Any opinions as to whether it's better to order Euros and take with you or try to exchange after in France - I'm opting for getting the euro currency beforehand from my bank but would appreciate advice on this.

Kestrel

The ATMs in France are full of euros. Wait until you get there.

Neither.

Use your ATM card once you arrive in France.

Buying euros in the us and bringing them is somewhat analagous to buying oranges in Chicago before your trip to Florida.

You will pay a premium for the privelege of buying euros in the US before you go. No need. ATMs are everywhere and they will give you the best exchange rate.

It's ok to carry one orange or small bottle of juice to tide you over, but buying and carrying a whole case of oranges does not make sense. Ditto for Euros - bring a small amount ($100 or less) with you if you really must have euros in hand the moment you step out of the airplane and before your reach the 1st ATM or change bureau 50yards away.

I also agree that is is easier to get your euros in europe. all of the airports will have ATM's - make sure you bank card will work before you leave. If you want to be uber prepared you can solicit from friends here and "buy" euros as one of my friends did so they had about 20 euros when they hit the ground in case of emergency.

I'll agree, but also disagree. It seems it would be foolhardy to land in a foreign country w/zero currency. Lots of the exchange booths have vanished w/the Euro. I always take some Euros w/me. Depending on your relationship w/your bank, the exchange in the US may even be free. (The exchange rate, may be another story).

Kestrel, You might want to read over on the Europe branch. This topic is discussed daily (without agreement, I might add).

Forty years ago we used to buy currency of a destination country before leavng the USA. No longer. When you get off your plane, head for an ATM and get Euros using your debit card.

I'm heading to London and Paris next week and I decided to get just a little currency before I go. Sure, I could get it from the ATMs, but as this is my first time to either and I no nothing about jet lag, I just wanted to have one less thing to worry about when I land. I should be able to get from LHR to my hotel, drop my bags and then, once I take a deep breath, I can search for an ATM.

But that's me.

And you are special.

It is frightening easy to get euros at ATM machines all over France.