Do bank ATMs offer Euros? Or only Forints?

I would be surprised to find an ATM dispensing more than one currency.

The cost of buying 300euros from B of A is $364. The bank rate today is $346. ( That may be better or worse than other banks)

You will closer to the bank rate from an ATM but not quite that good. Bringing euros from home will cost you $10-15 more than finding an ATM.

Is it worth the bother when changing planes in Munich to hunt down an ATM for that amount? (If you were doing this at home you would probably be tipping the guide 2-3 times that.)

However, I don't know if there will be an ATM behind security!

If you go to the Munich airport website, they list where the ATMs are located. There are ATMs in the secure area. Check the dropdown to see the locations.
https://www.munich-airport.com/reisebank-atms-30454079

I would expect the banks in Budapest will be able to exchange $ for Euros.

Mr E?

The ATM’s of some branches of OTP bank —one of Hungary’s largest banks —dispense euros and florints. In longhand, OTP is called “Orszagos Takarekpenztar” (National Savings Bank).

One OTP branch that does dispense euros is at Deak Ferenc utca 7-9 in central Budapest. You can find other locations by going to OTP’s website, www.otpbank.hu and scrolling down to “Branch and ATM Finder”on the menu.

Beware of non-bank ATM’s that prominently display the word “euro” on their ATM’s. The ubiquitous “Euronet” ATM’s are one example. These non-bank ATM’s saturate areas where tourists go because tourists—short on time and information—are easy prey. They charge outrageous fees for both euros and florints.

Quite a few companies that deal in large payments request payment in Euro as its stable and there are Hungarian banks that will let you open a Euro account.

The idea that European Banks don’t charge ATM fees, especially when ATM cards from US banks are being used is just an internet myth. Most do charge, some don’t and it varies by country. To some degree it might depend on your US bank being a partner of the European bank.

I would do it at home. Do double check the exchange rate and fees at your bank. If today your 300€ costs you $355 then you are doing about as good as you will using any method in Europe. This way its done, don't worry and don't go hunting for Euro ATM machines. Enjoy the holiday.

OTP in Budapest is an option. There will be a 5€ fee and the rate if you avoid DCC will be whatever rate and fees your bank gives and you just stated your bank does bad rates. But I believe that most banks do the visa rate, sometimes plus 1 or 2%. The one at Deak Ferenc utca is not terribly inconvenient but it all depends on where you are staying.

The dreaded EuroNet machines that prey on the unwitting, well, most of those stories are by those that have never used one. Lets say you were staying at Medosz Hotel near the Oktogon (good inexpensive basic hotel), that OTP ATM that gives euros is a 10-to-20-minute trip depending on how you go; and don’t get lost. The EuroNet machine is outside the door of the hotel, and I do not believe will cost you 1€ more than the OTP ATM if you follow the prompts and avoid the DCC.

Munich airport? You have a long layover, correct? Is this where you enter Schengen and have to do the EES?

• Terminal 1: Available in Module C (Level 04) and Terminal 1 D (Level 04), as well as Reisebank multi-currency machines.
  
• Terminal 2: Located across Gates G, H (Levels 03, 04, 05) and Gates K, L (Level 05), including Sparkasse machines.
  

Be aware that both Sparkasse and Reisebank will charge you a fee if you aren’t using a card from a partner bank. That fee can be as high or higher than a EuroNet machine.

Now a tad off subject. When in your travels around the city you spot an ATM do get some cash. Not essential, but often useful. I would do at least 19.000 Ft as that will get you a 10, a 5 and 4 ones. Buy a bottle of water with the 10 (thousand) bill for small change. Oh, I would use a bank ATM. Because you might get lucky with a partner bank and save a few dollars but mainly because the bank ATMs tend to be in more comfortable locations in bank lobbies. Funny story on that. I once sat at a park bench and watched American swipe their card to unlock the door and try and open the door. The door failing to open they assumed it was closed. Most Americans are used to pulling on exterior doors ... try pushing. I got up and helped after the second one.

When spending 1.000 Ft is $300 ($3.15 actually).

Finally, tell us about the Bird Watching. I love the idea. With who? and Where? Website?

jkh, i forgot you. Yes, most banks can exchange forints for euro. But thats two exchanges when you count the dollars to forints. But it would be an interesting lesson on how good we have it in the US.

Walk into a bank and you wont see a teller. The take a number machine will ask you what you want. Choose a teller. When your number comes up after about 10 minutes (if you are lucky) you will see a light and maybe an arrow down a back hallway where the ONE single teller can be found behind glass.

Banks in theis country are terrible and I suspect that this is the European norm.