Wait and get euros in CDG airport?
 

I'm going to paris next week and usually wait to get euros until I arrive at CDG and use an ATM. Does anyone advise differently? I'm pretty sure I recall there being ATMs in the airport, assuming they are working and have cash available. Thanks!

Hi c,

No need to change your habits.

The worrywarts will advise you to get Euros ahead of time.

The rest of us wait and use the ATM at the airport-- there are plenty of them.

I would at all costs wait. If the ATMs are not working (my French son landed there recently and he said none were working, and as he speaks French, ascertained this to be true. But in any case you can used the rip-off exchange bank near Customs exit in a pinch. I just enquired about buying Euros here and the local travel ageny said they'd sell for $1.42 to one euro plus they had a $6 fee! $6 fee to give you a rip-off rate! Maybe you have some friends who have left over Euros they could sell you, or perhaps re-pay them when you return. Always a good idea to save some Euros for your next trip. Thank God for the Euro!

I would chance it. If you buy here, euro notes will run you about 5% above the aTM rate, which is about what one of the person-occupied exchange booths will charge you. You might be a little worse off, but about all you will need is the price of a ride into the city.

I usually take one of the van services and prepay with a credit card. Then I endure the dirty look of the driver when he gets no tip.

But why don't you ask around before you leave and see if someone doesn't have a few dozen euro they might like to unload. You could agree on the bank wholsesale rate which would benefit both of you.

It is easy to get away from euro land with a few coins, like 2€, that add up to several dollars. And coins are not usually exchangeable at a bank.

Fortunately, € coins can be converted at the duty free shops before you enplane.

To chocolate :)