dollars to euros

My experience was that they were about the same (ATMs and banks, I mean). We used a bank once, and the lady seemed confused about what to do and she took FOREVER to do our transaction. So we stuck to ATMs The change kiosks I saw had a higher exchange rate, so were something we avoided.

Russ, the problem with banks is finding one when you need one, and having found one, is it open? And if it is open, does it have a foreign exchange department? You can waste an awful lot of time depending on banks for your dollars to euro exchange, so why carry a bunch of US money when ATMs are everywhere?

The corporate or chain kiosks in general are pretty terrible (bad rate and high fees). Banks are not bad for the exchange rate - but you have to watch the transaction fee - which can sour the deal.

You also have to wary of the ATMs now - I have a Citibank ATM card - you get charged the non-Citi ATM fee, and then Citi charges you a foreign fee - it is not cheap! For example this is what a 250 euro withdrawal cost me yesterday:

$364.25 dollars for the 250 euro, and $10.93 foreign fee - AND - an additional $2.22 ATM fee. So - over $377 dollars for 250 euro. Put another way - I got .663 euro cents for a dollar, and Yahoo has the current rate at .685

I guess is you are getting within a penny or two of this rate you are doing pretty well though: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter#from=USD;to=EUR;amt=1

Supposedly (but I have never done this) the best place to change dollars into euros is a post office (Poste).

If you have dollars in Florence, visit Carlo - he runs his own exchange shop on the side of the Uffizi and has been there for 40 years. His rates is always the best in town - and no extra fees. http://www.florence-on-line.com/travel-tips/changing-money-florence.html

I'm always concerned that my ATM card or credit card won't work once I get to Europe. Though I've never had a problem with my cards, this time I am taking some US$$ for a "just in case" situation. I've called my bank and credit card companies, so everything SHOULD be ok. I always carry a couple of blank checks for my checking account, but don't know how they would be useful. Maybe a European bank would cash one.

The atm's are the way to go. Exchanging dollars in a bank is TIME CONSUMING, Tedious, confusing, and not all banks will make the transaction. I take about 150 euro with me before I board the plane so I will have currency upon arrival. Your bank will be able to tell you if you can use it in Italy. You should follow a few guidelines when using the atm's. Examine the slot where you insert the card. If you see anything strange about it do not use it. By strange I mean some wire prongs protruding from around the opening. Use the atm only during banking hours, so if there is a problem you can go into the bank for help. Take out extra euro so you will not need to use it over a weekend. Bank cards are fast and convenient. The Italians like them, as well.

Buon viaggio,

RB

I'm bringing Euros...but is there a place at Fiumicino airport to break my currency into smaller denominations? We were only able to get mostly big bills.

You will find that cracking large Euro bills in to smaller bills will be an on going problem in Italy.

Always try to get smaller bills at every opportunity.

Never use the kiosks unless its an emergency. ATMs can be problematic, especially in the South where nothing mechanical seems to ever be in working order.

One of the first things I do, is find an ATM that is built in to the side of a bank near the hotel and then watch to see someone else use it first. If it worked for them then I'll check it over carefully and make sure it isn't rigged and then use that ONE near exclusively for the rest of the trip.

As a last resort back-up, I hide all our Credit Card numbers in my Daytimer as a bunch of fake telephone numbers.

In 2010 it will be our 3rd trip to Europe and 2nd to Italy. After reading this thread and others on this forum over the last 4 years I guess I am out of the loop. I admit between my husband and I we take about 3000 euros. We do not want to be bothered with looking for ATM's ("some work- some don't- some eat your card- some only come in large currency's - only certain amounts are allowed at any one machine) Who want's the headache. Besides 5 out of the 8 hotels on this next trip want cash. Sorry but having the cash in your money belt along with a credit card and back up card is far less stressful to me. I realize you might save 3-5 cents on the dollar by exchanging in Europe. If our dollar get much worse I will give due consideration to taking less and looking for an ATM.

Shelley...it's not a matter of being out of the loop...I dont know whether ANY travel writer or agent has EVER recommended carrying that much cash around with you while in Europe. I certainly woulnd't carry $5000 on a trip to Toronto...I'm not sure I'd even do it in Trenton. As for the ATM issues you mention....they happen no more frequently in Italy, or anywhere else in western Europe, than they do in any Canadian city.

Shelley,

I would rethink taking that much cash with you. I travel frequently in Italy and the atm idea makes sense for me. If your cash is lost or stolen there is nothing you can do to reclaim it. If you do not like atm's you may want to consider traveler's checks. They are TIME CONSUMING and a headache to cash, but they offer a layer of protection cash does not.

Buon viaggio,

RB