Did anyone have any experience with fleet bank as far as exchange rates in being fair/competitive?

For which currency?

But why would you exchange money here? You won't get a good rate. It's best you wait to get to your destination, put your card into an ATM and get what you need.

Be sure you're using an ATM debit card and not a credit card, as with credit cards it's a cash advance and most banks start charging finance charges immediately. Also check whether your bank charges for ATM usage in foreign countries. And based on that information take our funds accordingly.

The big problem with Fleet is the ATM rates. They charged me $5 for every transaction with a foreign ATM. By the end of my 1 month in Europe, I had over $50 in charges on their end.

I agree with what amp322 says - they definitly charge $5 for each ATM withdrawal. I just called around and found several other banks in my area that charge only $1 or $1.50 for foreign ATM withdrawals- so I've opened another account for use when I'm out of the Fleet area (like in Europe). Only advantage to Fleet is the saturation of ATMs all over the northeast.

I knew about the $5 atm charge. Supposely they give market exchange rates, however, my first charge was more than it should've been. Didn't think about checking with other banks, will keep that in mind for the next trip.

Just about every bank gives "market exchange rates" or nearly so.

Where they make their money is on the ATM transaction fees and I had heard Fleet was bad -- but $5! That is outrageous. My bank charges $1.

Many banks charge what should be the rate to access your money...$0. Take a look at USAA Savings in San Antonio. Not only do they not charge for up to 10 transactions a month at other bank ATM's, they rebate up to $15 a month if the other bank's ATM charges you (not applicable, of course, in Europe as European banks do not charge for this). Open the account and use it for travel.