I have a pretty decent checking account, and by that I mean - no fees on virtually everything. I have not tested out exchanging USD to EUR, but I do know that I can go to Europe and withdraw X euro and just pay the on the spot exchange rate, and have my ATM fee refunded. So there is no markup for me (I believe) if I go to an ATM.
Do you have any suggestions on how to avoid paying a decent mark-up? I am sure there are better financial services companies here to work with..
Originally Posted by
Rebelyell
To each his own. I just get annoyed when people claim that it's virtually impossible to buy euros in the U.S. without paying a huge markup. Five percent isn't a lot, and in fact comes out the same as many people pay with their standard ATM card.
I do plan to take an ATM card on my next trip to Europe, but I will still arrive with 500 to 1,000 euros pre-exchanged. I like having the cash, and don't want to worry about searching for an ATM or having my card eaten while I have zero money in my pocket.