When to exchange dollars to euros
Jun 2nd, 2013, 07:29 PM
#3
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It's best to use the ATMs in Italy, the first at the airport for a little pocket money, the next at a major bank ATM once you're in the city. If you are a Bank of America customer, then you can use the BNL bank in Italy at no charge. Be sure to let your bank know you will be using your ATM card while traveling in Italy, otherwise it will be blocked.
Jun 3rd, 2013, 05:52 AM
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Even though the exchange isn't as good, DH and I always bought a pack of Euros from AAA just in case. It was enough to get us to our hotel, buy a sandwich. We were usually so tired of airplanes and airports, we just got outta there as fast as possible.
Jun 3rd, 2013, 05:54 AM
#6
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I shouldnt be hard to find a BNL branch especially if you are traveling throughout the country. Its one of their larger banks. BofA will refund the BNL transaction fee, but BNL will probably still have an awful exchange rate.
Jun 3rd, 2013, 06:22 AM
#7
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Get about $200 converted here-- handy to have that first day when still a bit fuzzy, keep half in room safe, and start walking around knowing that you can pick up a sandwish or a cup of coffee while checking out the lay of the land and find the safest and most convenient ATM (attached to a bank and to use during open hours so if card is not ejected, you have recourse -- this has happened to us in USA as well as in Europe.)
Jun 3rd, 2013, 06:38 AM
#8
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The first time I went to Europe without getting cash ahead of time I was nervous. But there are ATMs in every airport, banks of them in the bigger airports. Never had a problem. But idiosyncrasies can happen, very rarely. I take a supply of dollars, about $200, put them in my money belt and forget about them. In case the airport ATMs are not working, I can go to an airport bureau of exchange and get some local money. If all goes well, I won't have paid any fee to change those dollars into foreign currency nor another to change them back.
Also in a pinch a taxi driver will take you to an ATM. (It's in his interest
)
Also in a pinch a taxi driver will take you to an ATM. (It's in his interest
)
Jun 3rd, 2013, 10:46 AM
#11
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If you change in advance with Wells Faro or some other banks the surcharge is five percent. Many ATM cards charge a three percent foreign exchange fee plus an ATM fee that takes the rate above five percent. So unless you have a no-fee card it's cheaper to exchange in advance. And no worries about having some cash when you arrive, no standing in line to access an ATM when the trip is just starting.
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