Skip airport kiosks and unofficial exchanges because they charge more. Being informed helps make exchanging money easy and affordable. The exchange rate makes more difference to the overall cost of buying travel money than you might think.
Wise
At Currenciap, we’ve invested years in researching and analyzing the international finance sector to offer you accurate, up-to-date reviews and insights. Our mission is to simplify global financial transactions, saving you from costly advisory fees and helping you make informed decisions with ease. Managing how to exchange currency can greatly affect your budget when traveling in Europe. By planning and choosing the best way to get Euros, you can make your money go further and have a smoother trip.
- Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A.
- Avoid paying in US dollars if possible – you’ll get a poor exchange rate.
- Choosing the right source not only impacts your wallet but also your entire travel or purchasing experience.
Get a travel money card
This is another option (but costly.) You can buy Euros at the airport if you’re short on time, but keep in mind a few things. Major airports have foreign currency exchange office(s) for travelers, but options can be limited, leading to higher fees compared to city centers. If you’ve already traveled and you don’t have How to buy euro a multi-currency account or a travel money card, it may be best to stick with your usual debit card. Check your high street bank’s foreign transaction fees to make sure you’re not going to be charged too much in fees.
- Just like banks, these may not offer the best exchange rates.
- In this case, it may be quicker and cheaper for you to withdraw the local currency from an ATM at your destination.
- Commission-free conversions are limited by a $1,000 per month allowance for its standard customers.
- We have found that credit and debit cards that charge no foreign transaction fees are by far the cheapest ways to spend while you travel.
With enough euros in your account, you can make card payments in Europe for free. It ensures you get the currency you need without visiting an exchange office. Providers offer various currencies, fees, and exchange rates. Choosing to withdraw more money at once can save you money. Using ATMs in Europe and paying in local currency can also save you money. This is because dynamic currency conversion often has hidden fees.
This 6,000-word guide explores every option—from banks and online platforms to prepaid cards and ATMs—to help you make an informed decision and avoid hidden fees. Bureaux de change at airports in the United States is convenient for last-second exchanges before you head off on your travels. They charge huge exchange rate margins and hefty commission fees. Despite commonly heard advice, credit unions and banks have become outdated money transfer providers.
This piece will help you decide how to get Euros before you go. You can choose to use a travel money card, order online for delivery, or exchange money at a bank or airport. If you need euros in cash for your travels, Monito recommends that you withdraw cash from an ATM in Europe.
The multi-currency account offered by Revolut remains the best way to convert your US dollars into euros and hold euros digitally for your travels. Revolut is an excellent choice for a multi-currency card because it also applies the live exchange rate. Commission-free conversions are limited by a $1,000 per month allowance for its standard customers. It has a very generous ATM withdrawal allowance of $1,200 per month without fees too.
The Best Way to Get Euros Before Your Trip
In contrast, if you had spent cash euros that were exchanged by an American bank, then you may have suffered from an exchange rate around 5% weaker than the real exchange rate. As you prepare for your trip to Europe, save money when you get euros and explore other services to enhance your travel experience. This is why the experts at Monito will walk you through why going digital is the best way to get euros in the US before your trip. Say goodbye to the conventional advice of going to an American big bank or a credit union to exchange your dollars for euros. With a multi-currency account, debit transactions in euros are usually free. There may be a small fee for ATM withdrawals after a certain number.
Where to Buy Euros From Bureau de Change & Supermarkets
The dollar to euro exchange rate is usually better online, which will give you more euros for your US dollars. They have a travel card, which you can use to hold several currencies at once. The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with Wise. An industry-low commission fee will range from 0.35% to 2.85%. It’s important to know about exchange rates and fees when using online services.
Using ATMs in Europe is a good way to get local currency. Most global withdrawals, like those from Bank of America®, cost $5 plus an extra 3%. For more tips on exchanging currency efficiently, check out this detailed guide on how to exchange currency efficiently before you travel.
The US Post Office can transfer money internationally for you, but it doesn’t sell foreign currency. You’ll need to get euros somewhere else, like a neobank with a multi-currency account, or a travel money card. If you don’t have enough money while traveling, using your own bank card is cheaper than exchanging at a foreign bank, but still expensive. The best way you can save money is to prepare in advance and open a multi-currency account before you travel. These usually offer the most competitive rates and the lowest fees in the market.
Check out the following table to compare different providers. ⁴ On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. In the other states, the program is sponsored by Community Federal Savings Bank, to which we’re a service provider.