money exchange
 

I know this has been asked and answered, but I'm having a hard time finding it ...

what's the most financially sound way of changing dollars to euros? In the US? ATMS is Europe? Credit cards? European banks?

ATMs in Europe.

Hi rob,

Bring as much as you are comfortable with in USD Traveler's Checks for emergencies, your ATM card and a credit card.

Charge everything chargeable and use your ATM for cash.

These questions come up every couple of days on this forum and it is fitting that they do. No matter where you go or what you do, the common denominator is funding and how to do it efficiently and economically.
Ira and "anonymous" summed it all up for you. But for additional advice or anecdotes from travellers, just do a search on the europe forum using terms such as
ATM
currency exchange
traveler's checks

There's tons of info.

Best rates and most convenient is to use an ATM card once you are in Europe.

Credit cards for larger expenses and emergencies.

I like to carry US cash to exchange as well, just to have one more method available.

Some people get Euro at home because they feel more relaxed arriving with some cash in hand. This most often has fees associated and not the best exchange rate.

Travelers checks for safety or on long haul trips but realize there are fees and you most likely will need to change them at a bank, not spend directly in shops or restaurants.

The most financially sound way of changing dollars to euros is by using the ATM's. Hopefully, you don't have a bank that charges transaction fees or ATM fees. If yours does, I would recommend finding one that doesn't charge these ATM/transaction fees. ((b))

As others have said, use a crdit card for major purchases and get cash from ATMs for everything else. There are some important things to do *before* you leave home to be sure your ATM card will work in Europe. Here's the URL for a very helpful article: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm.

ATMS - If you bank w/ a large company, like BankAmerica, they have reciprocal agreements w/ foreign banks and charge no fees for ATM transactions. Your bank will be able to tell you which countries and which banks. I don't work for BankAmerica, but it's my bank and when I called to inquire about options they offered this info.