Dollars to Euros exchange

Neither. Exchange a few at your departure airport if you want some walking-around money when you get there, but otherwise, just use an ATM when you arrive. Make sure your bank knows you are traveling so they don't lock your card. Getting money from an ATM gives you the best rate. European bank-owned ATMs do not charge you for their use. The only fees you will see are from your own bank.

The best way to exchange dollars for euros is to leave them in your bank account and withdraw them in local currency from an ATM machine. There are several similar questions on the Travel Forum with lots of good answers. Here is a link to one of those threads: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/budget-tips/exchanging-dollars-to-euros

I hope this helps some.

Look for a bank ATM machine in the airport. There are some non-bank ATM's in public places that'll give you fewer Euros for your dollar than bank ATM's. Any time you exchange monies at a currency exchange or bank with a human being, you'll be paying dearly for their time.

I always use my Credit One Visa card for car rentals, hotels and every restaurant I can to minimize having to use cash money. Therefore I don't need any very large amount of Euros on any of my European trips.

See the FAQs.

Happy travels.

ONLY bring enough dollars with you for your arrival back in the US! NEVER exchange dollars for EUs in Europe. Withdraw from an ATM.

Immediately call your bank that holds your ATM and tell them you're going to Italy!!! Also, call your Credit Card Co and tell them you'll be using the card in Italy!strong text

Are you flying directing into Rome? Example, this weekend I will have a layover at CDG/Paris where there are HSBC ATMs and an actual bank in the airport, they are based out of NY. Here is where I will get my initial Euros. I also looked up banks within Rome, Florence and Venice so as to use their ATMs. As others have mentioned you do not want to use a basic ATM, like the stand alone ones we see in malls in the states or at hotels in Las Vegas, due to their fees. RS has a list of ATMs you want to avoid under the Travel Tips section.

Enjoy your trip as I plan on enjoying mine.

1. I always buy Euro from my bank here in the US before I depart. I have to have a substantial amount of Euro on me when I land. Your bank may have to order Euro, that takes a few days. You pay for the Euro from your account, not with cash. A month ago at Chase Bank I paid $ 1.41 for each Euro, an 8 cent fee added to the Google rate of $ 1.33 for one Euro. I do this only because I am never in a position to look for an ATM anywhere when I land. I am so freaked, I don't want to deal with an ATM.

2. Eventually I settle down and look for a bank ATM, i like the ATMs inside Alcoves. Just remember to tell your bank before you depart that you will use your Debit card in Italy. They will record the dates. ATMs have an English language option. At times if I wasn't sure how to use a particular ATM, i would get a bank employee to come out and help. The good thing about using the Debit card at ATMs is that you get the Google rate. The only fees are transaction fees your own bank may add. Ask your bank what those fees are for your Debit Card.

3. I always have a substantial amount of USD on me when I land. If I have to exchange these US dollars for Euro, the best place for this is Poste Italiane, the Italian post office. You get the Google rate. I did this last year and don't remember paying any add-on fees. You need to show your Passport, though, before they will make the exchange.

So this is my routine. I use my Credit card only to reserve a room, and then pay in Euro so my card is never charged.

I use my credit card for the big purchases whenever possible, especially hotels. Vacations are short, and time is valuable to me. I'm not chasing all over to find the 'best deal' at an ATM to save a few cents. I see they've removed Phil's comments (or Phil removed Phil's comments) and I agreed completely with him regarding the few dollars you'd save over the course of a week or two week vacation from finding the "best deal" ATM. Whenever possible, use the ATM associated with a bank,as those exchange rates are pretty good.. To carry enough cash EUs to pay a hotel bill is ridiculous. The last time my friend did this she saved a whopping $15.00 and totally drained her cash supply, requiring her to hit various ATMS the rest of the trip, wasting everyone's time. My ATM is through a Credit Union and I pay no fees and get a good exchange rate.

The most important thing is to remember to contact your bank associated with your ATM and the Credit Card Co(s) you will be using while in Europe. I hope you've already done this.

Do not EVER exchange US$ for euro at a currency exchange as their rates are exhorbitant.