When traveling through Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), you might need foreign cash before your departure or right after landing. However, airport exchange counters are often not the most cost-effective choice.
1. What’s Available at SEA?
SEA has multiple ICE (International Currency Exchange) kiosks—both landside and airside. According to Exiap:
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One kiosk in the parking garage (landside)
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Three post-security: near Starbucks by A4/A5 in Concourse A, and two in the South Satellite by the S Gates
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Yelp also lists Currency Exchange International and ICE as the main options
Reddit users confirm ICE has four locations—two before security, two after (Concourse A and South Satellite).
2. Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Them
Airport kiosks typically offer steep markups:
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ICE might offer rates like 1 USD = 130 JPY, while your card could fetch 149 JPY.
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Exiap’s comparison shows Wise might give you €924 vs €793 for €1,000 USD exchanged—a €131 difference.
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NerdWallet reports airport counters often charge 14–17% higher than mid-market rates.
3. Smarter Alternatives
🏧 Use an ATM at Destination
This typically gives you close to the mid‑market rate. Just verify your bank’s foreign ATM fees.
💳 Pre‑order from Your Bank
Many U.S. banks let you order foreign currency ahead. These rates are usually much better than airport counters, often just 6% above IMF rates.
🌐 Use Multi‑Currency Cards (e.g. Wise, Revolut)
Such cards convert at mid-market rates with low or no markup, and permit ATM withdrawals.
⌛ Best Practices at SEA: Maximizing Convenience & Cost
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Pre-order online from ICE for pickup after security to guarantee availability and slightly better rates.
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Call ahead—some desks may have limited cash on hand.
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If you must use ICE, choose the smaller landside kiosk to avoid airport markups.
✈️ Maximize Time at FLL Airport: Know When to Arrive for Security
Now, shifting gears to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL): the key to saving time is smart planning ahead of arrival.
1. How Much Time Should You Arrive Before?
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Domestic flights: TSA recommends 2 hours before departure
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International flights: Aim for 2.5–3 hours prior
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Reddit discussions suggest 30–40 minutes before boarding could work with TSA PreCheck, but during peak, even 90 minutes before boarding is safer
2. Understand Peak vs Off‑Peak
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Peak security times: ~5–9 AM, 10 AM–2 PM, and 4–8 PM.
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Off‑peak: mid‑afternoon (2–4 PM) and late evening (after 8 PM).
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Entrance traffic can be snarled 6–9 AM and 4–7 PM.
3. Security Wait Times & Tools
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FLL posts real‑time checkpoint waits; check on MyTSA or FLL’s official site.
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On a travel forum, one passenger shared:
“I arrived 90 minutes before boarding and got through TSA maybe 10 minutes before the plane started to board”—so early morning crowds can be tough.
4. Extras to Speed You Up
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TSA PreCheck or CLEAR: hugely reduce wait times.
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Pack smart: liquids ≤100 ml in clear bags, electronics on top, shoes off if not using PreCheck.
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Check point opening times: FLL’s TSA typically opens 4–4:30 AM, closes at midnight.
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Check baggage timing: bags must be checked 45 minutes before departure; can be checked as early as 4 hours in advance .
📝 Summary Table
🧳 Final Takeaways for Travelers
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At SEA, skip the sea tac airport currency exchange kiosks unless absolutely necessary—they’re pricey and unnecessary.
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Instead, preorder through your bank, use a multi-currency card, or withdraw cash at an ATM abroad.
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At FLL, protect your travel time:
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Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights; 2.5–3 hours for international.
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Avoid peak, check live wait times.
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Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, and follow TSA guidelines.
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Manage baggage early (up to 4 hours out!), confirm checkpoint hours if traveling super early or late.
✨ Final Tips
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SEA travelers: Want some local currency? Pre‑order from your bank or rely on ATMs abroad—much better rates.
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FLL travelers: Arrive early, but not too early. Know the opening hours, avoid peaks, and streamline your path through check-in, security, and bag drop.
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