Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Ukraine: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
I compared both while landing in Lviv last month. The exchange booth at the airport gave 35.5 per USD, while my Wise ATM withdrawal later that day gave 37.9. Huge difference. Plus, airport exchanges often won’t break big bills or take coins. I always withdraw from bank ATMs in the city, and only use exchanges if my card is blocked or I need emergency change. If you're looking for best exchange rate in Ukraine on arrival, ATM wins.
ATMs in Ukraine usually offer a closer-to-market rate than airport exchange booths, especially if you’re using a card like Wise, Revolut, or Capital One. I always take out 3,000-5,000 UAH upon arrival via Raiffeisen Bank or UKRSIBBANK ATMs, both of which have been consistent and fair. The Boryspil airport exchange desks prey on tourists - decent if you need 200 UAH for a cab, but long-term, go with an ATM.
Don’t touch the airport exchange desks unless you’re in a bind. They charge a margin and sometimes a fee. I exchanged just $20 at Kyiv airport to get into the city, then hit an Oschadbank ATM the next morning and got a far better rate. If you're asking "best exchange rate in Ukraine - airport or ATM", the answer is ATM, every time. Just make sure you decline the ATM's fake conversion prompt.
Landed in Boryspil Airport (KBP) last week and scoped both options. The currency exchange booths near Arrivals were giving 36 UAH per USD when the mid-market rate was 38+. Not terrible, but not great. I withdrew cash from a PrivatBank ATM near the SIM card kiosk and got 37.8 with Wise - way better. Just avoid accepting "conversion" when the ATM asks. For best results, use ATM withdrawals without conversion, not the airport exchange counters.