traveling through jfk via madrid to pisa. local bank wants unreal amount to exchange for euros. what is the best option? exchange at jfk or wait until pisa? atm or bank window?
thanks in advance.

You pay for as much s possible with credit cards. For walking around money you pull cash from ATMs at your destination. (Changing cash will cost you MUCH more - you'll lose at least 5//6%.)

IF you're uncomfortable not having any euros, change $50 or $100 at the bureau de change at JFK. (The exchange rate will be bad - but not as bad as your bank - and it doesn't matter for a few $).

virginia,
I was able to get euros at the international terminal at San Francisco's airport through an ATM machine..it was really easy just using my card and choosing an amount...I only took a little to have with me..used my credit card and ATM for the rest while in europe.

ATM machine upon arrival.

If you want euro in hand before that, you can pay the extra to order from your local bank, or purchase them at your departure airport.

thanks all for the advice

Be sure you notify your bank and your credit card providers BEFORE you leave for Europe so some computer doesn't freeze your ATM card or credit card for what it thinks is fraudulent use.