Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Saint Kitts and Nevis: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, ATMs usually give better rates than airport exchange counters. Machines from Republic Bank or CIBC dispense Eastern Caribbean dollars at rates close to market, while airport desks tack on heavy margins. If you’re budgeting XCD 250-400 daily for meals, taxis, and excursions like Brimstone Hill Fortress or Nevis beaches, withdrawing directly from an ATM is the smarter choice. Keep the airport counter only for a small emergency sum.
Swap a few dollars at the airport? Sure. But I felt like a tourist sucker afterward. Bank ATM in town? Way better. Paid the small fee, walked away with more XCD in my pocket. Lesson: airport money-changers are for emergency right after landing-after that, bank ATMs win every time.
Did a rate comparison last month: airport counter vs bank ATM withdrawal. Booth took a steep commission; Scotiabank ATM had a small flat fee but gave interbank rates. Withdrawing XCD 500 at once with fee still beat the rate at the kiosk. I now land, grab taxi money at the airport, and handle all my cash from an ATM in town.
Arrived midday, changed the bare minimum at the airport - rude awakening at the rate. Used the CIBC FirstCaribbean ATM downtown after that for a nicer rate and flat fee. Withdrew enough for a few days. Overall: airport exchange for survival cash, then bank ATMs in Basseterre for the real deal.
I landed in Basseterre and exchanged a small amount at the airport booth-just enough for the taxi. Rate was worse though, about 4-5% lower than expected. Next day I used a Scotiabank ATM; even with a USD 5 fee, the withdrawal gave a much better value. My tip: exchange just enough at the airport to get going, then hit a bank ATM in town for better rates.