Where is the best place to convert USD to Euros in the United States?

Question

I am trying to get some currency before a trip to Europe. I dont know what banks would be best suited for this task. Has anyone else converted currency before a trip?

Answer 1

I imagine a federal bank would be your best shot.

Answer 2

Either at a bank or a credit union, Most likely the local 7-11 will not be able to help you...

Answer 3

I agree with fellow posters that your best option would be to use your US debit card as long as it is part of the NYCE or CIRRUS network. Just flip your debit card over to see a logo of the networks your card is associated with. Our bank charges currently 6 USD for international withdrawals which is the only fee that I incur. If you need to get currency here in the US, I suggest to get just a bare minimum amount at your nearest Wells Fargo, Thomas Cook or AMEX travel office. You can also check with your local bank if they can provide you with x Euros. Just make sure you give your bank at least a week to get the Euros. I always wondered why US banks take forever while in Europe you can get currency at almost any bank (at least before the Euro was introduced... guess I answered my own question)

Answer 4

try post office thoames cook or any bank

Answer 5

I wouldn't exchange many dollars for Euros here, just enough to survive until you get out of the airport wherever you're going.  If you live in a major city that has a lot of tourists, you may be able to do that at a bank (I'd get $30 or so).  Otherwise, you're probably stuck with Thomas Cook at your final US airport.  Once you arrive at your destination, you can just use your bank card at ATMs and more than likely get a better exchange rate than you can here.  There may even be ATMs at the airport you fly into.

Answer 6

It's best if you wait and use an atm at the airport when you get there.  Exchange rates are terrible, and the charge for using the atm is cheaper than what you would pay to exchange money on either continent.

Answer 7

I have done this and if you go to the headquarters of your local bank, they can convert them for you.  You many have to go there a few weeks in advance because they usually don't have a lot on hand, if they have any at all.  But do it at the bank because the fee, if they even charge you one for converting the money, is less than it would be at the airport.

Answer 8

To change currency you need to go to a bank. I suggest travelers checks, it's almost like cash. If you go to a currency exchange booth, they will not give you the complete exchange plus they will charge you a service fee usually of 3%. Check the banks in the area of your final destination then take the travelers checks there that you brought from the states. The banks there will give you a more honest rate of exchange if you walk in the travels checks. Plus check w/ the airline you are going on, some airlines permit a certain amount of cash/travelrs checks to be taken on board the aircraft.

Answer 9

Do it when you get off the plan in Germany in the airport. You will get better exchange rates.