase can be higher (though you won’t get a better rate the more you buy so why bother?)

• £1 = €1.105 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• £100 = €110.51
• £1 = €1.106 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
• £100 = €110.67
• High purchase limits : At Barclays, for example, you can order up to £5,000 per person within a 90-day period, and a maximum of £2,500 from that amount can be sent for home delivery to a single residential address.
• Fee free deliveries : HSBC, for example, offers fee-free deliveries on your travel money to HSBC Full and Cash Service branches or to your home. Other banks may charge.
• Limited to customers : You may find you have to be a customer. For example, you’ll need a Barclays debit card or Barclaycard to place your order for currency online there.
• Expensive : Among the worst rates for currency exchange you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

8. Bureau de change abroad – WORST RATE

Bureau de changes abroad are typically in tourist hotspots. And what do we know about tourist hotspots? Rife for pickpockets and overinflated prices. This is the attitude you should take to foreign currency shops in these locations.

One example that proves the ‘expensive option’ point is Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange, situated in the busy Plaza de Callao in central Madrid, Spain.

Ria’s exchange rate on 31 May 2023 was:

• £1.00 = €0.99 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)

Convenient : If you really need cash while you’re abroad, maybe because you’re in a place where your cards are not widely accepted, a local bureau de change may be a lifeline – just expect to pay heavily for that life raft.

• Cost, cost, cost: Buying foreign currency from a currency shop or kiosk in a tourist hotspot (where you are most likely to find them) is an extremely expensive way of getting your hands on cash. Avoid if at all possible.
• Theft risk : Pickpockets may hang around bureau de change just like they hang around ATMs, because they know you have just withdrawn what is probably a large amount of money. Secure your cash hidden away before you leave the kiosk.

Is it still worth getting travel cash ahead of your holidays?

Yes. Absolutely. Cards aren’t accepted everywhere, as I found to my detriment when I arrived in Buenos Aires and tried to take out local currency on my credit card at the foreign exchange desk at the airport.

“Absolutely not possible”, I was told. A combination of a lack of provision to buy currency on credit card there, and the Argentinian peso being just too volatile for credit card providers to let you buy it on their service.

All I had in hard currency was US$100 in Argetininian pesos I had changed in the airport at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, where I had just come from, and a US$100 bill. Luckily I’d pre-paid my Buenos Aires hotel in advance, and I could easily find restaurants that would accept my credit card. But taxis only took cash, so I spent a lot of time walking – thinking about how I should have brought more pesos with me.

We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to travel money.

Yes, in most cases. Cash withdrawal fees will probably apply of around 3%, just like they would at home for taking cash out on a credit card, and these will be on top of any currency conversion fees.

Be aware though – in countries with a highly fluctuating exchange rate, like Argentina, you may not be able to buy foreign cash with your credit card (not even at the bureau de change at the airport, for example). You still may be able to pay for goods and services with your credit cards, but check how widely they are accepted before you travel.

Yes, on the whole. When buying travel money online, like with buying anything online, you’re best off sticking to well known brands, whether that be banks, supermarkets, or currency exchange stores.

A large institution or well known brand is less likely to go bust, and that is important because foreign exchange is not a regulated service. This means your cash is not protected if the company you tried to get your foreign currency from closes suddenly.

Yes. Most places that sell you travel money will buy it back from you. But just like when you’re swapping your pounds for foreign currency, when you swap it back you should compare the exchange rates on offer. As a general rule, a location that offers a good rate one way, offers a good rate the other way.

Travel money providers – from the currency shops and bureau de change, to the banks and supermarkets, anywhere basically that sells currency – make money by giving you slightly less than the central banks give them for the foreign money you want to buy.

For example, if a currency provider tells you they will give you €1.131 for every pound you give them, but the central bank rate for euros is €1.157 per pound, the difference is €0.026, which they pocket. This may not sound much, but multiplied over millions of transactions a  year, it adds up.

Compare, compare, compare the single unit price – which means the £1 for a €1 rate, or whichever currency you choose, versus the interbank rate, which you can get by just Googling “1 GBP in EUR”.

Places that sell currency, online or in a shop, have to show you the exchange rate for that day. While it’s probably not practical to go traipsing around comparing shops, it’s easy enough to do so online. If you run up against minimum purchase amounts online, still go with the company providing the best rate but visit their location in person.

Also try not to get yourself in a position where you’re desperate to buy foreign currency, either at home or abroad. This means having enough cash on you in remote locations, and tourist hotspots, and before you travel (to avoid the airport currency shops).

