EUROS

Your bank. Call them and ask what deal they can give you.

Perhaps go to the ATM at the airport -
I recommend getting a capital One ATM card which doesn't seem to charge transaction fees as well as their credit cards, but I would be interested to in other people's comments regarding these ATMs/Cards.

I don't bring Euros or travelers checks with me. It will cost more to purchase some at your bank than it will to use the ATM at the airport on arrival. I've never had a problem finding/using an airport ATM. As a backup, you can bring $100-200 and change it at a change booth in the airport. The rates aren't great at the change booths, but likely to cost about the same as using a bank in the US.

Each bank has it's own rules for overseas ATM transactions. Most charge a fee but give you the best exchange rate. To minimize your cost, make larger withdrawels less often.

Some ATM cards are better than others. If you have a military connection, USAA Federal Savings Bank and Navy Federal Credit Union offer the best possible deal.

Many on this site say Capitol One has a similar deal but it's for certain accounts and I haven't used it.

Mike, if you get to the Loop area, I have 2 recommendations. One is Travelex, with 2 locations. 19 S. LaSalle, 312-807-4941 and 360 N. Michigan, 312-920-0510, www.travelex.com

The second is World's Money Exchange, 203 N. LaSalle, Suite #M11, 312-641-2151, www.wmeinc.com.

In my experience, they have slightly different rates and fees, so call and compare first. Everybody has a different opinion on getting money ahead of time, but I'm in the camp of getting it beforehand. I've heard of ATM machines being out of cash due to a holiday or a strike. For me, it's something that makes the trip that much smoother.

Check with your bank to see if they have any deals with banks overseas. My bank has a list of foreign banks ATM's I can use without any transaction fee.

I always like to arrive with some "pocket money" in local currency. This then doesn't force me to use the first ATM I come across but look for the "free one" as per my bank.

Although I take mine out upon arrival, you may want to check something like craigslist for someone who may have some left over after a trip. Both you and they will get a much better deal than going to a bank or other company that will take a profit from it.

I know Craig's list is really popular in Washington state. In the DC area there is a lot of fraud associated with the site. I'm not sure how it is in Illinois but I suggest using caution to make sure you get what you are paying for.

Mike: Some of us, just like you, have a personal preference for showing up in Europe with $100/$200 in euros in our pocket, including me. This is perfectly okay. Get them from your bank here--yes, it will cost you a whole $4 or $5 more than if you showed up in Europe with no money and were able to get the same money out of an ATM, but for gosh sakes we're only talking about five bucks!.That's a pretty good price to pay to do it the way you want, get peace of mind, and have one less stressful thing to do upon arrival when you're tired. Do it your way!