Euros

Ive never brought any. There are ATMs in airports, and elsewhere.

Enough to get you by for maybe a day, or as short as an hour, until you can get to an ATM. Some people are comfortable taking none, others would like to have some upon arrival for small purchases (soda, coffee, sandwich, etc.) or who don’t want to be bothered with an airport ATM. It’s really your comfort level. I always get Euros at the end of one trip so I have some for the next one. Since most currency exchanges or banks will have a fee for purchasing Euros, and poor exchange rates, the fee will be the same whether you buy €50 or €500. ATM’s will have the best exchange rates.

Hi Tina,

You will receive a variety of answers to this one. For us, we like to have at least enough Euros with us to pay for transportation to reach our first hotel and possibly money for our first meal. Our reasoning is that we don’t want to have to pull out our ATM card when we’re jet lagged. We pick up Euros the next morning in Europe. And usually we keep enough Euros at the end of the trip to have for our next trip’s first day.

I always bring 100-150 Euros with me. Since we travel often I usually have enough from the last trip. You’ll be advised to buy them at an airport ATM and you can do that. For me, coming off an all night flight, sleep deprived, grungy, it’s just one more thing I don’t want to have to do. If you buy them here you will pay more but that cost is immaterial given the entire cost of your trip and the fact that you’re just buying enough to line your pocket. When I’m checked into my hotel, showered, I visit the nearest bank associated ATM if I need more. Over the years we have gone from paying cash for almost everything to paying with a credit card for almost everything. Cash is for the espresso, the small cafe’s and so on.

If you can remember your four digit PIN associated with your ATM card, then use it at a bank ATM in the airport you arrive at in Europe. Take some US currency to convert at an exchange window, in case the ATMs are empty or broken...such has never been experienced by me over many trips.

Thank you everyone for your help. I know there is a fee every time you withdraw, is it around 3 to 5%?

Tina

Tina, a service charge for withdrawal depends entirely on what your bank and card charge. Some charge 3%, others nothing. Call your card customer service center and find out. More money tips under the Travel Tips, Money, tabs on the menu on the left of this page.

This topic is asked and answered so often there ought to be a FAQ response and there is:
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/cash-tips

By Rick Steves Money-wise, Europe's never been easier. Thanks to
the ubiquity of cash machines and the widespread use of a single
currency, gone are the days of having to go to your hometown bank for
travelers' checks or foreign cash, of lining up at AmEx offices
overseas, or getting fleeced at exchange bureaus at every border. With
the following tips, you'll make the most of every cent you spend.

See link for tips.

Thank you everyone for your help. I know there is a fee every time you withdraw, is it around 3 to 5%?

1% for me via credit union debit card. I use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for almost everything and don't need much cash, anyway. Maybe I spend 200 euros in cash (at most) on a 2-3 week trip. 2 euros in fees isn't much.

Many people belong to banks that charge per-use fees and larger percentages. If that's you, time to find a new financial institution. Try a good credit union.

For the original poster (OP), tjhelmer, if you do not mind, who is your bank?

Some larger banks do charge a fee plus a percentage of the transaction for an ATM transaction. Those can add up, to the point that you can get euros at a relatively attractive price at your bank. Example: Wells Fargo can charge a $5 fee plus 3%, making for 5.5% or $11 for a $200 withdrawal. Wells Fargo also charges about the same for currency conversion at banks in the US, so getting euros ahead really is no different.

Many others on here use credit Unions or other banks that essentially charge no fees, so a European ATM is the best choice.

In addition to the above-
See if any of your friends have been to Europe recently and have any bills and coins remaining, and negotiate with them :) . It's always helpful to have some coins, especially for pay bathrooms. [Always use the free bathrooms at the airport once you land.]
Safe travels!

Charles Schwab investor checking account. Never an ATM fee worldwide. Never a foreign transaction fee.

If you are getting some to start ( not necessary but can provide some peace of mind), I’d go for 100ish. 50 is a cab into the city, then another 50 for anything essential before you get to an ATM.

ATMs are at the airport, but sometimes I don’t want to bother with it and prefer to just get on my way. So I do bring Euros with me, then find an ATM once I’m checked in to my hotel.

As for fees - in Italy you should be able to pay large expenses with a credit card. No fee credit cards are easy to find. Your bank ATM card may or may not charge a fee - call to ask. Mine does, a per transaction fee, so I get out more at a time and use credit cards for big things like hotels or nicer restaurants.

I also suggest the Charles Schwab investor checking account. Never an ATM fee worldwide. Never a foreign transaction fee is a no brainer. Easy to sign up, no checking account fees, you can sign up on line very easily or call and get your account that way. You must sign up for a Schwab investor account but are under no obligation to use it. I have used my Schwab Visa Debit ATM card to withdraw cash at several locations in Italy and also in Ireland. I deposit my travel money in the Schwab checking account prior to leaving the US and then hit the airport ATM for cash. I also have used it at numerous other ATM locations. If the ATM charges a fee for use of the machine Schwab refunds that small charge too. I've had the account for 4 years now and not a bit of a problem. I guess the only issue you may have is when is your trip. It will take a few weeks for you to receive the ATM card after you sign up with Schwab.

I always like to take €50-100 for travel expenses, which I normally have on hand from previous trips. I top that up at ATM's near the hotel once I'm settled.

Get 200 minimum Euro to get you to your destination. There should be plenty of ATM's once you get there but if you are transferring in an EU country you can use the $ to get food, snacks and drinks. Upon arrival at your destination you may need transportation $. I have always been excited to get to my destination upon arrival so I don't like to spend time ATM's in airports or train stations. Be careful of fees charged at ATM's. I use Capital One and there should be no fees but some ATM's will charge you. The ATM machine will normally tell you the fee before you complete your transaction. Have fun. Italy will be a trip of lifetime.

I think what the previous poster meant was to use cash, not $. You will be using cash € or EUR, not any country's $ or dollars.

Tucson, you are correct. I meant EUR and not US$.

I know many people say that you should wait until you arrive at the airport to retrieve your foreign currency, but as someone who's had issues with this plan, I suggest the following -

Have enough local currency in hand to pay a cab (in case they don't take credit cards) and pay for your meals on your first day. Yes, you may lose $5 or so by obtaining your foreign currency ahead of time, but the peace of mind is worth the trade off to me.