Where is the best place for me to exchange my currency?
Mar 31st, 2003, 07:11 AM
#1
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Where is the best place for me to exchange my currency?
Im going to Europe next week and wondering where's the best place for me to change my USD to EURO.
Should I be exchanging in the states or when I get to Amsterdam?
And what is the usual fees?
Should I be exchanging in the states or when I get to Amsterdam?
And what is the usual fees?
Mar 31st, 2003, 07:18 AM
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Hi,
You needn't bring more than $200 along. Trade that in before you leave at the xchange at the airport. The rate is not good, but you will have cash when you get there.
Bring some USD traveler's checks for an emergency.
Get money at ATM's on your debit card as Mite suggests.
You needn't bring more than $200 along. Trade that in before you leave at the xchange at the airport. The rate is not good, but you will have cash when you get there.
Bring some USD traveler's checks for an emergency.
Get money at ATM's on your debit card as Mite suggests.
Mar 31st, 2003, 07:30 AM
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moulaussen,
I go to a large C.B.D. bank and get about 100 Euros before travel. I gave the teller $100 and received 85 Euros. Not a good deal. I used my debit card in Europe and was charged about $3 or so on any and all transactions at ATMs. I recommend withdrawing 200-300 Euros at a time to cut back on fees. Use your plastic everywhere you can, but call your card issurer's to alert them to your travel plans. Two of my banks were very concerned about European charges on my cards and once I was unable to use a card when I wanted. Have a wonderful time. Tim
I go to a large C.B.D. bank and get about 100 Euros before travel. I gave the teller $100 and received 85 Euros. Not a good deal. I used my debit card in Europe and was charged about $3 or so on any and all transactions at ATMs. I recommend withdrawing 200-300 Euros at a time to cut back on fees. Use your plastic everywhere you can, but call your card issurer's to alert them to your travel plans. Two of my banks were very concerned about European charges on my cards and once I was unable to use a card when I wanted. Have a wonderful time. Tim
Mar 31st, 2003, 07:50 AM
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I agree that taking 200 USD with you is enough, but I recommend *not* exchanging them. Rather, keep them with you your whole trip for emergencies (like an ATM eating your card just when you're low on cash). US dollars are welcome anywhere in Europe. When you land in Amsterdam, go to an airport ATM and quickly get euros on the spot. Yes, tell your bank you will be in Europe, ask what phone number you should call while in Europe to report a lost or stolen card, and make sure your card has a 4 number PIN (no letters) so it will work in European ATMs.
Mar 31st, 2003, 08:20 AM
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to clarify TimS' comment that "US dollars are welcome anywhere in Europe" They are welcome to be exchanged all over Europe - but do not expect to be able to spend dollars in Europe except at a few dept stores w/ foreign currency desks, at airports and some high end hotels.
As for the basic question - as the others say - don't actually exchange your money anywhere. Leave it at home in your checking account and use your ATM/debit card to pull out what you need as you go along.
As for the basic question - as the others say - don't actually exchange your money anywhere. Leave it at home in your checking account and use your ATM/debit card to pull out what you need as you go along.
Mar 31st, 2003, 10:27 AM
#7
My method:
1) US cash (I take at least $300) and change a couple hundred at the airport when you arrive Amsterdam (more if you have to pay your hotel bill in cash as some small places require).
2) ATM withdrawls, the charge is from your home bank's "international fee"
3) Charge card if your hotel or major restaurants accept them and for emergencies
4) Travelers checks in your suitcase again, for emergencies only
"Usual fees" is a tricky question because sometimes it is hidden in the exchange rate given. I never get money in the States before, that's never your best deal.
1) US cash (I take at least $300) and change a couple hundred at the airport when you arrive Amsterdam (more if you have to pay your hotel bill in cash as some small places require).
2) ATM withdrawls, the charge is from your home bank's "international fee"
3) Charge card if your hotel or major restaurants accept them and for emergencies
4) Travelers checks in your suitcase again, for emergencies only
"Usual fees" is a tricky question because sometimes it is hidden in the exchange rate given. I never get money in the States before, that's never your best deal.
