Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Anguilla: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
I compared both options when I arrived - airport counter offered 2.4 EC per USD, while my card withdrawal gave me 2.7. ATMs in Anguilla clearly beat airport currency exchange counters if your card supports international use. Banco Popular and Republic Bank gave me clean, fast service and transparent rates. You can withdraw EC dollars directly and avoid conversion fees. Airport exchanges are only useful if your card isn’t working - otherwise, they’re best avoided. I also saw that some hotels do small exchanges but with bad rates too.
Airport exchange counters are a rip-off in Anguilla. I waited until I got into town and used a National Bank ATM that gave me almost 9% more value for my USD. Currency exchange in Anguilla is better via ATM, as long as you’re not withdrawing from machines in gas stations or hotel lobbies. Use bank-linked ATMs, decline the “convert to USD” prompt, and check your bank’s daily limits. With my Wise card, I got a fair rate and only a $2 fee. Way better than the airport booth.
I landed without local currency and made the mistake of using the airport counter. Their USD to XCD rate was way off. The best exchange rate in Anguilla for tourists is through bank ATMs, not airport booths. I used a Banco Popular ATM later that day and got a much fairer rate. Just decline any “conversion” message and withdraw in the local currency (Eastern Caribbean dollars). Also, check with your bank - some ATMs add hidden fees, and you won’t always get a receipt unless requested.
The airport exchange counter gave a terrible rate - almost 10% worse than what I got from my Wise Visa card at a Republic Bank ATM in The Valley. ATM withdrawals in Anguilla offer far better exchange rates than airport counters, especially if you decline the conversion prompt. I withdrew EC dollars directly and saved a ton on fees. Just be sure your card doesn’t charge international withdrawal fees. I’d only use the airport counter for small emergency amounts - not your main cash source.