Best way to get euros while here

Tiffani,

A bit more information would be helpful. Are you currently in Europe and "running short of Euros"???

If that's the case, the nearest ATM would be your best bet.

Good luck!

Tiffani: If you are in Italy and have US dollars, yes, a bank is the best place to exchange them for euros. If you have a checking account in your home bank, you can use your ATM card to get euros, if you have a 4 digit PIN number. Unfortunately, by bringing US dollars to Italy, you chose the most expensive and least convenient way to get euros. But now you know for next time.

Sorry... yes we are in Italy now. Wasn't sure if the ATM or ks charged a transaction fee.

Any transaction fee will be charged by your bank back home. I'm guessing it will still be less costly than changing dollars at an Italian bank.

Do you have a debit card with you? That would be the cheapest and most convenient way to obtain funds. The max cost could be in the range of 3%. Well under the 10% or more that you paid in the airport. If carrying US cash, then a local Italian bank would be only reasonable option. The exchange bureaus that you see on street will charge in the range of 10 to 15%. And don't be fooled by signs saying, No Fees. The fee is buried in the inflated exchange rate that you pay.

Tiffani,

Regardless of whether your Bank charges a service fee or not, using an ATM is still the best method to obtain cash while travelling (Euros or other).

You'll receive the most favourable exchange rate this way, which will tend to offset service fees to some extent.

In order to access funds from an ATM, these must be in a chequing acccount.

Good luck!

Tiffani, it's too late for you, but for others planning their trips, do NOT purchase a bunch of euros in advance. You get a much better exchange rate using the ATMs once you're in Italy (or any other euro-using country). Also, do a little research to find a card that doesn't charge transaction fees or international fees. Capital One has such a card once you set up a money market account with them. You'll save LOTS of money that you can then use enjoying your trip.

We are headed to Venice next week, should we take any euros with us or just wait until we arrive and get them from our bank card at an ATM?

Kelly,

My suggestion (based on the methods I use) would be to take a small amount of Euros with you for travels (perhaps €50 - 75). That will allow you to buy meals in transit, take a Taxi to your Hotel or whatever. Then when you get settled you can find the nearest ATM to get more.

Cheers!

Tiffani, as everyone suggests - HEAD for the ATM's now that you're here. This post, on ATM's in Italy, might help: CLICK HERE