Buy France Euros (EUR) - Our Best Exchange Rate (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to buy euros in the US or Europe? ›

Quick summary: While you can get euros in the US from a currency exchange store, online or at some banks, fees and rates may not be the best available. Carrying lots of money in cash can be a security issue, and you'll need to pay again to switch back to dollars if you have too much.

Local banks and credit unions usually offer the best rates. Major banks, such as Chase or Bank of America, often offer the added benefit of having ATMs overseas. Online peer-to-peer foreign currency exchanges.

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.

It is cheaper to exchange money at the bank (or by using an ATM) than the airport. That's because currency exchange stores and kiosks at the airports mark up the exchange rate to make a profit.

What 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.

There is no best day of the week to buy Euro as currency markets are complex and volatile, with many external and unexpected factors. You should buy Euro when you are happy with the rate, on a day that is convenient for you. Is it better to get Euro before you travel? We recommend buying your Euro before you travel.

A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling. As with all things, research is your friend here. Understand where you're travelling and what the local customs regarding cash are.

Waitrose has the best Euro rate right now at 1.1619. You'll need to order online to guarantee this rate as rates may be lower in store. You can buy your euros online and collect them from your nearest Waitrose travel money store if you don't want to wait for home delivery.

Is it better to buy Euros online or in-store? Generally, buying your Euros either online or in-store depends on your personal situation. If you're short on time and have close access to a store that has a bureau, then buying in-store is definitely a good idea.

Cashless payments are also much more convenient, since some French cities are notorious for their number of pickpockets. However, it's always good to have at least some cash on you. Even if you pay for everything with your card, you can use it for tips.

Is 1000 euros enough for a week in France? ›

If your total budget is 1,000 euros, I think you can manage around 10 days in Paris. No more than that.

As long as you don't get caught up in 'designer' shopping - you should be able to have quite a bit of fun on 500 euros. If your hotel is already paid for and the 500 euros is just as you say for food and fun, absolutely. This has been covered many times on the forum, with even less money noted.

A bank can also help if you want to buy euros and other currencies ahead of time. But in our experience, exchange rates can often be unfavorable when you do it in your home country. You're better off using an ATM to withdraw cash as soon as you land. Airports all over the world are packed with ATM stations.

What is the best place to exchange foreign currency? The best place to exchange foreign currency in the U.S. is at your local bank or credit union before you leave for your trip.

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.

It's always better to pay in the local currency when you're on holiday. If a retailer offers to convert your card transaction into pound sterling, politely decline and continue with the transaction in the local currency. So if you're in France, pay in euros, if you're in the United States, pay in US dollars.

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.