Purchasing Euros

The best, cheapest way to get euros is to get them from an ATM in Europe. Check with your bank to see what the conversion fees your ATM card carries - shop for a cheaper one if your bank charges 3% or has a flat fee. And make sure your bank knows where and when you are traveling. As for credit cards, Capital One has a no fee card, and there may be others.

To get Euro in Europe, go to an ATM and use an ATM/Debit card, not a credit card. Using a credit card for cash incurs a "cash advance fee" (4%, I think), plus interest charges start immediately. The worst place to get cash in Europe is at an exchange "counter", and that is probably what you have on the ship.

Some people, myself included, like to have some local currency on me when I arrive in a country. If you want to bring 100 or so euros with you, do some research and see where you can buy euros for the cheapest rate (at your bank or credit union, at AAA, etc.). The rate won't be as cheap as an ATM, but I don't mind paying a little extra in exchange for having some cash on me. I have a Capital One Visa credit card which charges no international fees.

Robert, I like to buy euros from my local AAA office (takes 2-3 business days for me to get it from them). No fees if you are a member and if exchanging $200 or more (in my local office, not sure if that is true to all locations). I can also tell them what denominations I want them for and they always deliver accordingly because I like smaller amounts like 20's,10's or 5's for easy spending upon arrival and before I use the ATM.
Capital One card does not charge too much fees or no fees at all. I learned that from travelers here and other message boards. I still have to use mine so can not confirm yet.

It is true that AAA charges no "fees", but their exchange rate stinks. Just out of curiosity, I checked with them before my May trip. At that time, they were selling their euro packs for $95, and they contained 60 euros - a cost of $1.58 each, at a time when the euro was about 1.31. They also told me that until those packs were sold, they would remain the same price - they don't adjust for the current price of euros.

Hi Nancy,
They might not be the best source to buy but where I am it is the most convenient since my local bank does not sell euros (go figure) and without the fees it works for me for what I need in my situation. A week ago my 600.09US, yes they asked for 9 cents more :)) yielded 460.00Euros so it all depends on that day's trend.

AAA is fine for buying some local currency to have on landing, but Nancy is merely pointing out that "no fees" doesn't mean it's cheap or that one should stock up on cash before leaving. Most banks seem to charge about 10% over the interbank rate for exchange. AAA seems to range from 10-20% - a significant difference.

I agree that AAA is not the best option, but merely an option. My local office told me that they sell the euro packs for the price they paid for them, regardless of the current exchange rate. In 2007 and 2008 when the euro was around 0.65 per dollar, a pack of euros from AAA wasn't a bad deal. But 2 years ago, when it was at 0.80 per dollar, AAA was still selling packs for the 2007 - 2008 rates. My point is that if you want foreign currency before you leave home (which I do), it's worth shopping around a little and finding the best rate you can get at home.

After all that, the best way is still to get Euro's from a cash machine using a no-fee ATM card from a credit union that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. There are ATM machines in the arrival hall of every airport I've been to in Europe. And yes, Captal One does not charge foreign currency transaction fees.
You've now entered the fascinating world of being a currency speculator. If you buy Euros before the trip, even at a steep commission, and the dollar takes a dump while you're on the trip, you'll feel a genius. On the other hand, if the Euro crashes while your there, you'll feel like a dunce not getting them in Europe. Relax and enjoy your holiday. They're just multi-colored fun tickets.

At least one cruise line charges a fee just to sell you euros on board; I was shocked this convenience was about $49 ( but I had euros from the last trip). You can ask other cruisers on cruisecritic.com or try learning that from your ship before departure. Hope you will have time to get some from your destination's airport ATM, if you are not arriving a day or two early. My bank charges 7% for euros in advance, have bought a few euros from them in the past.
One of United's Chase cards does not charge the 3%. Not necessarily the best, but no problems.

Sam, great attitude! I usually buy euros before I go, and I consider myself their escort back home.