Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Montserrat: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
For budget travelers, the Bank of Montserrat ATM gives a much closer-to-official rate even after the withdrawal charge. The airport exchange counter makes life convenient but takes a chunk off the top. It's always best to use an ATM if it’s working and you’ve brought the right card.
If you want to save, use the main ATM in Brades. The airport desk is okay for emergency taxi money but their rates and fees do add up fast. I recommend getting what you need from the bank and skipping the counter for anything but small amounts.
From my experience, airport exchange in Montserrat is only good if you’re in a pinch. I compared rates with what my bank showed after using the ATM and the counter was at least 5% worse. Try to stick with the main Bank of Montserrat ATM instead of swapping money right after arrival.
Just got to Montserrat - the Bank of Montserrat ATM in Brades gave me a better rate than what I was offered at the airport exchange counter. The counter’s fee plus their rate wasn’t worth it. My Visa card worked fine and, even with the small withdrawal fee, I left the ATM with more cash in hand than I would’ve from the desk.