Does anyone know the best place to change dollars to Euros? I am flying in to Zurich and I am not sure that the airport is the best place to change money. I will have a debit and credit card, but most of the places I am staying require cash.
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
Hello, fellow Arkie.
See Rick's Money 101.
The recommended method is to use a debit or ATM card to get cash from ATM machines. You'll get the best exchange rate that way. There are ATMs everywhere in Switzerland and Italy.
The limiting factor is generally how much your card allows you to withdraw in a 24-hour period. It's good to let your card company know you're traveling to Europe in advance (so they don't flag your foreign charges as fraud). Ask them to raise your daily cash withdrawal limit when you call them.
If you need even more cash, you can convert dollars to Euros at your local bank and carry Euros to Europe (but bank charges may be high).
If you do convert dollars to Euros once you get there, don't do it at a hotel. You'd pay a premium fee. You can convert at a bank, at the airport, or at exchange booths you might find around town. Just pay attention to the exchange rate they offer and get the best you can.
Again, the best rate will be obtained by using your card at an ATM.
Posted by
Colbert, WA, US
9 posts
William--I got several responses to a similar question last week. Look under my question: Travelers check or ATM? You will have all your answers! Lynn