Normally we don't do this, we just hit the ATM machine when we arrive but our next trip we're arriving at different times, and Chris may actually need to head right to Antwerp (sp) from CDG on arrival date. He'd feel more comfortable getting some cash in his pocket before departure.
I'm figuring we have a couple of options, we can just pony up to the high fees at JFK airport, or we can pony up to the medium high fees from an on-line service (plus shipping). So here are my questions:
1. Anyone ever use one of these on-line services? How long does it take to get the cash? 2. I'm going to be in NYC before our trip. I'm thinking there have to places there that change Euro to US for European tourists, will they do the reverse for me? Anyone know any decent ones that won't rip me off any more than I deserve to be ?
We have bought our Euros from the Bank of America before we leave. I realize that you are not on this coast, but I'm sure you can find a bank in NYC or NJ to do this. Check with your bank and ask them about it.
I have a small town bank; odds are they don't have Euro but I can bring cash with me to the city and go into one of the larger ones to make the change.
Odds are right on the small town bank, but if they have a larger branch in the city, you wouldn't have to bring cash, you could use your debit card. Best to make some calls.
Kim, How much are you trying to exchange into Euros before your trip? If it is money just enough for a cab fare, etc. until you get to an ATM there, maybe some recent travelers have leftover Euros that they can exchange for dollars with other members? I, for one, have about 83 Euros that I won't need for a while. I would be glad to pass it along to you in NYC. I realize it is not much but if you need a couple of hundred euros, maybe someone else can also offer it. Who knows, in the future when I travel to Europe I may be able to get some from other members too. Just a thought.
Posts: 195 | Location: New York | Registered: 21 March 2005
Originally posted by Kim: I have a small town bank; odds are they don't have Euro but I can bring cash with me to the city and go into one of the larger ones to make the change.
I made an argument for Euro denominated Amex traveller's cheque in this thread
2. I'm going to be in NYC before our trip. I'm thinking there have to places there that change Euro to US for European tourists, will they do the reverse for me? Anyone know any decent ones that won't rip me off any more than I deserve to be ?
Kim, there really has to be a decent place in NYC. You might try calling AAA and asking for a recommendation. They recommended a place to us here that was a very good deal. It's a combination coin shop/currency exchange and they do just the exchange rate, no fee. Now, we go there before every trip and pick up some Euros to have on hand.
-Krista
Posts: 1684 | Location: Santa Barbara, California | Registered: 21 May 2004
I exchanged right at my local AAA office and at our local AmEx office. No problem at all, except I don't have an AmEx card so I just brought cash to exchange. I don't remember the fees being a ripoff.
If it's only for some cash to start, it may not be worth the bother to seek out better rates. Also, I would have thought that most American banks could order euros for their customers if they didn't have them on hand.
The Amex kiosks at Charles de Gaulle airport may be option, with a small purchase of travelers checks before you depart. Here's a list of American Express airport kiosks. Some are not at the arrival level in the terminal.
Lordy, any local bank can order them for you, although it may take a few days or a week, depending on HOW local your branch is. Loie and I always take foreign currency with us to start off, mainly just to eliminate one time waster/chore/concern/possible problem (the ATM is out of cash late at night, etc.) on arrival. (Been doing it since before Euros.) Our local bank charges a pretty high exchange rate, but for a one-time whack when getting, say, $1,000 worth of Euros, it comes to a $40 or $60 loss over the better rate at a European ATM. Hardly a budget breaker, but it's purely a peace of mind issue with us.
Thanks! Bucky "Trying To Slow Down" Edgett
Posts: 748 | Location: Maryland | Registered: 24 April 2006
Originally posted by Happy in Paris: I would have thought that most American banks could order euros for their customers if they didn't have them on hand. Dave
They do, and if you are a customer the rates are better than most places, such as AAA where we just checked with for rates . We use Wells Fargo out here. And we always need some right away, just for the driver who picks us up.
I don't know why we just don't buy them there before we come home. We KNOW we are going to be going back.
It might be waaaaaay less complicated than you think.
I can walk into my neighborhood bank BRANCH (not a big city HQ) unannounced and buy a few hundred Euros, pounds or other common currencies any day. To order most other currencies takes 3-4 days. Some people also don't have to pay the bank a fee on top of the exchange rate depending on the kind of account they have. Just call your bank and ask. If they don't, ask if any banks nearby do.
For 200 euros, the difference between a great and a "horrible" exchange rate is probably the price of a cup of coffee (particularly if you don't have to pay a fee to your bank). Sometimes people in these forums lose perspective on this issue. The convenience may well be worth it.
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