Where is the best place to change dollars into euros before going to Europe?

Question

Bank? Airport? Money machines in Europe?

Answer 1

Ok - here's the best way to do it.

We found that Bank Of America online had the best exchange rates. You could charge the money to your credit card and have it sent directly to your house. Get enough for a few days - in case of emergency. You don't have to be one of their members (we aren't), but if you are then you can probably order it right from the bank. Talk to your bank about doing this.

You'll need cash when you get there to pay for a cab, tip your driver, tip your bellhop, get food, and possibly other things.

Then, if you have a credit card that doesn't charge any fees or has very low fees for rate conversion, use that as much as possible. The credit card companies get excellent rates, and it's safer than carrying cash around. We have one card that charges a 1% fee on foreign transactions and that's it. It then gives us a 1% cash back at the end of the year, so it's a wash.

Once you are there, look for a bank that accepts your ATM card type. Ours is anything with the STAR logo. You'll have to set up a 4 digit pin before leaving so that you can access your account. And, ONLY USE ATMS THAT ARE ATTACHED TO BANKS, AND ONLY USE THEM DURING OPEN BUSINESS HOURS. This way, if your card gets eaten, the cash doesn't come out, or anything else goofs up, you can march right into the bank and talk to someone.

I recommend NEVER exchanging currency at the airport, at an exchange office, or at the hotel. The rates are terrible compared to those on your credit card or from the bank.

And remember to call your credit card company and your bank to let them know you will be traveling. When you call, get a 24 hour toll-free international number from them. We also scan a copy of our cards (both front and back), passport, and DL into our computer and send it to ourselves on several e-mail accounts. Do this for each person traveling and print out at least one copy of each person's scan.


Good luck to you. : )

Answer 2

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RE:
Where is the best place to change dollars into euros before going to Europe?
Bank? Airport? Money machines in Europe?

Answer 3

I find it that I get the best rates at the airport. DO not ever ever exchange money (dollars to euros) in europe. Back in the day when France still used the Franc I got about 1 dollar for 4 franks at my home airport. In France if i tried the average would be 1 for 3. Even now, when I was in europe last year I would still recommend the airport. Unless you can find someplace where they have a really really low exchange rate, I would recommand the airport.

Answer 4

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Some of the worst rates you'll ever find for exchange are here in the US. I always carry an ATM card and use credit cards. I try to use my ATM at bank ATM;s when there. Check your credit card and with your bank as to what fees they are going to whack you with. Travelers checks or travelers cards are another option. I tell people this all the time and inevitably people get to shaky and nervous and insist on changing some money here. Example a friend just traveled to the Philippines. He insisted on changing his money... I rolled my eyes and said ok... he ended up getting about $50 in peso's for $105 US... You are not walking into a Borneo Jungle... It's Europe.. there are plenty of places to change cash or use the methods used above.

Answer 5

Depending on how long you're going for, you should change just enough money at your bank or an American Express center to get by to your destination. Then get the rest of your exchange when in Europe, as the rate will be better. Also, it doesn't hurt to have some traveler's checks with you as well.

Answer 6

The American dollar is falling slowly against most world currencies, including the Euro. So find a place here as soon as possible to do your changing at official rates. Your dollars should be worth slightly less by the time you arrive.

Answer 7

Before leaving home, check which system your bank card is on (Plus, Cirrus, etc.) and confirm with your bank that your card may be used in Europe. Make sure you have a four digit numerical PIN. On arrival in Europe, withdraw the money from your checking account from an ATM machine at the airport.

Have a wonderful time!

Answer 8

They all charge slightly different amounts for fees or have slightly different exchange rates but many banks will do it, just make sure you make arrangements in advance. If you're a member AAA will do it. Try to get it done in advance though, because you can get screwed at the border trying to exchange currency because they have a monopoly there and it's pretty much take-it-or-leave it. Even in Europe, if you're in a tourist or larger city you can usually get US dollars exchanged for a reasonable fee.

Answer 9

Before going, can exchange them at your local bank, would probably be cheaper than at the airport. But still better is an ATM once you get there. In any case, you'll pay some kind of fee and/or exchange cost.

Answer 10

Take about $150 with you, It's then cheaper to use ATM's. Just be sure they are at banks and not private machines in stores these charge up to $5 per transaction.