Bringing Euros On the Trip
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bringing Euros On the Trip
This is probably obvious to most of you, but where do you get Euros in the US so you have them before you head to Europe? Any place in particular to get the best exchange rate?
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know about the best, lots of people say they have found the best, but since I get euros in advance for the primary reason of just wanting them, I get them from my home bank (Chase). I am willing to pay an extra $5 or so for the convenience.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi to,
I suggest that you get no more than $100 worth of euros at the departure airport.
Charge everything you can. Use ATMs in Europe for whatever cash you might need. This will give you the best exchange rate.
I suggest that you get no more than $100 worth of euros at the departure airport.
Charge everything you can. Use ATMs in Europe for whatever cash you might need. This will give you the best exchange rate.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Get them from a bank. In a lot of instances, if you are a preferred customer (or in some other instances, if you are just a plain customer), they won't charge you any fee to buy Euro.
BTW, most small branches will not have Euro at the moment that you make the request. They need 24 hours to get you your foreign currency, even for as little as Euro 100. Best thing to do, is call your 24-hour customer service center (number at the back of your ATM card) and have them deliver the foreign currency to your nearest branch for pick up (usually available the following day) - unless they deliver to your home.
BTW, most small branches will not have Euro at the moment that you make the request. They need 24 hours to get you your foreign currency, even for as little as Euro 100. Best thing to do, is call your 24-hour customer service center (number at the back of your ATM card) and have them deliver the foreign currency to your nearest branch for pick up (usually available the following day) - unless they deliver to your home.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are concerned with the cost, be aware that "no fee" doesn't mean "no cost". If they give you 10 euro for each dollar, but don't charge you a special "fee" will that make you happy? It's not the fee I worry about, it's the actual exchange rate.
#7
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I get them from a currency exchange bureau that charges 2% over the interbank rate and no other fees. I'm in Canada, but I think such establishments exist in major US cities if you look for them.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't worry about the exchange rate diffferences between banks, credit unions, or entities American Express when buying a few hundred $ worth of Euros in the US.
I've noticed that some posters on this board stressfully and unnecesarily over-analyzes such things and appear to lose sleep over the superflous differences for such a small amount.
I've noticed that some posters on this board stressfully and unnecesarily over-analyzes such things and appear to lose sleep over the superflous differences for such a small amount.
#11
Ask at your own home bank, go to a currency exchange bureau like Thomas Cook, or order them online. Most people only get a small amount ahead of time (100-200) so the fee and bad exchange are not deal-breakers.
Then use ATM after arrival.
Then use ATM after arrival.
#13
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pin a hundred bucks in your bloomers. If you can't get local currency from the ATM at your destination airport, and you can't get to your hotel on plastic, exchange a sawbuck to get you there.
Don't worry. Be happy.
Don't worry. Be happy.
#17
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,848
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't use credit cards, either, although I carry one for emergencies. But I do take enough money in local currency to pay for transportation to my hotel and for a meal. You just don't want to land and have to wait in a long (30 min) line if the ATM's are down. This happened to us recently and it was the first time I'd come without my "just in case" local money. Won't ever do it again. It won't cost you that much to have about $100 in local currency with you when you land. You might be REALLY glad you have it.
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the suggestions. I have looked into some of them...and it seems like a lot of the banks do not have favorable exchange rates and charge fees sometimes. Any suggestions about where to get the best exchange rates (bank or online) in the US?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
#20
<and it seems like a lot of the banks do not have favorable exchange rates and charge fees sometimes.>
That's why people wait to get most of their cash after arrival. If there was a better way... we'd all be doin' it differently!
That's why people wait to get most of their cash after arrival. If there was a better way... we'd all be doin' it differently!