I'll be leaving soon for Paris & then Italy and would like some Euros in my pocket before going. Trevelex store rate is 1.50, AAA (through Travelex) is 1.44, Wells Fargo is 1.40 today. Is there a generally "best" source for Euros? I still have a couple of weeks before departure.
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
14 posts
I've found that my bank has the best rate and it's pretty simple to get Euros from them.
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
U used to take euros but find they are not needed.Tyme machines are everywhere.I take several hundred US dollars for emergencies.They are good anywhere although not at a good rate.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
I always order euros through my bank. It takes 7 days but they don't charge me a fee at all. I get the exchange rate as of when they make the transaction.
Posted by
USA
104 posts
I do the same as Sally - beware of ccard purchases becuase they charge the higher cash advance price sometimes. Just check your card
I mean this as in purchases of currency/in US not ATM in other countries.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19283 posts
Sally,
I have spent a lot of time researching foreign currency rates, and I have never found a bank in Denver that doesn't charge more than the interbank rate for foreign currency. They might only charge you the rate they show on their internet site, but that rate is already marked up.
You can find the real rate, the interbank rate, on oanda.com or xe.com. These sites report the actual rate at which peer banks are exchanging currency at the time.
Posted by
Imperial Beach, CA, USA
6 posts
I am with Jack. I have traveled to Europe 6 times in the last 3 years and never bother to carry Euros (unless I have leftovers from last trip.) Every major airport has a variety of ATMs. The more important thing is to find out the ATM charge and/or conversion rate your bank charges - you should be able to get no or very limited charges. Also be sure you notify your bank that you will be using your ATM (and credit cards) overseas to avoid getting a "hold for fraud" put on them.
Posted by
Kelso, WA, USA
221 posts
also, I always change my money at the airport into cash and use my inside-my-clothes neck pouch. but I wonder each time how the airport exchange rates compare to in the city itself at a bank. I use ATM's too, but take 2 cards; on three trips my credit union told me my ATM card would work in Europe and it never does. Also, credit unions have a cap of $300 withdrawals in 24 hours and that doesn't go very far. I get cash most of the time and don't use my ATM card until the cash runs out. I pay cash for most everything.