Best Place To Get Euros In USA
Mar 13th, 2007, 01:08 AM
#21
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I always use an ATM machine on arrival. That said, I am considering getting euros before I leave for the purpose of paying an apartment balance. I don't want to risk not being able to get that large amount of euros from an ATM upon arrival. I don't like using the exchange places at the airport. Call me paranoid, but I think it makes you a visible mark; anyone can see you getting a big "wad" of cash and that makes me uncomfortable. I use public transport. I suppose I could balance off the cost of getting euros here and paying for a shuttle from the airport.
Mar 13th, 2007, 05:22 AM
#24
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Of course they are -- just found on Am Ex website where you can purchase Euros -- the exchange rate is now around 1.3201 and Am Ex rate is 1.404!! Youch - 8.4% - and if you order via mail add $15.95 shipping!!
Mar 13th, 2007, 05:32 AM
#25
jrtot: "<i>how much cheaper are we talking about? . . . . . What will the markup typically be at an ATM in Europe?</i>" Most of the time you will get the $1.31+1% or just over $1.32
"<i>Also, do European (specifically Italian) ATMs typically have a per-transaction withdrawal limit?</i>" Often the per transaction limit is €250 or €300. So you would have to make multiple withdrawals if you need a lot of cash.
"<i>Also, do European (specifically Italian) ATMs typically have a per-transaction withdrawal limit?</i>" Often the per transaction limit is €250 or €300. So you would have to make multiple withdrawals if you need a lot of cash.
Mar 13th, 2007, 06:20 AM
#26
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In the past, I've traveled to Europe with zero Euros, planning to hit an ATM upon landing. Never had a problem with this plan, until ....
Last year, I flew from NYC to Sevilla, Spain, with a three-hour layover in Madrid. I landed at a new-ish terminal in Madrid where I discovered there were NO ATMS and no currency exchange facilities (at the time) in this terminal. The rest of Barajas Airport was some distance away and inaccessible by foot.
My flight had arrived early in the AM, and I was desperate for some coffee. Most of the stores were still closed. There was one cafeteria open, but (just my luck!) they were having issues with their credit card reader and temporarily could only handle cash transactions. Since I had no Euros. No coffee for me.
What did I do? I spent the next 45 minutes, marching up & down and up & down the length of that terminal in a futile search for an ATM. Not so much fun after a loud, cramped, sleepless overnighter on Iberia.
Now, why did I search for ATMs where none existed? Because the first five airport personnel I asked, including the oh-so helpful **sarcasm!** folks at the info desk said, yes, there are ATMs! They'd send me to XYZ spot on the opposite end of the terminal. By the time I'd get there, of course, there'd be no ATM in sight, and another airport employee would say: oh no, the ATMs are on the other side of the terminal just turn here and then there - really detailed instructions ... And off I'd go to continue my wild goose chase. And rinse and repeat. It was surreal.
Finally, a cleaning lady in the ladies room filled me in. They hadn't installed ATMs in any part of that terminal that I (as someone in-transit) had access to. All those airport employees were totally misinformed or perhaps even lied - maybe because they were reluctant to admit they didn't know the answer **shrug(?)**
Anyway, it was extremely frustrating, especially in my decaffeinated state. Finally, another small eatery/store opened and I bought three cans of Coca Cola Lite with my credit card.
Obviously, this was an unusual case. But after that trip, I exchange enough dollars to have 100 euros before I put one foot on the plane. Inefficiency and expense be damned! It's peace of mind against potential electronic signal failure, bad planning on the part of me or the airport, etc. etc .... Before my experience last year, I had no idea what annoyance a little pocket change could've forestalled.
Last year, I flew from NYC to Sevilla, Spain, with a three-hour layover in Madrid. I landed at a new-ish terminal in Madrid where I discovered there were NO ATMS and no currency exchange facilities (at the time) in this terminal. The rest of Barajas Airport was some distance away and inaccessible by foot.
My flight had arrived early in the AM, and I was desperate for some coffee. Most of the stores were still closed. There was one cafeteria open, but (just my luck!) they were having issues with their credit card reader and temporarily could only handle cash transactions. Since I had no Euros. No coffee for me.
What did I do? I spent the next 45 minutes, marching up & down and up & down the length of that terminal in a futile search for an ATM. Not so much fun after a loud, cramped, sleepless overnighter on Iberia.
