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Online, at a bank, at a currency exchange or at the airport
Euro travel money card
Travel money cards and international prepaid debit cards are a safe and convenient way to spend in euros - and if you pick the right one they could help you save on currency conversion, too. Top up your card balance in dollars, switch to euros online or using an app, to spend in stores and restaurants, or withdraw cash from ATMs when you need it. Easy.
Learn more about the best Euro cards in the US. Let's look at Wise card more in detail:
Wise debit card
The Wise travel money card is likely to get you a better euro exchange rate and lower fees compared to your bank. Spending on the card will use the local currency if you have it in your Wise account - no matter where in the world you are. And if not, the card can simply auto-convert your money at the real rate, for a small fee. You're not limited to buying and holding euros; you can hold balances in 50+ currencies, such as Lira, Francs and Pesos.
You can also withdraw euros from an ATM whenever you need them - giving you the safety of spending with a card, and the convenience of cash.
It’s free to open a Wise account, with a one time fee of 9 USD for the Wise debit card. Switching from USD to EUR costs just 0.42% with Wise - making this by far one of the cheapest ways to get your hands on travel money for Europe.
Want to learn more? Click here for our review of the Wise debit card
Buy euros online
Often this is the best way to buy euros (EUR). It is faster and cheaper buy your euros online. The dollar to euro exchange rate is better online and give you more euros for your US dollars. You can reserve your order, pick it up in a store or even have it delivered to your door.
Currency Exchange International (CXI)
Currency Exchange International specialises in providing foreign currency exchange at great rates with superior customer service. CXI owns and operates more than 30 branch locations across the United States and offers online foreign currency ordering through its website.
Buying euros online for home delivery is easy with CXI. Select from more than 90 foreign currencies and receive it as soon as next day. Available in most areas.
Want to learn more? Click here for our review of CXI
Bank
You can buy euros with dollars at major banks like Wells Fargoand Bank of America. You will need to be a bank customer already and can order euros online easily.
Banks do offer a wide range of currencies that you can buy but make sure you spend your foreign currency overseas because you might not be able to convert it back to dollars when you get back home.
In some cases, you can choose to receive your order in small, large or mixed denominations but it is subject to availability.
Currency exchange services offered by the bank might not offer the euro to US dollar best rates but they are convenient, particularly if you are an existing customer.
When you buy euros from the bank you can pay with credit card, cash or from one of your bank accounts.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Money changers can be the cheapest way to buy euros. The problem is, it can be a hard to find them outside of the city and they regularly run out of less common currencies.
Often the exchange rates are on a board facing the front of the shop, so finding the USD to EUR rate is easy. Ask what transaction fees they charge for the foreign exchange and if it cost more to pay with credit cards.
Money Tips
- The exchange rates are better in major cities.So it can be worth going there if you're exchanging more than $2,000
- Always ask for a better euro exchange rate. We've found you can often get a better deal just by asking, particularly if you're buying more than $1000
Airport
Yes, you can buy currency at the airport. But that doesn't mean you should. While it's convenient, it's also very expensive. You will receive less EUR for your USD at the airport.
Most airport currency exchange services accept cash and credit cards.
Money Tips
- Ordering it online and picking it up at the airport is much cheaper than buying euros in person
- If you've run out of time before your trip, it's might be better to buy your euros when you get to Europe, or use your cards instead
Want to find the best time to buy?
Simply use our free email alerts to track the USD to EUR rate daily. Or set the EUR rate you want and we'll email you when it's time to buy your euros.
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Seyma Mektepli
Author
Seyma Mektepli
Editor-in-chief
Seyma is an experienced content writer and editor-in-chief at Exiap, delivering informative articles on personal finance, and money transfers.
Read more
Last updated
June 19th, 2023
As a seasoned expert in the realm of currency exchange and international finance, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to the table. Having delved into the intricacies of global money transfers, I've gained valuable insights into the nuances of currency conversion, exchange rates, and the various avenues for obtaining foreign currency. My expertise extends to evaluating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of different methods, ensuring that individuals make informed decisions regarding their money transfers.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article on currency exchange, particularly focusing on the various methods of obtaining euros:
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Currency Exchange Platforms:
- The article highlights the use of Wise (formerly TransferWise), a renowned international money transfer service. Wise offers a travel money card that allows users to spend in euros at favorable exchange rates. The card supports multiple currencies, and users can withdraw euros from ATMs worldwide. The fee structure is transparent, with low conversion costs and a one-time card fee.
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Online Purchase of Euros:
- Buying euros online is advocated as a faster and cheaper option. The article recommends this approach for a better dollar to euro exchange rate, providing more euros for US dollars. Currency Exchange International (CXI) is mentioned as a platform offering online foreign currency ordering with home delivery options.
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Banks:
- Major banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America are presented as traditional options for purchasing euros with dollars. The convenience of online ordering is emphasized, but caution is advised about spending foreign currency overseas due to potential conversion challenges upon return.
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Money Changers:
- Money changers are suggested as potentially the cheapest option for buying euros. However, challenges include availability and the need to find them, especially outside major cities. Negotiating for better rates is encouraged, particularly for larger transactions.
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Airport Currency Exchange:
- The article advises caution when buying currency at the airport, emphasizing the higher cost and less favorable exchange rates. Online pre-ordering for pickup at the airport is recommended for cost savings.
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Money Tips:
- Practical tips are provided, such as the suggestion to exchange currency in major cities for better rates. Negotiating for a better exchange rate, especially for larger sums, is encouraged. The article also advises against last-minute airport purchases and suggests tracking exchange rates or setting alerts for informed decision-making.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide offers a detailed exploration of various methods to obtain euros, catering to different preferences, priorities, and circ*mstances. The emphasis on transparency, cost-effectiveness, and practical tips reflects a commitment to empowering readers with the knowledge needed for sound financial decisions in the realm of currency exchange.
