Need cash when I land, best place in Antigua and Barbuda? Airport or places in the city?
Opted for a small $50 USD exchange at the airport for taxi fare, then withdrew the rest cash via an RBC Royal Bank ATM downtown. The ATM gave me a more favorable EC rate and lower fees. For most travelers in Antigua & Barbuda, bank ATMs offer better value than airport booths. You’ll end up with more EC dollars in hand and pay less in hidden fees. Taxi drivers accept cash only, so landing with sufficient currency is useful - then use ATMs for the bulk of expenses.
Airport exchange counters are tourist traps - fees and markups can be outrageously high. I walked into St. John’s and used a Barbados-owned CIBC FirstCaribbean ATM for better value. ATMs beat airport currency exchange counters in Antigua hands-down. Withdrawing directly keeps costs low, and banks here are reliable. No real need to exchange USD until you’re in town. I recommend a single $200 XCD withdrawal right after landing to cover transport and incidentals.
I changed $100 at the airport and got a terrible rate - lost nearly $10 instantly. I waited until St. John’s and used a Royal Bank of Canada ATM, which gave me market rates and reasonable fees. Best cash exchange in Antigua & Barbuda happens in-city, not airport counters. Bring a small emergency fund for taxis, and then withdraw more from a bank ATM. Always select local currency - EC dollars - to avoid ripoff conversion. You’ll get much more value and avoid airport scamming kiosks.
When arriving at VC Bird International Airport, I avoided the currency booth - it gave a poor rate. Instead I withdrew EC dollars from the Scotiabank ATM just outside the terminal. ATM rates in Antigua & Barbuda are significantly better than airport exchange counters. I checked the bank app: net rate beat the kiosk by 6%. If your debit card doesn’t work, exchange just $50 for immediate transport, rest from the ATM. Also, taxis cost $50-$60 XCD from the airport, so having cash makes the ride seamless.