Changing euros to dollars touring question

[Bob Hoffnar]

I have a pile of euros I need to change into dollars and I'm in France at the moment. In NYC I got the best rate by going to the Swiss bank in midtown. Is it better to change the money in Europe or back in Texas ? My bank does not change money and the companies that do it over the counter in Austin are expensive. Any of you touring guys have a system ?

[Bob Hickish]

Bob
I can’t answer your question but maybe you should keep the ureos -- I hear Austin isn’t excepting the dollar anymore .

[Bent Romnes]

Bob, My experience is that banks in Europe charge a high fee for exchanging money. I would wait til I get back to Texas or NY..certainly there is a regular bank there that will exchange it for you?
The best way I have found when traveling to Europe is to use my Visa card exclusively. Then, when I get to a computer, I go to my bank web site and pay off the Visa to avoid racking up interest. I have found that Visa gives me the most favorable exchange rate.
For the wee bit of cash you might need, use your debit card in a ATM.
As for people paying you a fee for services rendered, I would suggest to them that they do a transfer into your US bank account - in US dollars. All you need to do is to supply them with the bank's "short" number.
I find it odd that your bank won't handle Euro? Certainly on a transfer they should?

[Larry Bressington]

Keep some euro's for tea and coffee when you might need them again sometime in an airport etc. I got all my dollars exchanged in 'Omaha' a few years back for free or small fee, but you have to go to a major bank, small town banks generally have to import the money from a major bank and that's where the fee's come in.

DO-NOT' do this at an airport anywhere on the globe, you will get stiffed. I always keep a Fifty pound note un exchanged for travelling in my passport.

I agree with bent, visa is always the best way, but you still need a little cash for small things.
I avoid using a 'debit' card when travelling even if it is protected, your bank account could be swipped empty before you know it. I carry 3 small amount cards, like 3 grand a peice, dont carry around a 20k card in case you loose it. Safe travels Misour bob!!

[CrowBear Schmitt]

Bob, i have to agree w: Bent on usin your CC & the ATM outlet for small cash
airport exchanges are a rip off
i don't really know which is better to convert your €uros to $$$
but i would do it in the USA since $$$ is the main currency
you could/should keep some €uros for when you do come back to Europa
sorry i did'nt call you back before you came over Bob
"it" did'nt come through
have a good one

[Les Anderson]

My wife and I just got back from Europe with a fist full of Euros that had to be exchanged. We advertised in the local paper offering to exchange the Euros at the daily market value. Within two hours of the paper hitting the stands, our $1,100.00 in euros were gone.

Try it.

[Bob Hoffnar]

Les,
That sounds like a good idea ! I know most all the other ways. Airport money places can be interesting. The airport in Buenos Aires has a great exchange rate. Much better than banks. I'll maybe try craigslist when I get back to town.

[Emmett Roch]

I've always gotten my euros changed back into dollars at a bank before I came back, simply so I wouldn't have to worry about it when I got home. Maybe I lost a little, but it probably wasn't much more (if any) than what it would take to burn the gasoline to go to the bank here to do it.

[Earnest Bovine]

Les,
Airport money places can be interesting. The airport in Buenos Aires has a great exchange rate. Much better than banks.

Last time I got home, the banks's rates were worse than the airport's, and more hassle.

[Edward Efira]

There used to be a lot of small change shops in Paris, rue de Rivoli (the Louvre street) that had way better rates than the banks. If you're in Paris, it's probably worth a look.
Good luck,
Ed