Where do you guys get foreign currency before going overseas?
 

Today's exchange rate is $1.27 for one Euro. My wife ordered 500 Euros from BofA and they said it was $1.35 per plus shipping. At that rate, it's far cheaper to use an ATM card as soon as we land and pay a 3% foreign transaction fee. I wouldn't give BofA a dime of my business, but my wife does't listen and has an account with them. Ain't my money. IIRC, I ordered Chinese RMB from Chase with no fees and paid the exchange rate the day I ordered and not a dime more. What's the best deal out there?

I haven't found a good way to buy money ahead of time. Everywhere I've gone, there's been an ATM at the airport when I land. Even in out of the way places. Just wait till you get there. If you're getting Euros - you must be going to Europe. Plenty of ATMs there. Easy to use.

Japan was different - you had to find the right ATM. Never had a problem in Europe.

I always try to use a credit or debit card. Been to Europe(euros), China(RMB), South Africa(RAND). Used an exchange window in the Shanghai airport and got a counterfeit 100. Didn't find out till I went to a California Pizza Kitchen in Shanghai. Airport exchange wouldn't take it either on the way back so I had to eat it(about $20 at the time). Credit card is the best way to avoid all these hassles, and get your bank's daily rate. Also, if you don't use what you exchange, you'll lose again when you exchange it back.

Amex

Amex Travel office. We have one locally, wife just used them recently for her trip to Italy.

Looks like the nearest one to you is in Phoenix- Sctsdl location doesn't do currency.

2201 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
USA

Phone: (602) 468-1199

ATM machine at the destination airport for cash, credit cards everywhere else. I must say I never look at exchange rates.

+1

Won't work in Cuba.

I usually get taxi fare - 50 euros or so before from a bank & pay the stupid exchange. For the rest: ATMs there.

Ian

I just need the best deal for cash, about 500 Euros worth. I have credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Does Amex charge fees for Amex card holders or do they build it into to a higher sell price?