Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Austria: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
I had €200 changed at the airport rate - it took a €25 hit in markup. The next day I used a Schwab Visa at a local Sparkasse ATM and saved significant fees. ATMs offer better rates than airport exchangers in Austria. Withdraw small amounts initially, then top up in the city via trusted bank ATMs for the best FX value.
Airport change windows charged a 7% premium. I instead withdrew €150 from a Bawag P.S.K. ATM - clear transaction, good rate, small fee reimbursed later by my bank. Bank machines beat exchange counters hands down in Austria. I only exchanged enough at the desk for a short taxi, then used ATMs downtown for the rest.
The arrival hall kiosks quoted a weak rate. I walked a few meters to the Sparkasse ATM and got a much better interbank rate with a small €3 fee. ATM withdrawals at Austria airports outdo exchange counters, especially when paired with fee-friendly cards like Wise or Schwab. Always decline DCC prompts and withdraw local euros instead.
On arrival at Vienna International, I skipped the airport exchange desk. A Raiffeisen ATM just beyond security offered €1.80/USD minus €2.50 fee, better than the exchanger’s €1.60 rate plus heavy markup. Bank ATMs win rate-wise in Austria airports. I withdrew €100 for transport, then later headed to a Vienna branch ATM downtown for a larger withdrawal with no extra costs.