purchasing euros

I believe your question was adequately answered the first time it was posted under General Europe so not sure why you are asking again.

After stressing over this subject for years through many trips, I did the math and decided that it didn't really matter. In the context of the total cost of a trip to Europe, a few cents on the exchange rate is peanuts. I would use a debit card as needed to avoid carrying a large amount of cash and not worry about the exchange rate.

3,000 euros today (10/12) is closer to $4,143.07.....

If you belong to the American Auto Ass. (AAA) You can purchase through them and they can ship them to you in a day or two overnight. I agree we can obsess over this issue. And we go to europe to enjoy europe. I perfer to carry a bit more cash, that way I can enjoy the trip and use ATMs as I find them, rather than having to hunt for one. But that's me. Decide what you're comfortable with. BTW I think the exchange rate is higher than that. Almost 1.4. I don't want you to get shocked. http://www.euro-vs-dollar.com/ Have fun. We'll be headed to Germany the week after you, then to Paris about Nov 7th. I love Paris.

Why purchase now, just wait until you get over there and use the ATM's just like to do here in the States.

Unless you have a need for a large amount of cash when you hit the ground, bring your debit card and use ATM's in Europe. I also bring about $200 in US currency that can be exchanged in a pinch but don't really need it. There will be ATM's in the airport so you will be off and running. As long as your debit card has a Visa or MC logo on it, it will work in virtually every ATM in Europe.

I just returned from Europe. I have previously used my debit card throughout my trips (10 times in the last 8 years). I ended up with about $175 in various bank fees - in addition to the 3% charge of my bank - one of the last times I was in Europe (at times I was charged a $25 fee when the ATM gave no cash but just because I used my card). I joined AAA and received 2,000 euros in 24 hours with no additional fee. I was able to [INVALID] the donominations (unlike ATMS) so I was able to have smaller bills to use. It was fabulously freeing not to worry about where the ATM was in small towns. I personally will do this again. Was this more economical? I think so but there is the nonquantifiable aspect of being worry free that has a certain economic benefit to me personally.

Diane, if you use the RIGHT debit card it will always be more economical to use ATMs at your destination than to buy euros ahead of time from the US (particularly at AAA). I've never gotten large bills from an ATM, but your first purchase will provide smaller bills if you do.

I think the better recommendation is find a bank or credit union that doesn't charge all those fees. I have never seen AAA give a good exchange rate. At least 8% in our area so you 2000 Euro may have cost you $216 or more. High price for convenience.

use the atm. why would you want to carry $4000 around? would you do that at home? it is just like you are in the states, easy to get money anywhere. have fun, be safe.

With the exception of the rare lodgings that require a large upfront payment, I've never understood the desire to pre-purchase euros for "peace of mind" or "convenience". What could possibly be more convenient than using the first ATM you see at the airport? Even barring the extremely minute chance that all the ATMs at the airport are not working before you absolutely need cash (I think there's only one person on this forum that has claimed that situation), as a last resort, there's always the bureau de change. Rest assured- you'll be able to get cash upon arrival as soon as you need it!

Susan, I've been out-of-pocket lately and haven't seen your post; if it still matters to you, your best bet for buying euro in the USA will most likely be your local Wells Fargo - for US 2978.00 you'll get Euro 2010.00; that same Euro will cost you US 3017 at AAA!..IF you aren't a Wells Fargo customer, the only fee is $8 ($2986). You simply call a local branch and ask if they carry Euro...You could have your Euro within an hour. BUT do use the Europan ATMs for the bulk of your cash. Make sure you know your PIN as NUMBERS, not LETTERS!!!