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NFT: Best way to exchange Dollars to Euro for upcoming trip?

NYG27 : 3/27/2023 6:12 pm
For an upcoming European trip, most times, I'll use my credit card where accepted. Although I would like have some Euros with me prior to the trip, in case some vendors in Europe take only cash options.

What would be the best way to exchange Dollars to Euros? Visit my local bank, visit an exchange currency location at the airport prior to the trip or just visit an ATM and use my debit card once I arrive? Any better options for the best exchange rates?
I always found it was cheapest just to use an ATM  
Section331 : 3/27/2023 6:14 pm : link
once you get to your destination. Just make sure your bank(s) know you’ll be traveling.
The best way......is go to a bank in Europe  
George from PA : 3/27/2023 6:15 pm : link
.
Usually using an ATM abroad  
widmerseyebrow : 3/27/2023 6:15 pm : link
With a bank that has no debit fees or fee reimbursement. Exchanges on either end will ream you.
Went to my local bank to exchange $ to Euros  
Rick in Dallas : 3/27/2023 6:16 pm : link
Easy process
Fees are much higher overseas at currency exchange centers
ATM is a good option  
pjcas18 : 3/27/2023 6:19 pm : link
once you are there if your bank doesn't charge you fees.

If you are a AAA member they are a good source I have found if you want foreign currency before you go. AAA or a credit union if you belong to one.

You might need to make an appt with AAA and order the foreign currency online.
RE: Went to my local bank to exchange $ to Euros  
bluefin : 3/27/2023 6:20 pm : link
In comment 16076484 Rick in Dallas said:
Quote:
Easy process
Fees are much higher overseas at currency exchange centers

This - Santander near me actually stocks euros - you can exchange in EU but it’s good to land with some currency already in your pocket
Very little need for cash anymore  
Jim in Fairfax : 3/27/2023 6:25 pm : link
Practically everyplace in Europe accepts pay by phone and/or tap and go card.

For what little cash you need, hit a bank ATM in the airport when you arrive.
RE: RE: Went to my local bank to exchange $ to Euros  
robbieballs2003 : 3/27/2023 6:31 pm : link
In comment 16076491 bluefin said:
Quote:
In comment 16076484 Rick in Dallas said:


Quote:


Easy process
Fees are much higher overseas at currency exchange centers


This - Santander near me actually stocks euros - you can exchange in EU but it’s good to land with some currency already in your pocket


This. However, your bank may need some time to get it.
My experience  
Peter from NH (formerly CT) : 3/27/2023 6:40 pm : link
s that you get the best exchange in-country bank ATMs
Make sure that your credit and debit cards are fee free  
Ron from Ninerland : 3/27/2023 7:16 pm : link
I understand you'll be using credit cards where ever you can, but make sure they don't charge an exchange fee. Some cards charge no fee, others charge as much as 3%. Don't assume that all debit cards are fee free either.

Its true that you can get a favorable exchange rate using an ATM card to withdraw Euros, but you'll be hosed converting them back to dollars, so be careful there.
Are you a AAA member?  
Eli Wilson : 3/27/2023 7:23 pm : link
You can order foreign money there if you call ahead.
Years ago I went to an Amex travel office  
Matt M. : 3/27/2023 7:31 pm : link
Decent exchange rate.

I also used an ATM with an account/card that incurred no fees and covered any fees from the other instituion as well.
Everyone says  
pjcas18 : 3/27/2023 7:36 pm : link
you won't need cash until you do.

the only advice I will agree with about not getting cash, is don't get too much and spend all the foreign currency you get unless you plan to go back.

AAA has worked for me in the past for euros  
Bobby Humphrey's Earpad : 3/27/2023 7:57 pm : link
I would check with your bank to see if they have reciprocal agreements with European banks for no ATM fees. For example Bank of America and BNP Paribas have such an agreement in France.
Silly but real consideration.  
CRinCA : 3/27/2023 7:58 pm : link
Make sure to have Euro coins handy for the inevitable “water closet” visits.
Whatever you do, don't exchange at the airport.  
PatersonPlank : 3/27/2023 8:02 pm : link
I just use my credit card, and hit a Bank ATM if I want some Euro's. I don't even bother exchanging anymore until I'm back in the good old USA
deff use CC as much as possible  
DaddyM89 : 3/27/2023 8:39 pm : link
I was just in Iceland for a week and never needed to take out cash. If you do want to take out a little like others said find a random atm (not at airport) and just take the one time hit on the fees probably like $5-$10
Amazon credit card  
ArcadeSlumlord : 3/27/2023 11:35 pm : link
didnt charge me conversion fee to use. You could have ordered euros from like AAA. Airport is real expensive. Maybe the bank out there?
RE: Whatever you do, don't exchange at the airport.  
Jim in Fairfax : 3/27/2023 11:53 pm : link
In comment 16076583 PatersonPlank said:
Quote:
I just use my credit card, and hit a Bank ATM if I want some Euro's. I don't even bother exchanging anymore until I'm back in the good old USA

Just to drill down specifically: don’t exchange at airport currency exchange counters. But most major airports have bank ATMs where it’s perfectly fine to make withdrawals from.

Just avoid random ATMs. Check what the names of the major banks are at your destination before your trip. Tourist trap ATMs will hit you with big fees.
Years ago Mrs. Beerman and I lived in England  
Beer Man : 3/28/2023 9:11 am : link
We always found using the ATMs gave us the best exchange rates.
Where are you going in Europe?  
Gruber : 3/28/2023 9:29 am : link
If you're coming to London, I can advise you where to go for no commission exchange.
I like tap  
MotownGIANTS : 3/28/2023 9:32 am : link
CC /w no international fees for most general use. But your bank especially if you have a good working relationship with a manager, they can waive the fees for you.
The best way to get Euros  
section125 : 3/28/2023 9:39 am : link
is to use the local ATMs, period. Banks here will charge 6% fee for acquiring Euros for you. I have used ATMs since 2002 or so without incident. You just need to let your bank know what countries you will be in and your travel dates so they will not deny the transaction.
You also get the correct conversion rate for the date of your transaction.
RE: Silly but real consideration.  
smshmth8690 : 3/28/2023 11:04 pm : link
In comment 16076581 CRinCA said:
Quote:
Make sure to have Euro coins handy for the inevitable “water closet” visits.


I was reading through to see if anyone would post this. This advice should not be overlooked!
Wise.com’s multi-currency account is an innovative option.  
Big Blue Blogger : 3/30/2023 9:33 pm : link
For six years, I have used Wise (formerly Transferwise) to send money to our daughters in the UK. Now you can keep money on deposit with them and withdraw in the currency you need.
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