Advice on currency exchange
 

I suppose there are multiple threads on this already, but hoped I could get advice for my particular itinerary.

I fly out of Miami and into Milan and proceed by bus directly to Lugano. After 2 days there I return to Italy for 2 days and then train to Zurich. Where and when would you exchange your dollars for euros and swiss francs? Miami? Milan?

I'm assuming that I should only get a minimal amount in the airport as my atm card will give me funds at all hours wherever I happen to find myself. There's no point going to the "money changers" anymore. Is that right?

I prefer to leave home with Euros in cash - not thousands but enough to tide me over for cab fare, cafes etc. I settle all other big amounts with my credit card. If I take US dollars I just change them at the Currency Exchange booths wherever.

I would wait until I arrived at Milan and get my Euros from the ATM at the airport. If you want that warm & fuzzy feeling of having some Euro when you arrive, get about $50 at the U.S. airport prior to departure.

Get your SFr when you arrive in Switzerland from the ATM. If you take US $$$ as tod recommends and change at a Currency Exchange booth, you will get a lousy exchange rate, plus have to pay a commission. If you use a credit card to get Euro, you will be subject to a cash advance and pay interest from the day you withdraw the money.

I would use the ATM card to withdraw spending cash from the ATM Machines and use the credit card for hotels/train tickets/other major expenses. ((b))

The Milan airport has ATMs. You can get euros there when you arrive. ATMs are also plentiful in Lugano. There's no real need to get currency in Miami, plus you'll get a poorer rate at currency boothes than at ATMs. It's your call.

Also ask at your hotel. There are a few hotels that will give you the published rate with no fees as a service to their guests. Not many, but a few--doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks, everyone. That answers my question!

Sorry Budman, I didn't recommend taking US$$$ to Guy, just mentioned that IF I do, (because I have them lying around in my safe - left over from trips to the US) I just exchange them and totally agree - the rate is lousy!