Several of the VRBOs we're staying at require cash for final payments, more total than my daily ATM allotment. What is the best way to secure the cash - go to a bank in Italy and exchange a large amount of dollars for Euros?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23361 posts
We carry two debit cards on different accounts. The max on both will generally cover our needs. You will pay a substantial fee to exchange at a bank.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Frank's suggestion is a good one. You also could withdraw as much as possible for several days to build up your cash reserve. If you don't want to have that much cash on hand, here's an alternative. If the owners will accept a bank draft in euro, open an account with XE Trade. Money will be taken from your checking account by electronic transfer and a bank draft in euro will be made payable to each owner. Find out what the balance due will be for each stay and have the drafts issued for that amount and mailed to your home rather than to the owners. Hand them to the owners at the end of each stay. The exchange rate will be only slightly higher than the international rate on the day each draft transaction is initiated. There are no fees.