Hi- We fly to Athens via Canada and Munich later this week. Do you all recommend getting Euros at the airport or waiting till downtown Athens at an ATM? Has anyone experienced any tighter airport security in the last week? Thank you!
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
3070 posts
General answer that has been bantered around for ages: do what's best for you. You will pay more getting euros beforehand from your bank, but the advantage is you land with cash if you need it. Most places now take credit cards even for little purchases, like pay-to-pee toilets, but not all. If you wait until you land, you will pay a better rate, but you will be looking for an ATM when you're tired and jetlagged (use only bank ATMs). I buy some euros from my bank if I don't have any left from a previous trip. If the trip includes other currency, I will wait to buy it at an ATM since BAC have $100 minimum purchase.
NOTE: I just reread your post. Since you are flying later this week (two business days left in the week), it's doubtful you will have time to get Euros from your bank. They order it from a central vault.
I haven't flown since June so I can't answer your security question, but my guess is to say yes.
Posted by
OP
145 posts
Thank you so much!
Posted by
Indiana
923 posts
We flew out of Berlin in the past week, and yes, security was tighter. Leave yourself plenty of extra time.
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden
996 posts
Hi, I flew ARN to CPH to SFO 2 days after the first Hamas attacks & didn't notice any increase in security. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised to see more security, especially MUC onward to Athens. Getting some Euros at the airport when you arrive means you have them if you need them. Apple & Google Pay are widely accepted in Northern Europe, it's a good addition to purchasing options. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
145 posts
Thank you all so much! We have only a 55 min layover in Munich so I hope it isnt too long a security line- We will have to try not to get uptight and go with the flow.
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden
996 posts
Hi, if you transiting to or from the US, you will go through immigration upon arrival in MUC if you're continuing on to a Schengen country like Greece or flying back to the USA. There is an additional gate screening for US departures, where they ask you about whether you checked your own bags but it's usually a quick process. Currently, I do not know of any additional security check, but of course that can change.