calville

Can I get some Euros at JFK? I've been reading the various postings on this topic and would feel better with 100E just in case ATMs in Italy not working.

We have a 3 hr layover at JFK arriving at 4:30p on a week day, however, I don't want to run all over JFK looking if there's just one place.

Some yrs ago I had foreign currency delivered to my house but can't remember who I called. I read about the service in a travel magazine.

CalgirlSusan

You will have no problem finding a currency exchange at JFK. I personally think it's fine to get a little cash before arriving in Europe. It will only cost you a few extra dollars and the peace of mind will be worth it.

SalB

Your local bank should be able to get euros for you. Ours has a phone number. You call, order what you want, they debit your account and deliver within three days. If you live in a large city, you may be able to pick it up while you wait.

calville

Thank you both!

HowardR

You'd probably get a better rate from your bank than from the any exchange at JFK.

Patrick

Howard, you may be right, but I'm not too sure. The last time I checked with my bank, Bank of America, a euro cost about 90 cents US (obviously it's been close to two years ago). After a lot of figuring the officer at the bank said they'd get me 100 euro without any fee and it would cost me exactly $100. That's roughly a 10% charge . Most exchange bureaus charge something like 6 or 7 percent, last I knew. But to put this in perspective. The difference between the two to get 100 euros is something like 3 or 4 dollars. Hardly worth worrying about. I'd say whatever's easiest. If you're in a major city and your bank keeps euro, then perhaps it would be quite easy to just stop and pick some up, but here it involves filling out a form to turn in and then going back to get them when they bring them in.

HowardR

You may be right, Patrick. But, I've thought of a better reason for getting the euro in advance--one less thing to be concerned about and avoid possibly having to rush around JFK.

blondiepopo

I live in Indianapolis and when I went to London/Paris I wanted some Euros/Pounds to have when I arrived. I was told to use UnionPlanters.com. The money arrived overnight at my house with a small service charge. When I arrived back in New York with 20pounds, I used the exchange place at JFK. Gave me a lousy exchange rate and charged me $5 besides. Ended up with $29 from 20 pounds. I was glad I had some foreign cash when I arrived at CDG because the ATM lines were out the door, I hadn't had any sleep and the exchange line also was very crowded. All I wanted was a bottle of water. It may cost a little more to have cash on hand rather than wait till you're there, but to me it was worth it.

Patrick

True, which is why I say whatever is more convenient for you.
Happily last summer I returned with quite a few pounds and quite a few euro. They've been sitting in a safe deposit box earning better money for me than any of my other investments for the past year. So fortunately I will arrive in both London and Italy this year with plenty of cash.

calville

Thanks everyone. This website is a gold mine of info! I found an older post about Oanda.com and ordered some euros from them earlier today. I remember now Oanda is the company that I used in the past. I also like their currency "cheat sheet" which you can print out and take with you. I paid $8 for a 2 day Fed Ex shipment and the rate was 1.29

I agree it's more relaxing to take care of this stuff in advance and have enough cash for the first day.