Now, why did I search for ATMs where none existed? Because the first five airport personnel I asked, including the oh-so helpful **sarcasm!** folks at the info desk said, yes, there are ATMs! They'd send me to XYZ spot on the opposite end of the terminal. By the time I'd get there, of course, there'd be no ATM in sight, and another airport employee would say: oh no, the ATMs are on the other side of the terminal just turn here and then there - really detailed instructions ... And off I'd go to continue my wild goose chase. And rinse and repeat. It was surreal.
Finally, a cleaning lady in the ladies room filled me in. They hadn't installed ATMs in any part of that terminal that I (as someone in-transit) had access to. All those airport employees were totally misinformed or perhaps even lied - maybe because they were reluctant to admit they didn't know the answer **shrug(?)**
Anyway, it was extremely frustrating, especially in my decaffeinated state. Finally, another small eatery/store opened and I bought three cans of Coca Cola Lite with my credit card.
Obviously, this was an unusual case. But after that trip, I exchange enough dollars to have 100 euros before I put one foot on the plane. Inefficiency and expense be damned! It's peace of mind against potential electronic signal failure, bad planning on the part of me or the airport, etc. etc .... Before my experience last year, I had no idea what annoyance a little pocket change could've forestalled.
Mar 13th, 2007, 07:52 AM
#27
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Thanks, janisj!
I don't suppose there's any way to tell what exchange rate a particular ATM will give you prior to making the withdrawal? I notice you qualified your answer with "most of the time."
I don't suppose there's any way to tell what exchange rate a particular ATM will give you prior to making the withdrawal? I notice you qualified your answer with "most of the time."
Mar 13th, 2007, 09:06 AM
#28
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I am that "nervous type" who must have a drop of local currency before a trip.
Once I landed in Zurich after what seemed to be a 44 hours flight from San Francisco
And there was one ATM with a huge line of backpackers to get cash.
Being awfully jetlagged I wouldn't wander around the airport looking for another ATM. I was feeling soooooo smart I got some Euro at home, doesn't matter how much I've overpaid!!
So I got on the shuttle bus right away and found an ATM later.
Once I landed in Zurich after what seemed to be a 44 hours flight from San Francisco
And there was one ATM with a huge line of backpackers to get cash. Being awfully jetlagged I wouldn't wander around the airport looking for another ATM. I was feeling soooooo smart I got some Euro at home, doesn't matter how much I've overpaid!!
So I got on the shuttle bus right away and found an ATM later.
Mar 13th, 2007, 09:14 AM
#29
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There is some misunderstanding about ATMs. The ATM doesn't give you some individual exchange rate it decides upon. The ATM doesn't have any exchange rate other than the interbank rate, which has virtually no markup.
It is YOUR BANK that decides what extra fees (whether a flat fee or percentage addon) are added on to the amount, so you have to ask your bank what their fees are to know. You shouldn't go without finding this out in any case, whether you plan to use an ATM upon arrival or later.
My bank ATM card has absolutely no transaction fees or markup at all. Some other people's banks charge from 1 to 3 pct of the amount plus perhaps a $1-5 individual flat charge.
The ATM won't charge you anything or markup the rate as long as it's a bank-affiliated ATM. Some private ATMs (you can spot these, they have them in the US, also) may charge a small transaction fee, whereas bank ATMs do not, but I don't think even private ATMs markup the exchange rate, that's a banking transaction concern. I'll admit I've never used a private ATM in Europe, though, so am not sure about that. There are tons of bank-affiliated ATMs everywhere I've been.
It is YOUR BANK that decides what extra fees (whether a flat fee or percentage addon) are added on to the amount, so you have to ask your bank what their fees are to know. You shouldn't go without finding this out in any case, whether you plan to use an ATM upon arrival or later.
My bank ATM card has absolutely no transaction fees or markup at all. Some other people's banks charge from 1 to 3 pct of the amount plus perhaps a $1-5 individual flat charge.
The ATM won't charge you anything or markup the rate as long as it's a bank-affiliated ATM. Some private ATMs (you can spot these, they have them in the US, also) may charge a small transaction fee, whereas bank ATMs do not, but I don't think even private ATMs markup the exchange rate, that's a banking transaction concern. I'll admit I've never used a private ATM in Europe, though, so am not sure about that. There are tons of bank-affiliated ATMs everywhere I've been.
Mar 13th, 2007, 09:25 AM
#30
jrtot: "<i>I don't suppose there's any way to tell what exchange rate a particular ATM will give you prior to making the withdrawal?</i>"
To repeat what christina says - it has nothing whatever to do w/ the ATM. The machine is only dealing in €. The "exchange" happens when your own bank converts the € to $ to withdraw from your acct. So you'd need to contact you bank every day to see what rate they are using -- MUCH more trouble than it is worth.
