Desperately Seeking Euros
 

Anyone with Euros you want to exchange for $$ at current daily rate? Need some for upcoming travel to Eurozone.:$:

Contact me @ ranovak at thevillages dot net

We get ours from Chase or Suntrust. Also, ATM's in Europe have the best rates but make sure your card is compatible.

We find the best way is to use your credit card when you get there, but FIRST contact your card company before you leave, let them know you are going and where to and for how long, and enquire as to what your card will cost you to use it overseas. If you don't do this, you may find your card company rejects your use of it out of the country - it's a fraud protection.

You still need small denominations for tipping. One good thing is that metropolitan taxi drivers have mobile credit card machines.

Aren't there exchange places at the US airports? Rates aren't great, but you can get enough for tips, etc.

thanks for the info. travelling to Italy soon and not wanting to feel desperate.

Ideas
 

It is true, that you should be sure to have some low value Euro's for both tips when you just arrive, cab fare if necessary, bus fare, meals, etc. :read:

I have small denomination Euros
 

Hi....I returned from Italy recently and I have 71.5 euros that I can sell you. These are 10 and 5 euro notes, plus 2, 1 and .50 euro coins. Give me a call at 352-391-7883. I am in the Village of Springdale.

Tipping!
 

Been to Italy and France and discussion came up about tipping after a meal.
"Only the Americans do that" according to the servers! Its been a while ago maybe its has change. Enjoy!

most european countries include service in the cost so just a small tip is expected, although one can always check on the menu or ask the natives.

Having traveled to the EU about 12 times, upon arrival at the EU airport, go to a ATM, you will get the best daily rate.

Absolutely correct! The menu will state if service is included and it mostly is. People usually round up to the nearest Euro instead of getting small change back.

Bad idea to ask an individual for currency exchange. Do yourself a favor, go to your local bank or any bank and get a reasonable amount of Euros for your trip. Then, when you get to wherever it is you are going, go either to the local post office or local bank and exchange however much you might need. The same applies when you leave the country you are visiting. Cash out before you get home. NEVER, EVER, USE AIRPORT CURRENCY EXCHANGE VENDORS. YOU'LL BE EVER SO SORRY. YOU GET SO MUCH LESS FOR YOUR MONEY. IN SHORT, IT'S A RIP OFF....

We own a home in the US as well as in England and find that currency exchange or international transfer of funds are best handled by banks.

And lastly, do as another has suggested, make sure you notify your credit card company before you go abroad. If you don't you may find that your card will get blocked and you will not be able to use it. It's easy to do online with your credit card company. If you fail to do this, be prepared to answer lengthy security questions if the card is denied.

Have a great trip and relax...:

Ideas
 

If you are driving in Italy it is important to remember that on Sunday's a lot of gas stations are closed and you need Euro's to buy at the pump. A couple of other suggestions: When picking up the rental car be sure to understand how the gas cap is opened, what fuel it uses. Of course you know that you need an International Drivers Lic. which you can get at AAA for $15 and a small fee to have your picture taken. Be sure to have small Euro's available for tolls. Some key items to ask when reservations at a hotel, Do you have free parking, breakfast in rate, free internet and free cancellation? In driving you will find North, South as key to road directions. Understand the Italian word for these. It is fun driving in Europe with the small cars and no Catalic Converter. Rather than paying a large sum for lunch, stop in one of the small villages and buy some cheese, rolls, lunch meat, etc and eat at a pull off on the road and enjoy the views. Most don't have "take out coffee" (they call it Take Away) take a cup if you are in need of take outs. Someone is right on tips. Most are in the bill. You can always ask if confused and we always left a small tip even it was included. Just some random thoughts. We have traveled extensively through Europe and in particular Italy and it is by far our favorite country. Always signal when changing lanes, don't go in passing lane unless passing and person on the right always has the right away. ENJOY..:sigh:

Talk to the folks at your bank - I've always found that most banks can get foreign currency from one of their correspondent banks. AAA may also either carry foreign currency or be able to get it in.

I always carried $50-$100 dollars with me in each currency that I would need. Beyond that, you will usually get a better exchange rate where you are going.

Your bank can also fill you in on ATM transactions in Europe. Be aware that many credit cards in other countries have converted into "chip and pin" and folks may find your magnetic strip card mildly amusing.