Last Updated on October, 2024
Are you planning a trip to Europe? GUESS WHAT? It’s more than just buying tickets and packing your bags. It’s important to handle your currency exchange well so you have enough Euros (EUR) for your trip.
This piece will help you decide how to get Euros before you go. You can choose to use a travel money card, order online for delivery, or exchange money at a bank or airport.
I’ll also explain the exchange rates and help you pick the best way to get Euros for your European journey.
Excited? Continue reading…
| Provider | Exchange Rate | USD 1,000 Gets You | Delivery Time | Note |
| Wise Travel Card | 0.9240 | 920.82 EUR | 14–21 business days | Card costs USD 9, and transparent fees |
| Wells Fargo Travel Money | 0.8794 | 879.35 EUR | 2–7 business days | 70 currencies, sell back unused notes |
| Xchange of America | 0.8562 | 856.16 EUR | Shipping with FedEx overnight | 60 currencies, pay by card |
| Banks & Currency Exchanges | 5.6% margin | Varies | Varies | Check-in store for rates and details |
Contents
Best Places to Get Euros in the US
1. Wise
Wise is a financial service that provides international money transfers with low fees and real exchange rates.
Wise is a top choice for exchanging dollars for euros. Known for its transparent fees and competitive exchange rates, Wise offers convenient online services and fast transfers.
Users appreciate its easy-to-use platform and the ability to exchange money directly to European bank accounts. To sign up, visit the Wise website or app, click ‘Sign up,’ and enter your email, create a password, and follow the prompts to verify your identity and link your bank account.
Looking for more details on Wise? Our comprehensive review is just a click away.
2. Xchange Of America
Xchange Of America is a reliable provider for acquiring euros in the U.S. It offers competitive rates and a straightforward online ordering process. With physical locations for in-person exchanges, Xchange Of America caters to both online and offline customers. It is known for its fast service and customer support.
3. Banks & Currency Exchanges
Traditional/ local banks and specialized currency exchanges are popular options for obtaining euros in the U.S.
Many major banks provide currency exchange services, though often with high fees. Currency exchange international outlets, found in airports and city centers, offer convenience and immediate cash but may come with variable rates and fees.
Where to Exchange USD to EUR?
If you need to exchange Euros in the U.S., you have some options:
You can manage your card and top up using your phone.
This is a secure way to handle your money abroad and allows you to withdraw cash from ATMs as needed:
Get a Euro Travel Money Card
You can easily order a travel money card like Wise or Revolut in the United States. Load it with USD and convert the currency to Euros within your multi-currency account.
How it Works:
Any benefits? Yes, there are:
Now, for a better understanding, check the following table.
| Provider | Fees for Spending | ATM Fees for Cash Withdrawals | Exchange Rates | Delivery |
| Wise card | No fee if you have enough balance in the currency | 2 withdrawals up to $100/month free, then $1.50 + 2% | Mid-market rate; conversion from 0.35% | 14–21 days; virtual card available instantly |
| Revolut card | No fee if you have enough balance in the currency | Some no-fee withdrawals within plan limits | Some no-fee weekday conversions within plan limits; fair usage fees apply after that | 7–8 days; virtual card available instantly |
How to Buy Euros With a Travel Money Card?
This is SUPER EASY!
GUESS WHAT? You can also order Euros online for delivery.
Order Euros Online for Delivery
Here’s how it works. Some providers let you order Euros online and have cash delivered to your door. This is convenient if someone can sign for the delivery.
It ensures you get the currency you need without visiting an exchange office. Providers offer various currencies, fees, and exchange rates.
Benefits? Yes:
Check out the following table to compare different providers.
| Provider | Fees | Exchange Rates | Delivery |
| Xchange of America | Transfer fee is $4.95 | Exchange rates may include a markup | $17 – $27 for delivery |
| Ships 2 days after payment | |||
| Card orders may ship the same day | |||
| CXI | Varied fees | Exchange rates may include a markup | Varied fees |
| Price matching available | Some orders can arrive the next business day |
Clear? Now, I’ll tell you a bit about buying EUR.
Where to Buy EUR?
At the Bank
Listen, when buying Euros at a bank, start by logging into your online banking and navigating to the travel money section. Enter the amount of Euros you wish to purchase and choose to pay from your bank account or using a card.
You’ll be notified when your money is ready for collection. Simply visit your selected branch to pick up your Euros in person. Banks typically offer a variety of global currencies and often allow you to order online for branch pickup.
Some banks also provide buy-back services for leftover travel money, although the exchange rate may result in receiving less than your initial spend.
| Provider | Fees | Exchange Rates | Locations |
| Wells Fargo | Varies by service | Exchange rate may include a markup | Confirm availability by calling the main branches of Wells Fargo |
At the Airport
This is another option (but costly.) You can buy Euros at the airport if you’re short on time, but keep in mind a few things. Major airports have foreign currency exchange office(s) for travelers, but options can be limited, leading to higher fees compared to city centers.
Plus, currency exchange rates at airports often include a markup, which can be quite high. Not all airports offer foreign currency exchange services, and the lack of competition can result in overall high fees.
Understood?
How to Get the Best USD to EUR Exchange Rate?
When choosing a provider to exchange U.S. dollars for Euros, it’s important to understand that rates can vary widely. Providers set their rates, which depend on factors like the foreign currency amount, payment method, and whether you’re exchanging digitally or for physical cash.
To find the best deal, it’s helpful to know about the mid-market exchange rate. This is the rate you see on your currency converter tools or through a Google search for USD to EUR.
It’s a benchmark used in wholesale markets. However, banks and exchange services usually add a fee to this rate for retail customers, known as a markup.
To get the most competitive exchange rate, look for services with transparent rates close to the mid-market exchange rate.
Here’s how to find the best USD to EUR exchange rate:
Check this too.
| Provider | Exchange Rate |
| Wise | 0.9234 (Mid-market exchange rate, 0%) |
| Wells Fargo | 0.8794 |
| Xchange of America | 0.8547 |
The details in the table are up-to-date as of August 2024.
How Much Money Do I Need for Europe?
Planning a trip to Europe involves considering various expenses that can greatly affect your budget. To help with planning, it’s wise to set a budget in Euros early on.
Accommodations and activities typically account for the biggest expenses. However, remember to budget for currency exchange fees, food, transportation, and extras like tipping.
Accommodation costs vary widely across Europe, starting at approximately $135 per night. In addition, plan ahead to spend around $35 per meal. If you prefer a more organized approach, consider booking a tour where activities are planned for you.
Alternatively, budget about $22 per day for additional expenses to ensure you make the most of your trip.
Useful guides:
Conclusion
TRUST ME. Managing how to exchange currency can greatly affect your budget when traveling in Europe. By planning and choosing the best way to get Euros, you can make your money go further and have a smoother trip.
Whether you decide on using a travel card, ordering Euros online, or exchanging money in person, think about the fees, exchange rates, and convenience that suit your travel plans.
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