Originally Posted by
sbm12
Who do you bank with in NYC? Can they arrange for you to pick up the money on arrival at a bank in France, sortof like a wire transfer to yourself?
This is likely the best answer, particularly if you have a "private bank" or other high status account with one of the big international banks (like Citigold, HSBC Premier, etc.). Those customers tend to get much better foreign exchange rates and the banks sometimes waive international wire and similar fees.
Alternatively, can the person to whom you're giving the 10,000 euros accept a wire transfer instead of cash? Or travelers checks?