I was at SFO today so just for the fun of it I thought I would ask the local money changer, Travelex, how much it would cost for 330.00E (the odd 30E was in order to avoid a $7.95 service charge), the cost? A staggering $550.15! The quote on xe.com was $439.78 at that moment. Good place to stay away from!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19273 posts
yes, travelex is a GOOD place to stay away from. It has been well documented on this website that Travelex has very BAD exchange rates. Get your money over here at Well Fargo or use ATMs over there.
Posted by
San Francisco, California, USA
446 posts
Surely, you joke! That's an unbelievable ripoff.
Today's rate at Wells Fargo would cost you about $462.00 for 330 EUR.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
484 posts
I have been buying my euros and other currencies at the Mechanics Bank in SF. The rate is quite reasonable and their flat fee for changing up to a $1,000.00 USD is $10.00 but that is waived if you want to change more at another time.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23624 posts
But Nadine the question is what is the exchange rate? My bank does the same thing but boasts the exchange rate by about 6% and adds a service/delivery fee.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
27 posts
If you have bank of america, they have global alliance banks in Europe. There's no fees and the exchange rate is the current rate during that day.
Barclays (United Kingdom)
BNP Paribas (France)
Deutsche Bank: (Germany)
I went to all 3 banks when I made my trip last Sept 08. It was great.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
484 posts
Sorry Frank, I deleted instead of modifying. I paid
1.34 usd for one euro this month but last month it was selling at 1.25. I usually find an exchange rate I can live with and take it from there.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
484 posts
Thanks Jon. I do have BofA so I will look into it.