We're not frequent travellers, so I don't know about these things. I'm assuming that one gets a better rate using an ATM rather than bringing credit card or dollars to the currency exchange booth at an airport. Is that correct? And I assume that there are ATM machines in airports?
Is the rate using the ATM better if one makes the exchange in Europe rather than in the States? In fact, is it even possible to get euros from an ATM in a stateside airport? Since we don't travel much, I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of getting off the plane in Paris (and then Nice) and finding/using the ATM there-- would much rather get that kind of thing done before we go.
Thanks for help.

Yes, you'll get the best exchange rate from ATM's than you will at the "Airport Exchange Booths". Yes, you'll find plenty of ATM's in the airport terminal upon your arrival in Paris and/or Nice (or any other city in Europe for that matter).

While it's not completely necessary it's always a wise practice to notify your "home bank" and credit card company before you leave that you'll be using your ATM card and/or credit card overseas. This way you can avoid unwanted "holds" that financial institutions sometimes place on credit cards/ATM cards if they percieve there's some "unusual" activity.

Sorry, missed answering one of your questions. Yes, you'll get a better exchange rate in Europe than you will in the US.

In other words, wait until you get to Europe before you get your Euros. Use ATM's either at the airport or "in town" when you need cash.

FYI - we recently did a trip around the world (including a stop in Paris). Left the US with only a small amount of "US Currency. We got local currency from ATM's at the airport in all 16 countries we visited. Easy as pie.

I share your discomfort at getting off the plane with no local currency. I go to my local bank (Bank of America) and get about $50-100 in local currency before we go. Covers a cab, snack - and then can get more at ATM, use credit card, etc.

I do not stress about the exchange rate for such a small amount of cash - I am not about to play the currency speculation game for a few dollars on a trip that costs thousands.

I'm with Gail. This is exactly what we do also. Bank of America keeps Euros on hand at most of their Banking Centers. You can check their website if they are in your area. With all the things going on when you land somewhere, e.g. luggage, new places, etc. it's nice not to have to worry right away about looking for an ATM too.

Thanks for the prompt replies. We live in a teensy town, not near a city. I guess that's why the bank here didn't have euros on hand. They said it'd take at least a couple of day to get them-- and we're leaving in a couple of days! (I didn't realize that banks didn't have them on hand.) I guess we will need to change about $100 at the PHL airport currency exchange booth and then try to do ATM when we are less jetlagged. I wish there were a Bank of America nearby!

Gail is correct and I do the same thing. That way if the ATMs at the airport are kaput I at least have a bit of cash ready. Can get more later.

Yes - You can exchange a few $$ at PHL. You should have plenty of time after clearing security when you are in the departure lounge.

But if you don't have a chance to do that - just follow the same plan at CDG. If the ATMs in arrivals aren't working (highly unlikely - but there might be long lines to use them) - you can simply step over to the bureau de change and exchange your few $$ there. The €/$ exchange rate will be a bit better at CDG than at PHL.

It is no big deal - I seldom arrive on any trip w/ advance currency, unless I have a few left over from prior visits. But get a few € at either PHL or CDG and you are good to go.

There was a time when I was uncomfortable arriving with no local cash in hand so I understand the concerns some people would have. But I'm OK with it now. There's only been one time when I flew into a European airport to find a kaput ATM. I asked at the info counter if there's another ATM closeby and it was just up the escalator, not far at all.

In the unlikely event all ATMs are kaput, there's always the exchange counter at your arrival airport.

I have never had a problem getting euros at my arrival airport in Europe. No lines and there seem to be ATM's all over the airports. Unless I have leftover Euro's from a previous trip I use the airport ATM as soon as I arrive.
Don't worry about the machines they all have a button to push for English, as long as you know the exchange rate you are good to go, it is no different than a machine in the US. If for some reason you cannot use the ATM there are money exchange booths all over the airport to tide you over until you get to an ATM.

I'm off to AAA today. I understand they sell a $100 "cash pack" of Euros.

Louise, check the exchange rates first. If you compare that to any other means of exchange you will find it's one of the most expensive ways to get cash. We've had discussions here before about those AAA cash packs and most people here see it as a rip-off.

Thank you for letting me know.

I get my foreign currency at an ATM at the airport when I arrive. It hasn't yet failed me (of course, I keep my pocket change after the trip, so I have that if I am going to another country that uses that currency.

As airports are very busy, I suspect a broken ATM would be fixed very quickly, as contrasted to a single streetside ATM away from the airport.

If you feel you need to carry some foreign currency with you, I have no problem with that. Its just to me that carrying enough for a snack and a taxi seems inefficient, as you would either use the ATM at the airport anyway, or find yourself at the end of a taxi ride, searching for a neighborhood ATM, unless your hotel has given up their very profitable currency exchange services and installed an ATM.

In using an ATM overseas, be sure to use one that is associated with a bank, as they charge no fees; private ATMs, such as those found in some stores, can charge a fee. And to me it makes sense to do your stateside banking with a bank that does not charge you a fee for using someone else's ATM, and that does not charge their own fee for a foreign transaction, on top of those charged by the ATM network.

I appreciate the responses. I suspect that we'll change a small amt right there in the PHL airport, though I understand that the exchange rate would be better in De-G or in Nice airport. Psychological comfort worth at least as much as $$. Thanks!

Before you leave, you should also check exchange rates on a website like oanda.com. You'll never get the inter-bank rate - the typical exchange rate is more like 3% (for credit cards) or 4% for cash. Use that rate to figure to print out a currency converter cheat sheet and take it with you. Also check with your bank about how they charge for ATM transactions and credit card transactions in Europe. They have different approaches. For example, I have one credit card that seems to use a relatively decent exchange rate but then adds on an enormous extra fee for each transaction. Another card uses a slightly less attractive exchange rate but doesn't charge extra fees. Use the card that offers the best rate.

I have a American Express travel office near my work. I often get some Euros ahead of time and then use a cash machine when I get to Europe. I feel more comfortable having some cash when I arrive. It is one less thing I have to worry about/do.