My first trip to Europe. All the countries I will be visiting use euros. I plan on using ATM some when there, but want to have some money already changed when I arrive in Germany. I will be departing from O'Hare terminal 1. Where can I exchange money - can you exchange any amount? Any info. would be appreciated.

WE just got back from the Netherlands, we got some Euros in the Amsterdam airport. Wasn't a hassle at all. I assume the exchange rate was better than in US

Thanks for the help - I will have someone waiting for me in Frankfurt and just wanted to have it done before I got there to save them waiting time.

In Atlanta airport just a few days ago I checked the price of a euro versus the dollar at the exchange booth in the main concourse.<BR>The bank wholesale rate that day was about 90 cents US for 1 euro.<BR>The airport installation was charging $1.00 for 1 euro. That is an 11% markup in the sellers favor.<BR>I do not know if the same rates prevail in Chicago, but my guess is that these airport places are highly similar. <BR><BR>Why can't your friend have a few euros for you and you can pay him or her back after you find an ATM machine at a more convenient time??<BR>

I know that there is a currency exchange at Ohare at International Terminal 5 on the lower level where you can get euros. You should be able to get any amount that you want.

Thanks to everyone who responded! I like to have options.

According to<BR>http://www.airwise.com/airports/us/ORD/ORDT5_03a.html#Currency<BR>there is a bureau de change on the arrivals (lower) level of terminal 5 at O'Hare. Getting to terminal 5 from terminal 1 will take some time, however. They are at least a mile or two apart. There is a people mover for part of the trek. <BR><BR>Most airports have excellent exchanges as soon as you reach the customs area, and ATMs abound. I would not worry about getting the euros in advance. Just check with your bank to make sure your PIN number will work in Europe. And make sure you know your PIN by number - there are no letters on European ATM keypads.

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There is no such thing as "euros". It's simply euro, as in "I'll gladly pay 25 euro for a pint of beer."

$22.93 for a pint of beer? Must be pretty good stuff.

If you want some money beforehand, consider visiting the local travel exchange or bank. Most large banks can do this for you (just call yours and ask).<BR>Another way is to change some online. <BR>http://www.travelex.com does it.<BR>

Thanks for the info. about the bank - I will try that!

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