Getting ready for a trip to Europe? One important aspect you’ll want to plan ahead for is currency exchange. Here are a few pointers to get you prepared for dealing with money matters, from checking the value of euros to dollars to changing your currency while on tour.
1. Look up your destination country’s currency
While many countries in Europe use the euro, it’s a good idea to double-check what currency is used in the country or countries you’ll be visiting. Nineteen European countries operate on the euro, but many popular destinations including England, Sweden, Croatia, and the Czech Republic do not. You’ll find currency information in the “on-tour info” tab when looking at any of our tours to Europe.
2. Check the current exchange rate
The exchange rate tells you how much of one currency is equivalent to one dollar. Since it’s based on many factors—including supply, demand, stability and more—this conversion rate is constantly fluctuating. You can easily find the current exchange rate of euros to dollars online at sites like XE.com or by running a simple Google search. Downloading the Go Ahead app or another currency converter app is a great idea if you’d like to check the exchange rate while you’re on the go.
3. Give your bank a heads up
Let your bank and credit card companies known when you’ll be traveling internationally and where you’ll be going. You can either call, go online or visit your local bank to do so. Be sure to ask if any foreign transaction fees apply to the use of your debit or credit cards internationally as well, so you can avoid any additional fees your banks may charge. Don’t forget to bring the phone number of your bank along while you’re traveling, just in case you need to contact them.
4. Consider ordering euros before you leave
If you’d feel more comfortable arriving at your destination with a little cash on hand, you can order euros you’re still at home. Check with your bank to see what options they offer, or use another organization such as AAA. Keep in mind that this step is up to you and doesn’t always get you the best exchange rate—it’s not necessary to obtain euros before traveling to most European countries.
5. While traveling, use your debit card at an international ATM
Once you’re in Europe, you can use your debit card at an international ATM machine. You’ll find these machines at many airports, hotels, and throughout many cities, but remember that your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. Avoid the currency exchange counters and kiosks at the airport. These typically don’t use the best exchange rates and may charge additional service or conversion fees. When in doubt, ask your Tour Director for help or to point you in the direction of the closest ATM.
6. Bring your credit card, too
While you’ll want to have some smaller currency on hand for tipping your Tour Director, bus driver and local guides, you will be able to use a credit card at many restaurants and shops in Europe. Keep in mind that Discover and American Express are not as widely accepted overseas.
With these currency exchange tips in mind, you’ll be all set for your trip to Europe!
FAQs
Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.
Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Europe? ›
Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.
Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.
What is the best way to get euros before traveling to Europe? ›
Before your trip, it's best to do a currency exchange at your bank or credit union, which likely offers better rates and fewer and/or lower fees. Your bank or credit union may buy back leftover foreign currency in exchange for dollars when you return.
How many euros should I bring to Europe? ›
How Much Spending Money Do I Need Per Day? Virtually impossible to predict, we'd advise a figure roughly around €140 a day for spending money in Western Europe and about €60–140 a day for Eastern Europe.
Is it better to buy euros in the US or in Europe? ›
In almost every case, euros you can get abroad from an ATM will be cheaper than those you can get back in the States. When buying in advance, get just enough to give you a comfortable cushion and get you through a day's worth of emergency expenses.
Is $100 a day enough for Europe? ›
It all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.
How much cash should I take for Europe? ›
Consider carrying between $50 and $100 a day on average, but remember that cash can bring fees and thieves along with it. Payment cards often have lower fees and are far easier to carry with you while travelling.
How should I carry my money in Europe? ›
Top Tips! Keep your money safe when travelling in Europe
- Keep your belongings safe in crowded areas with our expert tips.
- Leave some items in the hotel safe so that you don't have to carry everything with you.
- Keep your money close with a money belt.
- Always try to visit ATMs within banks while travelling.
Consider ordering foreign currency before you fly. Most banks allow you to order foreign currencies, which you can typically pick up at a local branch before your trip. Some banks offer to ship currencies to you, and sometimes they don't even charge extra for postage if you order a certain amount.
What is the safest way to get cash in Europe? ›
Getting cash in Europe is relatively easy. With tens of millions of tourists visiting the continent each year, there are many ways to set yourself with local currency for your trip. ATM's are generally the easiest and safest way for withdrawing money in Europe, so do not forget your Debit Card before you depart.
The cost of a trip to Italy for a week will vary depending on your travel style and preferences. A budget traveler can expect to spend around 800-1000 euros, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around 1500-2000 euros. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of 3000 euros.
How many euros do I need for 2 weeks in Europe? ›
Here is an overview of what two weeks in Europe on a high budget may look like: Accommodation: 200 Euros per night for 14 nights = 2,800 Euros. Food: 80 Euros per day for 14 days = 1,120 Euros. Transportation: 30 Euros per day for 14 days = 420 Euros.
Should you carry cash in Europe? ›
Don't Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash
There's a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don't expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you're a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency.
How many dollars is $100 euros? ›
Euros to US Dollars conversion rates
| EUR | USD |
|---|
| 100 EUR | 106.25 USD |
| 500 EUR | 531.26 USD |
| 1,000 EUR | 1,062.52 USD |
| 5,000 EUR | 5,312.61 USD |
7 more rowsWhat is the cheapest way to get euros in the US? You'll need to compare exchange rates and fees for your bank with currency exchange services such as CXI. But a travel card such as the Wise international debit card can be a cheaper option, offering low fees and fairer, margin-free exchange rates.
Will my debit card work in Europe? ›
For credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, while American Express and Discover are less common. US debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo will work in any European ATM. Go "contactless." Get comfortable using contactless pay options.
Where is the best place to exchange currency before going to Europe? ›
Head to your bank or credit union before you leave to avoid paying ATM transaction costs. You may even receive a better exchange rate. Credit unions and banks will exchange your dollars into a foreign currency before and after your trip when you have a checking or savings account with them.
Should I exchange money before I travel or when I get there? ›
Ordering currency from your bank before you travel is almost always better than using the airport currency exchange. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.
Should I convert my money before traveling? ›
Because of high currency exchange fees, you should exchange currency before traveling and know where to go to save on the fees once you are abroad. Read the tips below so you can exchange your money at the best rates while saving money on your international trip.
Is it better to pay in euros or dollars? ›
The benefits of paying in local currency
Your bank may charge a fee to carry out the transaction. The rate your card provider uses when processing local currency payments will, in most cases, be lower than that of the merchant, or foreign bank, when paying in dollars (USD).
