Converting Dollars into Euros: Tips for US Travelers

Always withdraw cash from an ATM, never exchange money in the US. Before your trip, notify your bank that you’ll be using your card in Europe to avoid it being locked. Small town banks in Italy often refuse currency exchange, as they primarily deal with Euros. Carrying large amounts of USD is unnecessary.

Consider what to do with leftover Euros. If you plan to return to Europe and exchange rates are favorable, keep them for future use. If not, exchange them back to USD before leaving Europe, as reverse exchange rates at US airports and banks can be unfavorable. You can potentially lose a significant amount of money exchanging back to USD. It’s often difficult to exchange foreign currency back to USD once you are back in the US. Many banks simply won’t do it.

One strategy to avoid leftover currency is to pay your hotel bill with remaining Euros, even if you initially paid with a credit card. Ensure you have enough cash for transportation to the airport and any applicable airport taxes. While duty-free shops offer another way to spend leftover currency, airport prices are typically inflated, making this a less desirable option.