If the price of Euros is about .87 , is it normal for banks in the US to do an exchange rate of .97?

That sounds a bit high to me. I think something like .93 would be more typical.

Unfortunately, you're running into the reason why it is kind of dumb to exchange for Euros in the US.<BR><BR>As of today, the Euro was approximately $.89. If you exchange in an ATM or use a credit card which doesn't pile on the asinine 2% surcharge, you will pay approximately $.90 for each Euro. If you go to an exchange in Paris, you would pay approximately $.94. If your bank is charging you $.97, you are being gouged big time.<BR><BR>Incidentally, the Euro has gained about $.02 in the last couple of days...

Well, I am just going to wait until I get to Paris and deal with the euros then. Thanks for the input!

It may be normal for some banks, but figure it out--that's 11.5% markup. That's more like Thomas Cook in the US, they are really high. I just called them where I live (T Cooks) and they charge 9% PLUS a flat $5 fee for amts less than $500, so that's about the rate your bank is charging. I've never bought foreign currency from a bank and wouldn't, so can't say directly. My bank won't tell me and the clerks don't know anything (I just called them), say they have to get the rate from the main bank when you call but have no idea whether it's bank rate or what markup. AAA Travel has a markup over bank rate also, but it's a lot less than that, about 3 pct when I calculated it. They only sell prepackaged amts, though, I have never bought any from them. IN short, I think that well may be normal, especially if there is no other fee on top of that, but not a good deal.