How do I exchange money before going to Europe? (2024)

How do I exchange money before going to Europe?

Before your trip, it's best to do a currency exchange

at your bank or credit union, which likely offers better rates and fewer and/or lower fees. Your bank or credit union may buy back leftover foreign currency in exchange for dollars when you return.

Should I exchange currency before I travel to Europe?

Ordering currency from your bank before you travel is almost always better than using the airport currency exchange. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

Where is the best place to exchange currency before going to Europe?

The best place to exchange foreign currency in the U.S. is at your local bank or credit union before you leave for your trip.

Is it better to exchange cash in US or Europe?

If you do want to wait until you arrive in Europe to get your euros, a word of caution. It's not usually a good idea to exchange currency at the airport, or even at your hotel. These places are definitely convenient, but you're likely to pay a premium for it. Commission fees can be high and exchange rates unfavorable.

How do I change currency before travel?

Is it cheaper to buy euros in US or Europe?

It's often more cost-effective to exchange a small amount of euros in America for initial expenses and then withdraw euros from ATMs in Europe for a better exchange rate and lower fees.

Is it better to use cash or debit in Europe?

European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.

How much cash should I take to Europe?

A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling.

Can I use US dollars in Europe?

Within the euro area, the euro is the only legal tender. In the absence of a specific agreement concerning the means of payment, creditors are obliged to accept payment in euros. Parties may also agree to transactions using other official foreign currencies (e.g. the US dollar).

How many euros do I need for a week in Italy?

How much does a trip to Italy cost for a week? The cost of a trip to Italy for a week will vary depending on your travel style and preferences. A budget traveler can expect to spend around 800-1000 euros, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around 1500-2000 euros.

How can I get cash in Europe without fees?

What is the best way to pay for things in Europe?

Because merchants pay commissions to credit-card companies, small European businesses (B&Bs, mom-and-pop cafés, gift shops, and more) often prefer that you pay in cash. Vendors might offer you a discount for paying with cash, or they might not accept credit cards at all.

What is the cheapest way to buy euros?

What is the cheapest way to get euros in the US? The cheapest way to buy euros in the US is usually online. You'll have a couple of options, depending on what suits your needs: Choose a specialist provider which has multi-currency accounts to support international spending - like Wise or Revolut.

Should I buy currency before I travel?

Consider ordering foreign currency before you fly. Most banks allow you to order foreign currencies, which you can typically pick up at a local branch before your trip. Some banks offer to ship currencies to you, and sometimes they don't even charge extra for postage if you order a certain amount.

What is the cheapest way to exchange currency?

Banks, credit unions, online bureaus, and currency converters provide convenient and often inexpensive currency exchange services. Once on foreign soil, the best means to convert currency is to use a foreign automated teller machine (ATM) or identify whether your bank has ATMs or banking affiliates nearby.

What is the cheapest way to get euros in Italy?

An ATM (bancomat in Italian) is the easiest way to get euros in Italy. There are numerous ATMs around Venice, and since there are ATMs at Marco Polo Airport, there is no need to buy euros before you depart the U.S. Be sure to memorize your PIN in numbers, as ATM keypads in Italy won't always display letters.

How much euros should I bring for 1 week?

How Much Spending Money for One Week in Europe? This is so entirely dependent on your own travel preferences that it's tough to estimate but we recommend putting aside roughly €700 to €1700 for spending money for one week in Europe.

How can I safely carry money in Europe?

Will my debit card work in Europe?

For credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, while American Express and Discover are less common. US debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo will work in any European ATM. Go "contactless." Get comfortable using contactless pay options.

Will my cell phone work in Europe?

Most European countries use the Global System for Mobiles or GSM network, as do a whole heap of other countries around the world. This is one of the main reasons why, as long as your phone is operating on the same network, you shouldn't come across any usage issues when traveling.

Do I get charged for using my debit card abroad?

Visa exchange rate

This might not be the same day when the transaction took place. A 2.99% fee charged by us for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds.

Should I bring my debit card to Europe?

Helpful tips for using credit cards in Europe

Remember, even little fees can add up. Avoid using debit cards when making purchases. Debit card numbers are too easy to steal and are tied directly to your checking account. Use them only at ATMs, so you don't risk a thief draining your account.

How much cash should I bring on a 2 week trip to Europe?

The amount of money you should bring on a trip to Europe for two weeks can vary depending on your travel style and destination. However, a general rule of thumb is to budget around $100-150 per day for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.

Is $100 a day enough for Europe?

If you budget $100 per day, you can visit most places in Western Europe. Of course, it's easy to spend more in the major cities. If you know what to look for, you can still have an affordable trip to some of the most iconic destinations in the world! Again, this is all about how you like to travel.

How many euros should I take for 10 days?

For a 7-11 day Europe trip, I bring $200-$300 Euros in cash. I find it less stressful to order Euros from my bank a few weeks before my trip, so I have local cash upon arrival. The exchange rate is usually better this way. While you can exchange money at the airport, I recommend this alternative.