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Cheapest Euro exchange

Posted on 2/17/14 at 12:41 pm
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1571 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 12:41 pm
Will be traveling to Italy. Best to just use ATMs there, or order through a bank here. What do most people do?
Posted by htownjeep
Republic of Texas
Member since Jun 2005
7612 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:11 pm to
ATM is fine. Do you need much? Just use AMEX or another credit card that doesn't charge for exchanges on all purchases. You should only need euros for walking around money yes? (valets, bellhops etc)
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1571 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:15 pm to
Yeah. I have sapphire preferred with no fees but have some expenses that require cash (some excursions, hotel charges 5% up charge for credit at one place etc). I didn't know if it would be cheaper to grab 500 in euro in the US and not pay any fee. I know banks can order currency but I have no idea what the fee is.
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26977 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:18 pm to
ATMs are almost always your best option if you have a debit card with no foreign transaction fees, like Capital One. If you can find an ATM that doesn't charge a transaction fee, great. If not, you're still much better off paying $3 for the withdrawal and getting that day's exchange rate with no fees on top.
Posted by htownjeep
Republic of Texas
Member since Jun 2005
7612 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:20 pm to
You know anyone that works at a bank? Lots of times employees don't have to pay that fee. I haven't been to Italy in a while but the ATMs were the best route at the time. Don't use the little exchange booths in the airport. They're a ripoff.
Posted by eng08
Member since Jan 2013
5997 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:24 pm to
ATM at the airport.

Most big grocery stores have a free ATM as well.

You can get out like €300 or so per visit unless you call the bank to up it.
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1571 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:47 pm to
With the per visit, is there a time period in between, or can I immediately swipe my badge again and get another $300?
Posted by htownjeep
Republic of Texas
Member since Jun 2005
7612 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:51 pm to
quote:

With the per visit, is there a time period in between, or can I immediately swipe my badge again and get another $300?

If I was you I'd call your bank's customer service and find out to be sure. While you have them on the phone notify them that you will be in Italy during a certain timeframe. Might save you some headache while over there.
Posted by TigerintheNO
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2004
41157 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 2:54 pm to
Cap One exchange is free if you have an account. I got a good amount, before I went and used a credit card while there. Discover and Cap One doesn't charge, or atleast didn't 2 years ago, any transaction fee.
Posted by eng08
Member since Jan 2013
5997 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 3:17 pm to
Was every 24 hrs, and it's on the US clock not Europe. So if you withdraw at like 9 pm EU time (like noon US) then you try again at 7 AM EU (like 11 pm US) it might get declined. If you try again a few hrs later chances are it will work.

Call the card company or bank. I bought a lot of stuff in cash on each trip I took in 2012. I usually went to the ATM daily.

If you go through Amsterdam airport you can hit up the bank inside and change over your dollars too. That exchange rate is usually the same as the ATM one.
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1571 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 3:29 pm to
Will be going through Germany, but thanks for the heads up.
Posted by eng08
Member since Jan 2013
5997 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 4:33 pm to
Frankfurt should have a bank inside too from what I remember. I always tried not to fly through there bc it meant I had to leave through the NE US. Ugh I hate DC or NY
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1571 posts
Posted on 2/17/14 at 4:38 pm to
Well I have a direct from Atlanta to frankfurt and then there to Venice. Not terrible I don't guess. I appreciate all of the help, and I'll research the airport bank. Thanks
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1571 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 11:52 am to
Just an update. Local bank will order any amount of Euro over 300 for a flat fee of $7. Not a bad deal. I'll probably order 400-500 before going. Thanks for the help
Posted by htownjeep
Republic of Texas
Member since Jun 2005
7612 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 11:53 am to
quote:

Just an update. Local bank will order any amount of Euro over 300 for a flat fee of $7. Not a bad deal. I'll probably order 400-500 before going. Thanks for the help

Not bad at all. Mind telling us which bank or is that too personal?
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1571 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 12:00 pm to
Not at all. Bancorpsouth. So more like semi regional vs. Local
Posted by eng08
Member since Jan 2013
5997 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 6:34 pm to
The fee is not bad but if the exchange rate is whack it may not be worth it.

Look on google for the spot rate the day you go, if its close I'd proceed. If its WAAAY off I wouldn't.
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26977 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 7:25 pm to
I don't understand why you want to pay more for currency just to then have to travel with a ton of it. Why not just get whatever cash you need locally at an atm?
Posted by bigblake
Member since Jun 2011
2498 posts
Posted on 2/23/14 at 12:45 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 3/6/14 at 4:27 am
Posted by DoctorO
BTR
Member since Jun 2010
272 posts
Posted on 2/23/14 at 4:20 pm to
Just got back from Italy in October. I didn't bring any Euros with me. Just stopped at the ATM (Bancomat they call them) at the airport. You can get about 250 to 300 Euros per day. They are located all over the cities in Italy. Just be sure to use one where the location is secure. Try to have someone with you. The Gypsies might try to rip the cash from your hands if you're alone. If you can, have two US accounts to withdraw from, and you'll be able to double up your withdrawals. I find that credit unions give you the best exchange rates.
This post was edited on 2/23/14 at 4:22 pm
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