Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Djibouti: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
For a better exchange rate in Djibouti, stick to big bank ATMs downtown. Airport exchange counters are a ripoff compared to city ATMs like those at Banque de Djibouti or Bank of Africa. Just watch the withdrawal fees and daily limits on your card.
Airport exchange counters in Djibouti can be convenient but expect to lose a bunch through their poor rates and hidden fees. I recommend using ATMs from major banks in Djibouti City - my Mastercard worked well with decent fees. Make sure to take enough out as ATMs aren’t everywhere.
I used Banque Commerciale Djiboutienne ATMs in the city center with my Visa card and was really happy with the rate I got - much better than the airport exchange desk. The ATM fee isn’t much compared to the huge margin the airport exchange charges. Definitely withdraw from an ATM if you can.
Just landed in Djibouti City, and I found that withdrawing from Banque de Djibouti ATMs gave me a way better exchange rate than the airport counter. The airport exchange rates were really poor, plus they charged a hefty commission. Even with ATM fees, you get more francs for your money using the bank machines.