Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Yemen: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
If you hit the airport exchange in Yemen, you’ll usually end up with a noticeably worse rate. I always try to find a bank ATM instead. Use a bank in the city center if possible, but even airport ATMs gave me better value than the counter. Just check which banks support your card type. Don’t forget to keep a little emergency cash, since things here can be hit or miss with networks.
From my experience, exchanging money at the airport counter in Yemen costs way more in hidden fees and bad rates. ATM withdrawals - when they work - ended up giving me the best deal overall, especially with a Wise card. Some ATMs run out of cash so don’t wait until you’re desperate, but avoiding airport exchange counters saved me a lot.
I went through this last trip and honestly, the airport exchange in Yemen always takes a bigger cut. I used an international Visa card at Tadhamon Bank ATM and the rate was much closer to XE.com’s official rate. The ATM had a fixed fee (watch for this), but large exchanges save more. Just keep in mind, sometimes Yemen ATMs can be out of order - so a mix of options helps.
Just landed in Sana’a last month! The ATMs (like Tadhamon Bank or Bank of Yemen) gave me a better rate than the airport money changers, even after the ATM fee. Airport exchange counters are super convenient if you need a small amount fast, but rates are not great and they add random charges. I’d use an ATM for most of your cash, but always carry a backup of USD.