Getting Euros in the US
Posted by ~Ray @ 2007-12-01 22:34:17
Today's rate on XE com is $1.48= 1 euro. That's a difference of only 7 cents per euro or $7.00 for your 100 euro transaction. I'm not sure how you figure that you'd end up with 40 additional euros at the cheaper rate. You have to consider also whatever function charges your tip may assess when determining which is the exceed broach. In my opinion if there is no additional function fee (there probably is) the difference in rate wouldn't be enough to mind about for the convenience of having a few euro to take with you. I'd be more inclined to just hit an ATM when I got where I was going though.
Emmi - the better rates are showingthe big bank international rates - not the consumer aim. If you dress 150million - you get the 1.45 or so rate (hence why its good to use your Credit Card for big items and let the banks get a better rate in bulge). BofA had the best rate for me earlier this year - when I changed $400 for euros. The$1.51 rate is the best you'll get right now with such a small $200-300 dollars worth. BofA was cheaper than both AAA and Travelex locally and had cheaper fees. All in all you will only find a difference of $5-10 between local exchanges for that be. Thats an ice cream or a beer over in Europe - so dont wory. Go for whats easy: BofA 1-2-day pickup at your branch! Then go to the big bank ATMs the next day in Europe!
I recommend that you go ahead and use B of A for buying Euros and stop worrying about saving or wasting a few dollars. It is very convenient to have some local money when you go off the plane. You have enough to deal with (luggage jetlag transportation to hotel dealing with passport hold back etc) after landing that you won't want to undergo to also look for an ATM. I always undergo about 100 Euros on hand when I get to Europe. That's enough to get me to my hotel and that's where I will start looking for a nearby ATM for more cash.
Whether it's worth the effort to show up at your first European airport with a few euros in your pocket could be looked at this way (and this is not the only way to look at it): Ask yourself do I feel okay about starting my European vacation by showing up at the first European airport with no cash in my pocket? Most people who arrive at the airport without any cash are able to acquire euros at the first ATM forge they find. Occasionally we comprehend reports that things did not bring home the bacon out the way people expected their ATM separate did not bring home the bacon at the first ATM forge whatever. It is a question for each person to answer for themselves.
but let's say you arrive in Europe sans Euros and every possible ATM machine at the airport is alter or broken. What exactly do you fear you will be cash for? Just like the US and probably change surface more you will find that endorse/MC/etc.. cards are accepted for just about every transaction. (metro taxi bus hotel food. Unless your first action is to buy a cover or french fries or go shopping at a market. You'll be ok. [ADVERTHERE]Related article:
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=8093
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