currency to go by Chase Manhattan...has anybody used them?
 

This is a service of chase manhattan bank to change your money. It is recommended by the Italy for Dummies book. I know many suggest using an ATM in Italy, I wonder how the rates compare.

I used Chase currency to go only 1 time. But why would you want to take cash with you when you can use ATM? The rates are the best and it is certainly the most convenient. There are machines all over.
Alert your bank before you leave that you will be using the ATM card - there should be no problem. I have used it all over Europe.

Last time I compared, I prefered ordering online from Bank of America. I could pick it up at the downtown branch across the street from my office. No delivery charge for min.order of $500. It was a premium of about 5% over 'bank rate'.

Many people advise to just wait until you arrive, but I do like having some 'go' money in my pocket upon landing. Even if you just want a day's worth, and it makes you more comfortable, then do it. A small amount won't break the bank.

Hi Lauren,

You can't beat getting money from an ATM in Italy.

If you think that you must have some cash upon arrival, convert $50-100 at the departure airport. You'll spend an extra $3-5.

I have used Chase's Currency To Go several times with no problems. However, I am now in favor of using ATMs which I have done on my last several trips. The nice thing about CTG was having a small amount of currency on me when we landed. I don't think Chase has a minimum size order so if it makes you more comfortable order a small amount and get the rest through ATMs.

I've gotten it from Chase, I'm one of those who likes to land with at least one or two day's cash in my pocket.
Don't forget to ask for small denominations.

In my experience and that of others, it's usually the small denominations that Chase didn't have.

The last time I used Chase was before the Euro, and never changed more than $100 - did this once; others exchanged more often. Thereafter, in my case, I found it was just as easy to use the ATM upon arrival, whether France, Italy or the UK. ATM is really the way to go. But if you don't like the feel of empty pockets when arriving at your destination, then stop at the airport exchange and change some USD - very small fee.

I too like a bit of money on hand when I arrive. I had used CTG several times before 9/11. But for a trip shortly after that, they were closed because they were in WTC, so I used my local Bank of America, which I didn't know had a foreign currency exchange window right in my branch!

hi Sandi
Sorry about your experience at Chase, but when I've ordered it in advance I've been able to get bills of small denominations, here in NYC.

It is simply another scheme to make money which ranks right up there with charging for using an ATM.

I'm still waiting to hear if the money to go exchange rates are better than those at the change bureau at the airport. If they aren't, why bother? Get your small amount of "go money" at the airport here and be done with it.

I'm not advocating this for anyone else, but I get a modest amount of cash at home andam willing pay a few extra dollars to have it in my pocket.
Then I am indeed 'done with it.'
That's my form of security blanket, we all have our quirks.