I have to pay for my apartment in Paris when i step in the door, so i've been planning to get just enough euros to pay for the apartment here in the USofA before I leave. I know that's not the best way to get euros - 8% fee. But ATMs limit me to 300 euros a day, don't they? I do have 2 ATM cards but that's still only 600 euros a day, less than 1/2 I'll need to give to my landlord. I was wondering if there's a currency exchange center at the airport and if so, the limit you can get and the exchange rate. BTW, the euro is climbing again, wouldn't you know. Right before my trip. Ouch. Thanks.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Will the landlord accept a bank draft in euros? If so, open an account with XE Trade (www.xe.com/fx). Money will be taken from your checking account by electronic transfer and a bank draft in euros will be made payable to the landlord. Have the draft mailed to your home rather than to the landlord and give it to him/her when you arrive in Paris. The exchange rate will be only slightly higher than the international rate on the day the transaction is initiated. There are no fees.
Posted by
OP
eugene, OR, USA
29 posts
i'll ask about that. thanks.
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, USA
118 posts
I bought 500 Euro through Bank of America for $7. The exchange rate was 1.3. They shipped the Euro to the bank (or I could have had it sent to me). Have you checked with your bank about purchasing Euro through them? $7 was well worth it for me.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
Go to your bank and up the limit for daily ATM withdrawls. I had mine set at 1500.00. Increase both so that you can be sure to get all you need. I have gotten as much as 800E at a time in France ATM's. If the ATM limits you to 400 or 500, then just do another transaction. I also have taken bought Euro's. My credit union will get me any amout I want for a .50 fee. That covers mailing the envelope with the request in it. I get the Euro or Pounds at the daily exchange rate, no surcharge. As the previous poster said, if your bank will get you Euro's for 7.00, that is cheaper then the fees for the ATM. Go to your bank and ask.