Getting Euros for Trip to Paris

Well I think it's a matter of personal taste. I would never travel within the US without SOME cash, so I wouldn't travel overseas either. I got 50 pounds and 50 euros (I'm in the UK for a few days before going to Euro-land). Just enough to get me to my hotel jusitncase. I'd rather not carry a lot of money, but the thought of traveling with NONE made me quite uneasy. Probably every person that answers you will say something different so just consider it and think about what would make you personally most comfortable.

I agree about getting SOME Euros before you go. Just in case there is a problem with an ATM machine or whatever. Generally, you will get a better rate using ATM's, especially since your bank will probably charge a fee just for ordering the Euros for you (Wachovia does, that I know.)

If you feel more comfortable having some Euros with you before you leave just get the smallest amount. When you order from banks they will charge a high fee and then they will charge their own exchange rate. There are many ATMs in the airports and it won't be a problem to get cash.

I take a few hundred US dollars for emergencies, keep them in my moneybelt, and plan to bring them all home with me. Then I just get pounds or euros when I arrive in Europe. If I need some local currency and the ATMs aren't working, I can always exchange a few dollars at the airport. The rate will be lousy, but it's not a great loss for a small amount. Here is what Rick Steves advises: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm.

I also start my trip with some Euros. It's a comfort thing. I don't want to start my trip by waiting in the airport atm line which was about 10-15 people deep last time I walked by one. I'd get 50-100 euros - it'll cost a little but it's worth it. You need enough to get you to your hotel. If you're taking a taxi from the airport, get 100. If taking the RER or Roissy bus (which I recommend), 50 is plenty. Most likely there'l be an ATM close to your hotel. I always return from a trip with enough euros to take the next time I go.

The first time I went to Europe I got quite a bit of cash in the foreign currency before leaving. The second time, I think I got about $50 in marks. Since then, I carry $200 in US currency and use ATMS from the get go. Never had a problem and it's: much cheaper; I don't have to carry around lots of cash; I can better judge how much money I need near the end of the trip. I've never had any problems. Just remember, though. If you have trouble at an ATM, don't try more than twice. Move on to another machine so your card doesn't get eaten. And don't panic. The next one will most likely work great.

We've been to France many times. The ATM at the airport is the way to go. If you have any friends who have been to Europe of late, and have some euros left over, you could buy some euros from your friends. You at least need enough to pay for the taxi to where you are going.

After you get to Paris, try to find Credit Lyonnaise or BNP cash machines. They dispense smaller denominations. It's awkward to buy an espresso with a 50 euro note!

Thank you everyone for your thoughts! I really appreciate it.

You could also get a some euros at an american express office or international airport in your area.

Just returned from a week in Paris. There are ATMs every couple hundred feet -- literally. And the exchange rate is as good as you'll get. I was charged a $1.08 fee for my 100 Euros, not bad. I also found it's much easier to use cash than credit cards, though this was more of a problem in Germany than in Paris.

Be sure to call your bank before you leave to inform them of your plans. A trip to London last year left me "ATM-less" because I did not know I had to tell the bank. I carry some travelers checks, just in case. They are offered at no charge where I bank. They were what saved me in London. Carry some USD, since you may want to purchase something in the airports at home. I too would advise getting a small amount of Euro, perhaps 50, to have in your pocket. It may not be the best exchange rate, but it is small amount that you would gladly pay if you needed the Euro. Another helpful hint I learned on this site is to make your withdrawals during bank hours. That way if the machine eats your card or something goes amiss, you can walk right inside for help. How do you plan to get from CDG to your final destination? You will need Euro for that for sure. Have a great trip!

We Just got back from a trip to Paris. We had no trouble finding an ATM at Charles DeGaulle airport and getting sufficient euros to start our trip. In fact, there are ATMs all over Paris. We only carried enough American cash to pay for our cab home from Newark airport at the end of our trip.