UK. Global Exchange, the Spanish foreign exchange services specialist, has commenced operations at Heathrow Airport.
The company now operates 23 currency exchange offices and 78 ATMs across London Heathrow’s four terminals, further strengthening its footprint across Europe’s leading airport gateways. As reported, this follows an agreement reached at the end of 2025 to manage currency exchange and ATM services at the travel hub.
Global Exchange has deployed a service model centred on technological innovation and customer service excellence at Heathrow. This includes high-tech ATMs, self-service cash-to-cash dispensers, multilingual digital transaction screens and online services.
According to Global Exchange, the inclusion of these new technologies will support the delivery of fast, secure and seamless currency exchange for travellers.
Global Exchange Group has mobilised a workforce of more than 180 people, including close to 60 specialists with expertise in international airport operations to support its Heathrow business.
Global Exchange President & CEO Isidoro J. Alanís commented: “The beginning of our work in Heathrow marks a historic milestone for Global Exchange and strengthens our position as world leaders in foreign exchange services at international airports. Heathrow is not only Europe’s largest airport, but also one of the world’s most iconic hubs.
“Being here means we can offer the highest quality of service and the most advanced technology to millions of international travellers each year. This achievement reflects the hard work and trust placed in our company and reaffirms our commitment to innovation and operational excellence.”
“Heathrow is delighted to welcome Global Exchange as its currency exchange provider, offering market-leading services to passengers across all terminals,” added Heathrow Retail Director Fraser Brown.
“Its innovative technology, commitment to customer service and strong international track record will enhance the retail experience for our passengers and help us deliver smooth and enjoyable journeys. This partnership reflects our dedication to making every journey better by providing choice, quality and innovation.”
With the addition of Heathrow, Global Exchange now manages foreign exchange operations at four of Europe’s five busiest passenger airports: Heathrow, Istanbul, Paris CDG and Madrid.
2025: a landmark year for international expansion
In 2025 Global Exchange opened 92 new locations, the largest single-year expansion in the company’s history; entered six new markets: New Zealand, Malaysia, Peru, Romania, Japan and Saudi Arabia; and consolidated its presence in established territories, including Mexico, Colombia and Hong Kong.
Over the past decade, the company has doubled its global footprint and broadened its service portfolio for travellers to offer tax refund management (Tax Free), ATMs and automated currency exchange dispensers.
It now operates 515 offices across 30 countries and five continents, including a presence in 90 international airports. According to Global Exchange, these figures position it as the world’s leading airport foreign exchange company with the largest international presence in the sector.
In Europe, the Spanish multi-national company operates in Spain, France, the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Romania and Türkiye. Its Latin American presence spans Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
Across Asia and Oceania, the company is present in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Malaysia and New Zealand, while in the Middle East and Africa it operates in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Morocco.
Alanís added: “Starting operations at Heathrow and reaching 515 offices today, with a record 92 openings in 2025, consolidates our position as the undisputed world’s leading company in foreign exchange services at international airports.
“This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of our teams and the trust that airport operators around the world have placed in our company. With this accomplishment, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, operational excellence and the strategic growth of our global network.” ✈
