jlcl

Does anyone have recommendations of good, reliable online websites for Euro traveller checks or currency purchases?

I'm planning to go to Italy in a few weeks, should I get Euro travellers checks from the US or just get USD travellers checks and exchange for Euros when I get to Italy? Which rates would be better?

Michael

Forget Traveler's Checks. Just use your ATM card in Italy.

petertherabbitt

traverlers checks aare a thing of the past and many places only want to convert $100 at a time. use your atm card of just exchange ssome $ for euros at the airport upon arrival.

Flyboy

ATMs are your best option. If you want some currency before you leave, you can obtain it at currency exchange booths in many international airports (never a good deal). An online option:

http://www.oanda.com/channels/traveler/travelers.shtml

Again, not a cheap way to operate, but it is a reliable service.

Patrick

OK, here's a new one (I think). Since most of us advocate using an ATM on arrival, but some people insist that the ATMs might not be working so they want to be safe, instead of changing some money before you go, why not just have a bit of US currency on you and then IF you can't use an ATM exchange it at the airport at the other end? That way you only pay that fee or get the lousy exchange rate IF you can't get the ATM. Otherwise, you get a good rate at the ATM and you still have that bit of US cash for when you come home???

kismetchimera

I always bring at least a couple hundred Euros with me, this way I have money to pay for the limo service or buy something to drink when I arrive..
After that I use my ATM card..

KS452

regarding your 1st question:


http://www.bankofamerica.com/foreign...=x&olexp=x


https://www.foreignexchangeservices.com/
(Wells Fargo Bank)

http://www.travelex.com/

mgmargate

Not again.

nocinonut

mgmargate, want to don your boxing gloves again?

I do respect your idea of buying the euro at the airport I concede that it is a good idea for some people.

suze

Use ATM's upon arrival is "best" for rates and convenience

If you must take travelers checks get them in US not Euro & plan to visit a bank to change them not spend directly in a business

Take US cash to exchange in an emergency

Back all this up with a charge card

...There you have it (some posters are making smart replies because this must be THE most asked question on this BB - do a 'search' and you'll see what I mean)

ira

Hi J,

As you have probably noted, buying euros online is not recommended.

If you want to have euros with you when you arrive, buy about $100 worth at the departure airport. This will cost you about $3 more than getting them in Europe.

From then on, use an ATM card.

mgmargate

I'll waste no more energy explaining the concept.People do stupid stuff all the time.

cparris

You can also order from travelex and american express online.They send the money very quickly. I usually take some us cash along and credit cards...but have gotton euros ahead of time if I was getting in late or if I needed to pay a large amount in euros(like when I rented an apartment in Rome and they wanted the payment in cash) I have had an experience when getting in and not finding a bank open at airport and atm out of money but it is very rare. I usually save some euros from trips to europe to use on future trips (small amounts)

Robert2533

As recommended, the ATM machines are your best source of cash. Forget using any and all travelers checks. They are not worth the time and expense. If you need to purchase cash, or have funds transferred, they check with XE.com (a Canadian company). You can set up an account at no cost and purchase as many euros as you need before you leave. Their rates are the best you can obtain. We use then to transfer personal and business funds and payments.

Joelleinitaly04

Just note that if you buy your euros online with a credit card it is considered a cash advance, not a purchase.

JOelle

SuzieC

Stupid or not, I just enjoy having some currency in my pocket when I arrive...
BUT a good friend works at a bank I give her say...$300 DOLLARS and she brings me back the equivalent in Euros and as she is an employee of the bank, there is no fee ...
But this is when I travel alone and I tend to get a wee bit "mishish" and paranoid.

platzman

To those who are afraid of arriving in Europe without euro already in hand, I have to remind you that the tourist infrastructure in Europe makes it very easy for you, the tourist, to be relieved of your money.
Any large European airport has multiple ATMs and exchange desks or banks. I'd like to hear from any frequent/experienced travellers who can tell me they could not find a single ATM or exchange booth/bank upon arrival. Over the past 15 years, I have not had such a problem.
And even if that were the case, you can hop in a taxi at any hour and have them bring you to an ATM before continuing on to the hotel.
You could conceivably arrive with no cash (USD or foreign) and get money with your plastic one way or another. In fact, with credit card acceptance at such high levels in Europe, you don't need to carry much money ever.