Well... Less than 6 days til my 10 day Spain trip - Super excited. A quick last minute questions for the more recent travelers. Where did you get your money exchanged ? USD > EUR - We'll bel flying out of LAX to BCN then BCN to MAD. Any suggestions ?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Jason,
The method I use is to travel with a small amount of Euro cash (perhaps €50 or so), so that I can get a meal or pay Taxi or Bus fare if needed. Once in Europe I just use ATM's to obtain cash as needed.
One point to confirm if you will be using ATM's - your funds must be in a chequing account with a four number PIN.
DON'T use airport money exchanges, as you'll get a very BAD exchange rate.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA
10 posts
Ken,
Thanks for the quick response. After a bit of searching, I was able to find my answer... The answer is exactly what you suggested ! thanks again.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Jason,
I don't carry any foreign currency with me. I stop at an ATM in the airport when I arrive.
In an emergency (none of the 50 or so ATM's at the airport are working), I would change the extra dollars I carry to euros at an exchange booth in the airport. To date, I have never had to resort to that.
The only reason I can see getting cash ahead of time is if you have a large cash expense that exceeds the daily limit of your card (usually $500 per day or approx. 350 euros). Some people rent villas that want cash up front on arrival, so they need to bring cash.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
I agree entirely with Brad. I used to get some euro or pounds prior to going. However, it is difficult to find banks here that sell foreign currency. Very few branches do. AAA charges an effective rate in excess of 10% for its "packets". ATMs are available at airports. Exchange rates far better than alternatives.