money exchange
 

A good tip to exchange dollars to euros arriving to Dusseldorf, Germany?

Don't exchange, use an ATM to get euros. Do a search here on ATM, there are many, many threads on the subject.

I just did a google search asking the question "Where can I exchange currency in Dusseldorf?" and it directed me to a web site with a map showing locations. The airport was mentioned, as were hotels. But having exchanged currency many times in the past, I do know that hotels are the worst place to exchange. You'll get the poorest rates there.

>>I just did a google search asking the question "Where can I exchange currency in Dusseldorf?<<

You google it if you want - but 'exchanging currency' is a silly thing to do.

I agree with the ATM suggestion. I wouldn't exchange currency at all. You'll get a bad exchange. There are numerous ATM's in most airports.

You don't "exchange" money. You take it out of ATM machines, and try to make sure that you are banking with a credit union or bank that charges you neither a currency conversion fee nor a fee for a withdrawal - otherwise you are just funding your bank.

Yes yes yes, ATM cards are God's gift to travel, in most situations. Not all.... I get that. The OP asked about exchanging, and I was merely trying to help in getting an answer that question, nothing more, nothing less.

Since the OP is a new poster, she may not know any better.

That's true. She/he is also perhaps already on her way to/or in Paris, if I understand some other thread(s) here today.

There really are circumstances where one needs to exchange rather than/along with using an ATM card. I'm not going into it here, but I travel to Europe and Asia many times per year, and I am always prepared to exchange, as well as having notified my banks that I may use my ATM cards. It is done everyday and on every street corner in places like Bangkok.

Big difference etween Asia and Europe.

That's very true. Big differences. The banking machines in Asia are ahead of USA by at least a year, btw, in certain specific functions that one can do on a machine. I was really surprised!

I know nothing about the original poster's age and travel experience - but I think older travelers who aren't savvy with ATM cards may still prefer to exchange cash when traveling overseas.

I have been talking to a friend's senior father who is going to Europe next week. He's traveled there many times over the years but not as much recently. I explained to him that these days, using an ATM card is the preferred, cheapest way to get Euros once he gets over there. He said he understood - but is still worried about where to exchange US dollars and wants to buy Euros before he even gets over there. I think he rarely uses his ATM card even in the US and is more likely to get cash from his bank teller. Sometimes, old habits die hard.

>>Sometimes, old habits die hard.<<

Ain't that the truth(!)

I have a friend here in N. California who is French and travels back to France at least once or twice a year - she owns a business here in the States and isn't some country bumpkin -- and every single trip I explain to her about it being better to use her debit card (having premium accounts she doesn't even pay ATM fees). She always says she understands - but every single trip she still buys all her € from her CA bank. She is just too nervous to depend on the ATMs.

At least we're not talking about Travelers' Checks!

One caveat for all inexperienced travelers: contact your bank snd credit card companies to let them know when you'll be out of the country, as well as what countries you will be visiting.

Sounds dumb but a lot of travelers don't know that.

I take $200 to Europe that is for emergency use only, which I have never had to use. I use the foreign currency that I get from the ATM machines in Europe and also use my Capital One credit card which has no international fee.

American Express for one says they don't need to be notified when you travel out of the country: they now think they are smart enough to figure out when your overseas charges are legit. When I called them to notify them of my coming trip, that's what they told me (I didn't use my Amex card over in Europe anyway - had it for an emergency). Perhaps in a few years we will no longer need to notify any of our banks or credit unions about our travel plans.

If I were going to be nearby at your time of arrival, I would arrange to meet you somewhere in Dusseldorf Airport and exchange your US$ for euros. I would give you a better rate than any exchange bureau, and I would still rob you blind!
Use an ATM: Your wallet will thank you.