I want to have a few Euro's in my pocket when I arrive. How and where do I buy them?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16338 posts
Try your bank.
I just bought some at 1.28 from my own bank (Chase), with no added fees because I am a customer. Official exchange rate on that day was 1.24, so I paid 3% over, but that's about as good as you can do buying them in the US. The rate is better from ATM's in Europe, but I always like to have some in hand when we arrive.
Posted by
New Bern, NC, US
9 posts
Just back. I got many euros from my bank and exchanged cash at the airport in Philly at TravelEx. In Philly, the service cost was less than what my bank charged me and if you bring euros back they would exchange them at the rate you purchased them, as long it was at the Philly location.
Posted by
Sparks, NV
12 posts
Cheri, many people (me included) pick up their first euros from an ATM at the airport when they arrive in Europe. Gnerally the exchange rate, even after any ATM fees, is much better than your local bank or a currency exchange.
One thing to be aware of, some airport ATMs limit how much you can get. Ran into a 100E limit at De Gaulle several years ago. Still enough for the RER tickets into Paris.
Suggestion, ask your bank to raise your ATM transaction limit to increase the amount of euros you can get for each transaction fee. Our bank raised our $300 limit to $500 with no hassle.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Get a couple hundred Euros at you own bank to get you started and then replenish at ATMs as needed. Be sure that you have a 4 digit PIN (5 digits won't work) and call your bank's SECURITY DEPT. to let them know you will be using your card overseas. Also have your daily withdrawal limit increased to the maximum.
I always bring an extra ATM card linked to a separate account just in case my primary card is lost or stolen. If your card is compromised, you can then go online to transfer your funds from one account to the other and then start using your backup card.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
64 posts
Like Lola, I purchased mine from Chase, no extra fees for customers. Ordered them on Friday and picked them up on Tuesday. I would say to try your primary bank first, and then any other local bank- they should be able to order euros for you. Just check the fees first!