sea tac airport currency exchange: Getting the Best Rates

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.

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:

• One kiosk in the parking garage (landside)
  
  

• Three post-security: near Starbucks by A4/A5 in Concourse A, and two in the South Satellite by the S Gates 

• 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:

• ICE might offer rates like 1 USD = 130 JPY, while your card could fetch 149 JPY.
  
  

• Exiap’s comparison shows Wise might give you €924 vs €793 for €1,000 USD exchanged—a €131 difference.
  
  

• 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

• Pre-order online from ICE for pickup after security to guarantee availability and slightly better rates.
  
  

• Call ahead—some desks may have limited cash on hand.
  
  

• 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?

• Domestic flights: TSA recommends 2 hours before departure
  
  

• International flights: Aim for 2.5–3 hours prior
  
  

• 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

• Peak security times: ~5–9 AM, 10 AM–2 PM, and 4–8 PM.
  
  

• Off‑peak: mid‑afternoon (2–4 PM) and late evening (after 8 PM).
  
  

• Entrance traffic can be snarled 6–9 AM and 4–7 PM.
  
  

3. Security Wait Times & Tools

• FLL posts real‑time checkpoint waits; check on MyTSA or FLL’s official site.
  
  

• 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

• TSA PreCheck or CLEAR: hugely reduce wait times.
  
  

• Pack smart: liquids ≤100 ml in clear bags, electronics on top, shoes off if not using PreCheck.
  
  

• Check point opening times: FLL’s TSA typically opens 4–4:30 AM, closes at midnight.
  
  

• 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

1. At SEA, skip the sea tac airport currency exchange kiosks unless absolutely necessary—they’re pricey and unnecessary.
   
   

2. Instead, preorder through your bank, use a multi-currency card, or withdraw cash at an ATM abroad.
   
   

3. At FLL, protect your travel time:
   
   

• Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights; 2.5–3 hours for international.
  
  

• Avoid peak, check live wait times.
  
  

• Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, and follow TSA guidelines.
  
  

• Manage baggage early (up to 4 hours out!), confirm checkpoint hours if traveling super early or late.
  
  

✨ Final Tips

• SEA travelers: Want some local currency? Pre‑order from your bank or rely on ATMs abroad—much better rates.
  
  

• 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.