Money exchange
 

I will be arriving in Athens with only about an 1 1/2 hour lay-over before taking a plane to Santorini. Can someone tell me if trying to exchange US $$ for euros is a good idea at the airport or is waiting until I get to Santorini going to get me a better exchange?

Pick up a <u>few</u> &euro; at your departure airport's bureau de change. You won't need many - but just in case you don't have time in Athens.

Then you can get more using your ATM card on Santorini

An ATM card is the way to go, it's the most convenient way to get money in Greece. If you have an ATM card you can use a machine at the Athens airport to get some cash. Otherwise exchange enough dollars at the airport to cover your first night on Santorini, including the taxi from the airport to your hotel. The next day go to a bank and exchange what you need for the rest of your stay. If you don't have an ATM card and have the time to get one, 6-8 weeks, WAMU Bank at www.wamu.com will issue you one against a checking account you can set up online, and there won't be any international transaction fees, only the 1% fee that all CC companies charge. Exchanging dollars for euros will not get you the best exchange rate. Be sure not to use a credit card in an ATM or you'll be charged a higher interest rate for cash withdrawls.

Definitely buy some euros before you get to Santorini. There are several ATMs in the lobby just outside the arrivals area which you will pass on your way to departures, where you can stop before going upstairs to check in for your Santorini flight.

There are also bureaux de change at the airport, which charge about 5 cents/&euro; more than the ATMs. I don't think you would get a better deal in Santorini, but I could be wrong.

There is no harm in having a few &euro; before you arrive in Greece, just in case your flight to Athens is delayed and you are in a rush to make the ongoing flight. Buying &euro; outside the euro zone is always more expensive, so don't get more than you need.

Hi L,

You don't want to bring USD to Europe.

As noted, change about $100 at the departure airport. This will cost about $5 more than if you do it upon arrival.

Charge everything you can.

Use an ATM card for cash.

Bring traveler's checks in USD for emergency backup. Deposit them when you get home.

((I))

To clarify my previous post, the ATMs and bureaux de change I was referring to are at Athens Airport. Santorini Airport is very small, with few amenities.

.....Bring traveler's checks in USD for emergency backup.......

Except that in an emergency the TCs probably will not be useable. TCs are nearly unacceptable -- especially dollars. Bury a two hundred bills under you shoe lining/