Purchasing Euro Dollars in the US before going abroad
 

I fwould like to know if it is a good idea
to purchase Euro Dollars in the US before
traveling to Italy. Are the Euro Dollars
accepted in the Munich and Italian Airports?
I understand it is wise to use a bank card
as a credit card and also to take Traveler
checks for emergencies. Has anyone had good
luck with the new Travel Money cards?
Anything you can suggest would be most
appreciative and helpful. Thank you!

I recommend using ATM (cash) machines in Europe to get Euros, and using credit cards to purchase most things. I have always used a machine at the airport to get cash as soon as I arrive, and have found ATM machines plentiful in most European countries. Good luck with your plans!

What are Euro dollars? Are they like American pounds or American pesos?

Hi Alpicella, if you go to the Europe Board and use the searh box you will get lots of good and informative information about this subject. And yes of course the Munich and Italian airports accept Euros. Euros are the money for Germany and Italy. You need to get some information before you take your trip. Again, go to the Europe Board. Best wishes.

Hi Patrick! Where have you been? Missed you. Oh those American peso, I did like them the best didn't you? But not quite as strong anymore as I would like versus the US dollar Think I will stop using them. How about you? Any thoughts?

Hi, LoveItaly. Yes, I've been busy lately. My currency of choice right now is the British yen which seems to be holding up well. After than it is either the Maltese Kroner or the European peso.

Well Patrick, busy or not dear one, please post occassionally. Seriously you have been missed.

Also, we all need your advice as to what currency to use. Our budgets have been in a bit of disaray without being able to discuss these financial matters with you.

Seriously, I hope things are alright with your mother and Lee. Take care of yourself too.

Alpicella- I also *strongly* suggest you simply go to the Europe board here on Fodors and type 'money exchange' or 'AMT' in the search box. There are dozens & dozens of threads that discuss your question in amazing detail.

Your post seems a bit confused about the different methods available to you (i.e., 'Euro Dollar', bank card vs credit card).

And yes euro is the money you need once you are in an Italian or German airport, because you are now in a foreign country and need the correct type of cash currency.

I agree with E! Use your ATM card to get that day's exchange rate. Right now the dollar is very weak so be prepared for the rate of 1 Euro for $1.30! Please keep it in mind when shopping or you will be shocked when the credit card bills arrive!

turista: apparently you haven't been checking the exchange rates lately. The US$ has been rising against the € for several weeks. The $ is the strongest it's been in nearly a year . . . . . .

..and after the vote in France yesterday, the euro is expected to decline even more against the dollar, at least temporarily. (-:

According to oanda.com this morning, US$1 = 1.255 Euro