Does it cost to transfer USD to Euros If I go to Europe?

Question

I am going to Germany. Should I transfer American dollars here into Euros and then bring the Euros with me, or bring my American dollars to Germany and then Transfer them into Euros then?

Answer 1

Heinz is correct.  Exchange at least some before you come to Europe.  The other guy is totally wrong.  You can use your credit card and pull money out from ATMs, but it'll cost you a small fortune.  On top of the general exchange rate loss, your bank will probably charge you for the service.

Answer 2

How much you need? Better you get some Euros in US before you coming here to Germany, in case you have some change with you. Also you can use here international AT M's and credit cards too.

I hope also you know the $ is very low and the EURO is so high. But still enjoy your trip here in Germany....

Answer 3

Exchange is always cheaper where the currency you give up is used.  So exchange them here in the USA.  ~

Answer 4

OK this is what I do--

1. get a few hundred dollars from your bank in Euros in the U.S. for taxi and meals when you get there...DO NOT EXCHANGE THEM AT ANY AIRPORT---they rip you off at every airport...

2. Use ATM cards to get some Euros every few days while you are in Germany...Do not walk around with a huge wad of cash...ATM machines are all over the place...or if you can't find one you can go to a bank but check their hours of operation, they are different there...

This method is also reasonably safe

Answer 5

Do you have an ATM card? If yes, wait till you get there and pull the $$ off the ATM card. Also, if you can pay it off, and have a credit card with a cash advance feature, wait until you get to Germany and pull it off. You'll get a slightly better exchange rate.  If you do this, call your bank/credit card company and let them know you'll be out of the country and maybe they'll even up your daily limit.

** edit** Well I don't think I'm wrong as I live in Germany and pull $$ of my ATM card all the time and it has never cost me a "small fortune."  If you are paying a fee to exchange $$ in the states, just ask your bank what the charge for an ATM withdrawl will be. See for yourself where you'll end up. And if you do use your credit card you get a slightly better exchange rate so just do the math.

Answer 6

Exchange your money in Germany - every bank will charge you some fee - I think I paid 2 or 3 Euro's for my exchange - don't exchange your money at the airport - they usually give you a lower rate then at the bank.