From jet-setting to Europe to coming in from Asia or passing through one of America’s busiest airports, knowing how currency exchange works at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can save you a lot of money, and a lot of stress. The complete guide to all your options, locations, hours, fees and smarter alternatives, so you can make the best financial decisions on your travels.
Overview of SFO Airport Currency Exchange Services
San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States that is also the most connected to the rest of the world. SFO Airport is accessible worldwide, and offers several currency exchange services to accommodate international visitors. These include the over-the-counter exchange counters, currency exchange ATMs, and traditional bank ATMs that are spread throughout its terminals.
Currently, the main currency exchange desk at SFO is ICE (International Currency Exchange) — USA with several counters in the International Terminal. ICE has over 60 foreign currencies available, such as popular ones like Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Japanese Yen (JPY) and more.
Where to Exchange Currency at SFO Airport: Locations
The International Terminal is the name given to the exchange by ICE Currency Exchange.
The primary currency exchange counter is in the pre-security area at the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal, Level 3 (Departures Level), G Side. This is the easiest walk-up counter for those who are traveling internationally or arriving from abroad and require cash immediately.
ICE has several counters, some of which are open during different hours at the International Terminal:
- International Terminal: Open daily 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM or 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM depending on the specific location.
- ICE counters: There are also two extra ICE counters, one running from 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM and the other from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- A fifth ICE counter: Open daily, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Flight times may vary by hour depending on flight schedule, please check directly with ICE at +1 (650) 821-0900 prior to travel.
Currency Exchange ATMs
Currency exchange ATMs are available in multiple locations in the International Terminal, 24/7 outside of counter hours. These automated kiosks enable passengers to make fast transactions anytime, day or night — which is a big plus for passengers on red-eye or early-morning flights.
Bank ATMs (Wells Fargo & JPMorgan Chase).
All SFO terminals are equipped with Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase standard bank ATMs, which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are Wells Fargo ATMs located at the Rental Car Center and in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The JPMorgan Chase ATMs are also located close to the boarding areas, food court, and nursery in the same terminals.
These ATMs do not provide direct currency conversion at the machine, but they can be used to withdraw USD that can be used abroad if the card has international capabilities.
Understanding Fees and Exchange Rates at SFO Airport
This is where the travellers get surprised. The rates for exchanging currency at airports, such as SFO, are often higher than those for exchanging at your local bank, credit union, or online services. Here’s why:
- Airport currency exchange markups: Airport currency exchange providers charge a markup above the mid-market (interbank) rate. This implies that the rate you are given is not as good as the one you would get at Google or a financial site. The difference is the way the provider makes money, which is known as the “spread.”
- Some counters also charge a flat service or commission fee, in addition to the rate markups. The costs of these fees can vary from a few dollars to as much as $10 or more.
- One area where airport ATMs are notorious is their surcharges, particularly third-party ATMs. Be sure to use the local currency (USD if traveling in the USA) instead of your home currency, so you don’t fall victim to a new fee called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
- Transaction Limits: Some exchange counters may have a minimum and/or maximum number of transactions. For larger transactions, it is often necessary to have a valid government-issued ID, particularly for international travelers (passport).
Tips To Get The Best Currency Exchange Rate At SFO Airport
It’s not difficult to make the most of your money at or near SFO. Here are some action steps:
- Use only when necessary in the airport. If necessary, exchange a small emergency amount at SFO, and exchange the rest at better rates.
- You can pre-order foreign currency online for pick up at the airport from ICE and certain other providers. Pre-ordered rates are more competitive than walk-up counter rates, and you know that the currency will be there.
- Pay with a no foreign transaction fee credit card. Numerous travel credit cards (Chase, Capital One, American Express, etc.) do not have any foreign transaction fees and have close to market exchange rates. This is one of the most affordable methods of travel abroad.
- A multi-currency card or account, such as Wise (formerly TransferWise), can be a good option as it allows you to convert from the mid-market rate with low and clear fees, which is much better than what you’ll get at any airport counter.
- Always find the current rate before you go to the counter (Google Finance or XE.com are good places to look up the rate). This will help you determine if the rate being offered is reasonable or if it’s being overcharged.
- Get foreign exchange before you go. The bank or credit union in your area will likely give you a better rate than any bank or credit union at the airport. One of the easiest ways to save money is to call in advance and order foreign currencies.
Final Thoughts
When you need cash fast, it’s easy to change currency at SFO, but it costs money. Knowing where the counters are, the hours they’re open and how fees apply allows you to make more informed decisions. If you can, make a plan ahead of time: exchange currency at your bank before going, pre-order online or use a travel card with low fees for most of your purchases. Only use the airport exchange for emergencies or for small change to pay for immediate needs when you arrive at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. SFO’s currency exchange is run by the majority of counters in the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal by ICE (International Currency Exchange) — USA. The main counter is located at the G Side, Level 3 (Departures Level) pre-security. There are also ATMs to exchange money, which are open around the clock at the International Terminal for transactions outside of counter hours.
The hours of ICE’s counters are different at SFO. The main counter of the G side of the International Terminal is usually open from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM every day. A second counter is in operation from 8 am to 11 pm every day. Flight times may change depending on the flight schedule, so please call ICE directly at +1 (650) 821-0900 before the travel date.
ICE at SFO has over 60 currencies, including major world currencies like Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Japanese Yen (JPY), Australian Dollars (AUD), Swiss Francs (CHF), and many others. Some currencies are not as common or limited as others, however, and may not be available on site. When travelling to a less popular area, it is advisable to make a reservation or to order currency beforehand.
In most cases, it is far better to change your money prior to travelling. You can get a better exchange rate and lower fees almost always from your local bank or credit union or from ordering the money online before you travel to the airport than from the airport exchange rate. Convenient but expensive airport exchange services. If you need to change at the airport, you may be better off getting a better rate by pre-ordering on the ICE online portal than at the walk-up desk.
Yes, identification is generally necessary, particularly for bigger deals. International travelers should bring their passports with them since it is the most widely accepted form of identification for exchange. A government photo ID may be acceptable for small quantities, but this can vary depending on the provider. When travelling abroad, it is best to always have your passport with you.