Trailing the elusive EURO...

Currecncy speculation is just that- speculation. The fluctuation in the exchange rate between now and September will likely not be large enough to justify anything different than the usual advice- get your local currency from an ATM when you arrive. "will the lines at the exchange desk be longer in A-Dam or Paris??" Because fewer and fewer people use the exchange desks these days, you can expect minimal to no lines. From what I've seen, it looks like the loneliest job in the airport these days. "Which place has more crooks watching as folks load up the money belt during the exchange??" What movie did that scenario come from?

Just a third reply, agreeing with the other two. 1. If there was a way to know with certainty about currency rates in the future, we'd all quit our jobs and be currency traders. Unless you are dealing in millions of dollars yourself, it's not worth trying to guess the future. Just get euros when you need them. 2. Which exchange desk to use? Neither. Exchange desks have worse rates than ATMs. And don't fall for that "no commission" sign - they more than make up for the lack of commission by having a lousy exchange rate. If you want, you can get $100 or so of euros before you go. After that, use ATM's. Since these are for locals, not tourists, they're ubiquitous in Amsterdam, Paris, and everywhere else in Europe. 3. For safety with money, do the same things you do at home. Don't use an ATM if you see a "suspicious" character looming. Use one hand to enter the PIN, and the other hand to shield the keypad from onlookers. And, whenever possible (meaning almost everywhere except the airport), use an ATM directly at a bank, during banking hours. This way, if there's a problem, you can go right into the bank and get it fixed. For just about everything else you need to know about money: Read this link http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/money-travel-tips.htm
Then read it again. Then do what it says.

Thanks to all three of youespecially cogent was the advice from you Harolduse an ATM at a bank! In terms of the "which movie did you see.." I can assure you that the pick-pocketing in Paris reported by friends and work colleagues was the movie of real life. I even had an expensive trench coat lifted as my taxi driver sped off in Paris. And, I'm probably more cautious than your average American in Paris.
Thanks again for the input...

If anyone loads up their money belt in a place where crooks could see them, they do not understand the use of a money belt. It should be accessed only in a place where no one can see them like your room or in a bathroom with a locked door. I always get local currency from an ATM machine using a debit card tied to my checking account after I arrive in Europe. I immediately put the money into a zippered upper chest pocket until I get to a place where it is safe to access my money belt. I usually wait to use the ATM machines until later in the day when I am headed back to my room. With due diligence, one should never be bother by pickpocketers.

"If anyone loads up their money belt in a place where crooks could see them, they do not understand the use of a money belt." With all due respect, there is legitimate disagreement on this issue. The purpose of a money belt (generic term) is to keep money, cards and passport safe from pickpockets. If used properly, a good money belt system cannot be accessed by a pickpocket even IF they know where it is and that you just stuffed it full of cash. In that event, a PacSafe purse would be pointless. Some people have pointed out the very rare grab-and-dash theft while accessing a money belt in public. But that minimal risk is no greater than the risk of carrying around a wad of cash and your ATM card in your pocket as you find a private place to access your money belt. The bottom line is that people should choose a money belt system and use it in the way they are personally most comfortable.