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Converting USD to Euros?

HayHayHayHay member
in Washington Babies
The airport can't be the best option. I called BECU and was told they don't convert Euros. Does anyone know if you can buy them from any bank, even if you're not a member? Or any other tips? Thanks!
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Re: Converting USD to Euros?

  • coribeccacoribecca
    Are you traveling to Europe?  If so, just go to a cash machine when you get there.  There's no need to have Euros in advance. 
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  • HayHayHayHay member

    Oh wow, is it really just that easy? Wink Aren't the ATM and foreign transaction fees somewhat exorbitant?

    Yep, I'm doing myself a favor and getting out of town for a bit. A little bit of my own Eat Pray Love trip.

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  • smilingjbsmilingjb member
    I know Chase does them, but I believe you have to order ahead of time, but I would go with the pp suggestion and get it there!
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  • Seattle_JiLLnSeattle_JiLLn
    imageHayHay:

    Oh wow, is it really just that easy? Wink Aren't the ATM and foreign transaction fees somewhat exorbitant?

    Yep, I'm doing myself a favor and getting out of town for a bit. A little bit of my own Eat Pray Love trip.

    Using your US credit card to buy things always seemed to be the best bet whenever I've traveled.  And yeah, just use the ATM to get some cash for small things and cab fare.  

    You might be able to buy travelers checks in Euros and cash them out on the other side, but I don't know if people do that any more.  

    I just did a quick google search and found this discussion:

    https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/1201498-best-way-get-euros-vacation.html

     

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  • preston18preston18
    I bank with BofA and whiel I normally hate them, they have arrangements with banks in Canada, the UK, and a lot of European countries. I jsut take out cash every few days.  The airport ATMS have higher fees, but it's less than what you'd pay to change it here.
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  • HayHayHayHay member
    imageSeattle_JiLLn:
    imageHayHay:

    Oh wow, is it really just that easy? Wink Aren't the ATM and foreign transaction fees somewhat exorbitant?

    Yep, I'm doing myself a favor and getting out of town for a bit. A little bit of my own Eat Pray Love trip.

    Using your US credit card to buy things always seemed to be the best bet whenever I've traveled.  And yeah, just use the ATM to get some cash for small things and cab fare.  

    You might be able to buy travelers checks in Euros and cash them out on the other side, but I don't know if people do that any more.  

    I just did a quick google search and found this discussion:

    https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/1201498-best-way-get-euros-vacation.html

     

    Yeah, my main plan is just use the Capital One card since it doesn't have any foreign transaction fees, but I figured I should have a little cash. I don't know if Europe is like here, where we use our cards for everything, since I've never been. In Japan, it's definitely more of a cash society, and that's been my main experience traveling internationally. This may just be way easier than I'm trying to make it!

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  • coribeccacoribecca

    Check out the info on Rick Steve's website.  If you have time, visit his HQ in Edmonds.  It has a treasure trove of tips on traveling in Europe.

    https://www.ricksteves.com/

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  • ckmommyckmommy member
    Haven't been to Europe but when I went to Australia I took travler's checks then cashed them in with the hotel I was stating at as needed. They didn't have fees and it was super easy. I don't know if they do it where you are going, but you can always check.
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  • Seattle_JiLLnSeattle_JiLLn
    I haven't been to Europe in about 10 years, but even then I used credit cards all the time.  Of course you'll need some cash for things, but you can do meals and hotels and purchases with your cards.  Just remember to call your credit card and tell them where you're travelling so they don't turn it off thinking it's fraud.
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  • KglanKglan
    Also make sure you tell your bank (might have to in writting) that you will be traveling out of the country.  I had them put a hold on my account when I was in France a few years back and they couldn't get ahold of me to verify that I was the one making those purchases.
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