Travelex DE operates currency exchange and tax refund services at German airports, primarily at Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg terminals. This page aggregates shopper ratings and reviews to help travelers understand the service quality and costs before using Travelex for currency conversion or tax refund processing.
Travelex DE Reviews
1.3
12 reviews
What Shoppers Say About Travelex DE
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
Travelex DE receives overwhelmingly negative feedback, with 12 shoppers rating the service at 1.3 out of 5. The primary complaints center on severely unfavorable exchange rates, hidden fees, and lack of transparency in currency conversion and tax refund processing. Reviewers report significant losses when exchanging currency at airport locations, with rates substantially worse than market rates and unexplained charges applied to tax refunds. Staff behavior is criticized for pressuring customers and steering transactions in ways that benefit the company rather than the traveler. One reviewer noted successful recovery of missing funds, representing the rare positive experience.
Shoppers consistently warn against using Travelex for currency exchange due to the financial impact of inflated rates and undisclosed fees. The service appears particularly problematic at major airport terminals where limited alternatives may pressure travelers into using their kiosks and services. Multiple reviewers indicate they will seek other providers in the future, and several characterize the company's practices as unethical or predatory toward travelers unfamiliar with current exchange rates.
Customer Reviews (12)
Sorted by: Most recentLauren S.Feb 5, 2026
I'm grateful because my missing money was successfully restored, and I owe it all to their recovery assistance.
Robert M.Dec 5, 2025
Seems like Travelex might be running things exclusively at Frankfurt's main terminal. I only spotted their kiosks and cash machines around the B gates. The exchange rate today should put 100 USD at roughly 85 EURO according to online sources, but their counter quoted me just 66 EURO. Going forward, I'll look for better deals by exchanging money at a regular bank or ATM once I'm outside the airport.
David L.Jul 23, 2025
Be warned that they use heavily inflated exchange rates combined with extra fees, which honestly should probably be illegal. This company lacks any real transparency and operates in an unethical manner.
Jennifer W.Jun 28, 2025
This was hands down one of the most awful airport experiences I've had. The currency exchange at Frankfurt is basically a con operation. The rates are terrible, way worse than any other option out there, and it's obviously designed to prey on travelers who don't pay attention. Nothing is explained upfront, there's zero transparency, and once your money is gone, you can't take it back. They capitalize on people rushing through, and you can lose serious cash. It functions like a snare for unsuspecting visitors. I found it dishonest and unethical, and it made me feel bad about the whole airport. To anyone reading this: skip this place completely. Find another spot to exchange currency. This is highway robbery and you should steer clear.
Viktor P.May 30, 2025
Terrible experience getting my tax-free refund at Berlin airport. I had two receipts totaling refunds of around 20 EUR. The clerk processed them separately and slapped a 3 EUR charge on one and 4 EUR on the other. Out of roughly 41 EUR in tax back that I was expecting, I only walked away with 13 EUR. Everything else disappeared into Travelex and their partner's pockets. Honestly, it's an incredible business model if you're the one profiting.
Sarah K.May 22, 2025
Had a terrible time getting my tax refund processed at Hamburg airport. The worker kept pressuring passengers to pay her 5 to 6 EUR per receipt and wanted to give back the refund in dollars so she could sell them at an inflated rate around 1.40. When I asked her to give just one receipt as cash and let me drop the rest in the box for credit card refund, she suddenly said the system was down and told me to put everything in the box instead. Total disappointment and what felt like a scam.
Michelle G.Feb 4, 2025
This is nothing but a scam operation. They wouldn't refund our cash, saying the equipment wasn't operational at the airport. Yet magically, it only 'malfunctioned' for customers from certain countries. That's just theft with extra steps.
Patricia H.Jan 12, 2025
The ATM at Cairns Airport swallowed our credit card due to a malfunction, and nobody was able to retrieve it. When we called customer service, they insisted it was impossible to get it back and said the card would probably be sent overseas to our bank eventually. We ended up stranded without any cash or a working card, though at least we got a case number. It was an absolute nightmare and the worst customer service situation imaginable. We cancelled the card right away.
Thomas B.Aug 14, 2024
On the 8th of December, I exchanged 1920 USD and had a fantastic experience. The staff treated me wonderfully. They were incredibly kind, personable, and professional. The ladies working there were fantastic and I truly appreciated their service. I'm also grateful for the money-back guarantee they offer. Couldn't be happier with how everything went. Keep up the excellent work.
Kevin D.Jan 24, 2024
Complete rip-off! Converted 501.75 EUR into 350 GBP at Frankfurt Airport and paid 12.99 EUR in conversion fees. When I looked at the actual rate, I realized the exchange rate was 14 cents worse than the official rate that day. I ended up with 64 pounds less than I should've gotten, even after subtracting the fees. Don't use them if you can help it.
Travelex DE Review FAQ
What do shoppers say about Travelex DE exchange rates?
Reviewers consistently report that Travelex DE offers significantly worse exchange rates than market rates or competing services. One shopper documented receiving 66 EUR for 100 USD when online rates suggested approximately 85 EUR, a substantial difference that illustrates the markup customers face at airport locations.
Are there hidden fees when using Travelex DE?
Yes, multiple reviewers report unexpected charges on top of poor exchange rates. Complaints include fees of 3-4 EUR per tax refund receipt and charges of 5-6 EUR per receipt mentioned by airport staff. These fees are often not clearly communicated upfront, reducing the final amount customers receive.
Do shoppers recommend Travelex DE for tax refunds?
No. Reviewers report substantial losses when processing tax refunds through Travelex, with fees and processing practices reducing expected refunds by more than half in some cases. Shoppers recommend exploring alternative refund methods such as credit card deposits rather than cash payouts through Travelex.
Is Travelex DE transparent about costs?
According to reviews, Travelex lacks transparency regarding exchange rates and fees. Customers report that rates and charges are not clearly explained before transactions, and staff may pressure travelers toward specific payment methods. Reviewers characterize the company's practices as lacking honesty about pricing.
Where can I find Travelex DE services?
Based on shopper reports, Travelex operates kiosks and currency machines at major German airports, with confirmed locations at Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg terminals. Availability may be limited to specific terminal areas, so checking in advance is recommended.