Where is the cheapest exchange for euros?
Jun 16, 2013, 12:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AZ
Posts: 137
When I was in London, I discovered that post office was the cheapest place to exchange from $ to English pounds after three trips there and being overcharged at other places to exchange. It helped so much to save.
I am looking for the best place to do this in Rome and Siena, Italy. Is post office a better saving value?
If not, please offer suggestions on where or what way to save. I will be there too long and worry about having enough money to last the trip.
Thank you.
I am looking for the best place to do this in Rome and Siena, Italy. Is post office a better saving value?
If not, please offer suggestions on where or what way to save. I will be there too long and worry about having enough money to last the trip.
Thank you.
Last edited by JDiver; Jun 18, 2013 at 10:48 pm Reason: merge cross-posted posts and resulting threads
Jun 16, 2013, 3:01 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: south of WAS DC
Posts: 10,131
When I was in London, I discovered that post office was the cheapest place to exchange from $ to English pounds after three trips there and being overcharged at other places to exchange. It helped so much to save.
I am looking for the best place to do this in Rome and Siena, Italy. Is post office a better saving value?
If not, please offer suggestions on where or what way to save. I will be there too long and worry about having enough money to last the trip.
Thank you.
I am looking for the best place to do this in Rome and Siena, Italy. Is post office a better saving value?
If not, please offer suggestions on where or what way to save. I will be there too long and worry about having enough money to last the trip.
Thank you.
Jun 16, 2013, 3:50 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New York
Programs: American, Alaska, United & IHG
Posts: 54
I generally find that local ATM's give the best exchange rate no matter which country I'm visiting...Since my bank reimburses any ATM fees and there's no foreign fees, it works out great. Plus i don't have to carry a lot of money with me, I can just take it out as needed.
Jun 16, 2013, 6:49 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,540
roughly how much are you looking to exchange?
Jun 18, 2013, 8:11 pm
#7
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,426
Since OP is not getting answers specific to the question, and more importantly since this is an Italy specific topic I am moving the thread to the proper forum.
EmailKid
Budget Travel moderator
EmailKid
Budget Travel moderator
Jun 18, 2013, 10:49 pm
#8
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
In addition, as cross-posing is prohibited on FlyerTalk, the posts / threads have been merged.
The OP should get more informed responses in the Italy Forum.
JDiver
senior moderator
/Mod hat off
I use an ATM and carry a credit card that allows foreign exchange charges with no fees (e.g. Capital One); several cards exist that allow forex free transactions - AMEX, and even UA offers such a card and accumulates miles.
The OP should get more informed responses in the Italy Forum.
JDiver
senior moderator
/Mod hat off
I use an ATM and carry a credit card that allows foreign exchange charges with no fees (e.g. Capital One); several cards exist that allow forex free transactions - AMEX, and even UA offers such a card and accumulates miles.
Jun 19, 2013, 11:16 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: south of WAS DC
Posts: 10,131
online brokerage houses, etrade, schwab, fidelity, TD are no charges. that's abut as cheap as you caan get. student can call and check limits. as i reecall, etrade is $1000 or 1500 cash per day per account(we have 2) and charge limit is $2500 each. one can pull either from cash, or borrow from margin at margin rates.
Jun 27, 2013, 9:25 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,220
Agree entirely with using a forex and transaction fee free debit card for changing money locally. However, particularly in rural Italy, the machines do not always work and I've had a few nasty moments trying all three machines in town to no avail. I've always got my money eventually but don't expect it always to work.