To repeat what christina says - it has nothing whatever to do w/ the ATM. The machine is only dealing in €. The "exchange" happens when your own bank converts the € to $ to withdraw from your acct. So you'd need to contact you bank every day to see what rate they are using -- MUCH more trouble than it is worth.
Mar 13th, 2007, 09:42 AM
#31
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queener wrote: "someone mentioned using American Express to get Euros - and that if you are a member, there is just a $5 transaction fee..... Is there an awful exchange rate where they are making their money??"
actually, as I had stated in my post, the $5 only applies if you're not a member (of which I am not). Thing is, I don't have an ATM card, so it's either I go to AMEX to get some Euros or wait until I hit my destination to get the money. I've never done the latter, except maybe a few times when I needed UK sterling when I've just arrived at LGW. However, if you do have an ATM, janisj and other have provided some excellent advice.
actually, as I had stated in my post, the $5 only applies if you're not a member (of which I am not). Thing is, I don't have an ATM card, so it's either I go to AMEX to get some Euros or wait until I hit my destination to get the money. I've never done the latter, except maybe a few times when I needed UK sterling when I've just arrived at LGW. However, if you do have an ATM, janisj and other have provided some excellent advice.
Mar 20th, 2007, 09:13 AM
#32
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Waste of time and money imhpo.
We have lived in central Mexico for nearly four years and have used ATM for cash throughout the world (here; E.E.U.U.; Central/S America; Europe and Asia) without problems.
The USAA ATM has 15 free out of network transactions a month should one ever need that many.
The USAA CCs (V and MC) charge only the 1% V/MC fee, but that is rebated at year end.
Leaving for 3 + weeks in Europe shortly with only a few pesos and dollars in cash on board.
M
We have lived in central Mexico for nearly four years and have used ATM for cash throughout the world (here; E.E.U.U.; Central/S America; Europe and Asia) without problems.
The USAA ATM has 15 free out of network transactions a month should one ever need that many.
The USAA CCs (V and MC) charge only the 1% V/MC fee, but that is rebated at year end.
Leaving for 3 + weeks in Europe shortly with only a few pesos and dollars in cash on board.
M
Mar 20th, 2007, 09:52 AM
#33
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You are getting bad advice from self-proclaimed "seasoned travelers."
While I certainly wouldn't get all my Euros before leaving the US, if you feel more comfortable with 100 or 200 Euros, trust your instincts and get them before you leave. If possible, get a few coins as well (especially 0.50 and 1.00 Euro) - handy for airport toilets.
Those that "cannot imagine" what type of emergency you might need Euros for while in transit are lacking in both imagination and travel experience.
You may arrive in Italy to find the ATM broken (this has happened to me in Frankfurt) and the clerk at the exchange bureau on a break of unspecified length.
I always get about 200 Euros through my bank, usually a month before departure. I hit the ground running (rather than searching). After the first day, my trip is financed via the wonderful global ATM network.
Mar 20th, 2007, 10:21 AM
#34
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I agree smueller. I don't usually bother getting foreign currency before hand but it is not a bad idea, and I will probably do just that on my next trip to Europe. We'll be travelling with another couple and 3 young children. If for any reason an ATM is not convenient when we land (long line, out of servce, other side of the terminal, etc.) I can find one later when it may be more convenient and I won't be without cash until then.
I really don't see the big deal, $100 worth of Euros will cost at most an extra $5 if a get it here vs. through an overseas atm. I wouldn't get a whole trip's worth but I can see the advantage of having a little walking around cash for tips, cabs, beverages, snacks etc. Certainly worth $5 in my opinion, though others, it seems, may value $5 more (or their time less) than I.
I really don't see the big deal, $100 worth of Euros will cost at most an extra $5 if a get it here vs. through an overseas atm. I wouldn't get a whole trip's worth but I can see the advantage of having a little walking around cash for tips, cabs, beverages, snacks etc. Certainly worth $5 in my opinion, though others, it seems, may value $5 more (or their time less) than I.
Mar 20th, 2007, 10:55 AM
#35
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Anyone notice that the OP decided on 3/10 to get euro at LAX?
I have learned the hard way and I don't mind spending a little more money to have euro with me on arrival in Europe. Sometimes I just factor in the less-stress factor and pay a little more. I can't watch every dollar I spend when I am on a pleasure trip!
I have learned the hard way and I don't mind spending a little more money to have euro with me on arrival in Europe. Sometimes I just factor in the less-stress factor and pay a little more. I can't watch every dollar I spend when I am on a pleasure trip!