Laura Miller has been a financial journalist for more than 10 years, and was on staff at the Telegraph before going freelance in 2019. Her experience includes hosting podcasts and panels, and she writes for the Times and Sunday Times, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and the Sun, as well as trade titles. She now lives by the sea in Aberystwyth, west Wales.

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Currency in Moscow

The official currency of Moscow is the Russian Rouble (RUB) . Discover where to exchange money, what the best rates are and more with our handy guide.

ATMS and banks

In Moscow you won't have any trouble finding ATMs and banks all over the city.

How to pay in Moscow?

Credit cards are widely accepted at most larger chain hotels, restaurants and shops, however it's best to keep cash for everything else. Note also that while chip and pin cards are accepted, cards that require a signature may be rejected. Always check your overseas charges with your bank before paying, to avoid any nasty surprises!

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Introducing Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport

• About Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport

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About Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)

One of three major airports in Moscow, Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport is located to the northwest of the Russian capital. Our Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport guide includes information on terminal facilities, public transport routes and nearby hotels, as well as contact details for the airport.

Information:

Information desks and touch screen terminals are located in the main halls; these provide up-to-date flight information (tel: +7 495 578 6565) and details about the airport and transport to the city.

Driving directions:

The main road leading to Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport is Leningradskoe Highway, which flows into the M10 motorway from Moscow.

Transfer between terminals:

Public buses, express buses and free airline shuttles are available for transfer between Sheremetyevo's terminals, which are split between two separate sites. Terminal A is used solely for business and private flights.

Airport Info

Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport is located 29km (18 miles) northwest of Moscow.

+7 495 578 6565.

Public Transport

Public transport road:.

Bus: Regular express buses run 24 hours a day to central Moscow from bus stops outside Terminal B and the bus station on the arrivals level of Terminal F. Bus 851 links to Rechnoi Vokzal metro station, while bus 817 runs to Planernaya metro station. Fares vary between services.

Coach: Coach services operate between Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport and Moscow Central Air Terminal, which is located between the Dinamo and Aeroport metro stations.

Taxi: Taxis to Moscow are available 24 hours a day from the arrivals level of Terminal F and from outside Terminal D and E; passengers should join the taxi queue for fixed-rate taxis, rather than accepting offers from drivers.

Public transport rail:

Rail: Aeroexpress (tel: +7 800 700 3377; https://aeroexpress.ru/ ) trains connect directly from Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport to Belorussky Railway Station in central Moscow (journey time: 35 minutes). Free bus links connect the rest of the airport complex to the Aeroexpress station.

Terminal facilities

Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport offers banking and bureaux de change facilities. Currency exchange services are available in departures in Terminal D,E and Terminal F, while ATMs are located in Terminals D,F and the arrival area of Terminal E.

There is a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and bars in each passenger terminal. These encompass a range of international and locally branded establishments, from a Teremok cafe in Terminal D to a sushi bar in Terminal F.

A good selection of shops is available in each of the main terminals. These include duty-free outlets, gift shops, pharmacies and newsagents.

Luggage trolleys can be hired in the arrivals hall of Terminal F, and luggage packing facilities are also available. A porter service is available to assist passengers on request. Luggage rooms can be found in Terminals D, E and F. A lost property office (tel: +7 495 578 4782) can be found in Terminal C. A lost property office (tel: +7 495 578 7464) is also on hand to assist passengers who have misplaced (or recovered) items in the airport complex.

Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport has a medical office, shower rooms and baby care facilities. There are travel agencies in Terminal F to assist with tour information and bookings.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:.

The VIP and business lounges in Terminals D, E and F offer a selection of facilities, such as showers, refreshments and communication services. Additionally, the on-site Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (tel: +7 495 626 5900; www.accorhotels.com ) has nine meeting rooms and offers fax and copying services. Terminal A is used exclusively for business travellers and includes a large conference room.

Communication Facilities:

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in all terminals. Additionally, there are postal, fax, photocopying and international dialling services in Terminals F.

Disabled facilities:

Wheelchair transfer and special assistance is available between the aircraft and the terminal building on request – passengers requiring such services should make a request by submitting an application online and inform their airline prior to travel. The Sirius Lounge, in the departures area of Terminal E, is accessible to departing passengers from Terminals D, E and F, while The Saturn Lounge is located in the public area of Terminal D. Both lounges are equipped with individual service rooms, internet facilities for the visually impaired, and disabled toilets. There are designated parking spaces, which can be booked in advance, free of charge (+7 495 988 0448). The Aeroexpress train is accessible to the physically disabled, with assistants on hand to help where required.

Car parking:

Short-term parking facilities are available close to the terminals.

Car rental:

Car hire companies Sixt, TIScar, AVIS and IDrive have offices in Terminal D.

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