So, you've got a flight to Paris or Rome on the horizon. Congrats. But now you’re staring at your bank account and wondering, how do I get euros in the US before I actually land? It’s a classic pre-trip headache. Some people tell you to just wait until you hit the airport in Europe. Others swear by their local credit union. Honestly, most of the advice out there is kinda outdated or just plain wrong.
The reality is that "convenience" is usually just a fancy word for a 15% markup. If you walk into a random currency booth at the mall, you're basically handing them dinner-and-drinks money for nothing.
You need a plan.
Getting cash used to be a whole ordeal with traveler's checks—remember those?—but now it’s all about digital apps, global ATM networks, and knowing which banks are actually on your side. Let's break down how you can actually get those physical bills in your pocket without feeling like you've been taken for a ride.
The Big Myth About Your Local Bank
Most people think their neighborhood bank is the safest bet. It’s familiar. You know the tellers. But here is the thing: most local branches don't just keep stacks of euros in the drawer next to the lollipops.
If you walk into a mid-sized bank today and ask for 500 euros, they’ll probably tell you it takes two to five business days to order them. They have to ship them in from a central vault. And they aren't doing that out of the goodness of their hearts. You’ll get hit with a "service fee," usually around $10 to $20, and then they’ll bake a spread into the exchange rate.
What's a spread? It's the difference between the "mid-market rate"—the one you see on Google—and the rate they give you. If Google says 1 euro is $1.08, your bank might sell it to you for $1.14.
That doesn't sound like much until you’re exchanging a thousand bucks. Then it hurts.
However, if you are a high-tier member at a place like Chase or Bank of America, sometimes those fees get waived. It is worth a phone call. But for most of us? It's just a pricey way to feel prepared.
Use Your ATM Card Properly
This is the real pro tip. Most savvy travelers don't even bother getting euros while they are still on US soil. They wait until they land at de Gaulle or Heathrow and find a "bank-owned" ATM. Note the emphasis there. You want an ATM attached to a real bank like BNP Paribas or Deutsche Bank, not those bright yellow "Euronet" machines that haunt tourist districts.
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But wait. There's a catch.
Your US bank will likely charge you a "foreign transaction fee" and an "out-of-network ATM fee."
If you want to win this game, you need a Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account or a Fidelity Cash Management account. These are the holy grails for travelers. Why? Because they refund all ATM fees worldwide. You pull out 100 euros, the local machine charges you a 5-euro fee, and at the end of the month, Schwab just gives it back to you. It's beautiful.
Ordering Online: The New Way to Do It
Maybe you’re the type who hates the idea of landing in a foreign country with zero cash. I get it. Having 50 euros for a taxi or a quick espresso is a huge stress-reliever.
If you must have cash before you leave, look at CXI (Currency Exchange International). You can actually order currency on their website and have it shipped to your house. It sounds sketchy, but it’s legit. They usually have better rates than the big retail banks, though you’ll still pay for shipping if you aren't ordering a large amount.
Another option is Better2Know or similar services, but CXI is generally the gold standard for home delivery.
Just don't do it at the airport. Never. Not even once.
The exchange booths at JFK or O'Hare are predators. They know you're desperate or excited, and they price accordingly. Their "no commission" signs are a total lie—they just hide the cost in a terrible exchange rate that can be 15% to 20% off the real value.
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The Digital Workaround: Wise and Revolut
If you’re wondering how do I get euros in the US digitally, you’ve gotta look at Wise (formerly TransferWise).
You can open a "multi-currency account" in about ten minutes. You move US dollars into the app, and you convert them to euros at the real exchange rate. They charge a tiny, transparent fee—usually less than 1%.
Then, they send you a debit card.
You can use that card in the US to pay for things, or you can just hold onto it until you get to Europe. When you use it at an ATM there, it pulls directly from your euro balance. No conversion fees at the point of sale. No surprises. It’s basically a cheat code for international finance.
Revolut does something similar, though their weekend markup fees can be a bit annoying if you aren't paying attention. Both are lightyears ahead of what traditional banks offer.
Why You Might Not Need That Much Cash Anyway
Here is a bit of a reality check. Europe has changed.
Ten years ago, you needed coins for everything. Today? In cities like Amsterdam, London, or Berlin, you’ll see signs that say "Card Only."
Tap-to-pay is everywhere. You can pay for a single pack of gum with your phone or a contactless credit card.
Before you go crazy trying to find out how do I get euros in the US, check if your current credit card has no foreign transaction fees. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, or the Amex Gold are perfect for this. You just swipe like normal, and the bank does the conversion at a very fair rate.
A Quick Warning About "Dynamic Currency Conversion"
When you are using your US card in Europe, the machine will often ask: "Would you like to pay in Dollars or Euros?"
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Always, always, always choose Euros.
If you choose Dollars, the local merchant's bank gets to choose the exchange rate, and they will fleece you. If you choose Euros, your own bank handles the conversion, which is almost always cheaper. This is a billion-dollar scam that catches millions of people every year. Don't be one of them.
Real World Scenario: The "Emergency Stash"
Let’s say you’re heading to a smaller village in Italy or Greece. You definitely need cash there.
Instead of trying to get 1,000 euros in the US, just get 100. It’s enough to get you through the first day.
- Step 1: Call your local bank and ask for 100 euros. Pay the $15 fee just for the peace of mind.
- Step 2: Use your No Foreign Transaction Fee credit card for 90% of your purchases.
- Step 3: Use a Schwab or Fidelity debit card at a local bank ATM once you land to get more cash as needed.
This "hybrid" approach is the most cost-effective way to handle your money. You aren't carrying around three thousand dollars in cash (which is a huge theft risk anyway), and you aren't paying the "clueless tourist" tax.
The Physical Reality of Currency
When you finally get your hands on some euros, you'll notice they aren't all the same size. The 5-euro note is tiny. The 50-euro note is much bigger. This is actually a great feature for accessibility, but it can be annoying for US wallets which are designed for uniform-sized bills.
Also, get used to coins. The 1-euro and 2-euro coins are heavy and they actually have value. In the US, we treat coins like trash. In Europe, five 2-euro coins is a lunch. Buy a little coin purse or make sure your wallet has a zipper.
Summary of Actionable Steps
To get the best deal, avoid the "convenient" traps.
- Check your current cards: If your debit card charges 3% for foreign transactions, stop using it for travel. Open a Charles Schwab or Wise account instead.
- Order small: If you must have cash before departure, use CXI or your primary bank for a small "starter" amount (100-200 euros), but don't do your whole trip budget there.
- Identify Bank ATMs: Once you land, bypass the airport kiosks and find a legitimate ATM inside a bank branch.
- Say NO to USD: Whenever a card reader asks which currency you want to pay in, always pick the local one (Euros).
- Alert your bank: Even in 2026, some banks will freeze your card if they see a sudden charge in Munich. Use your bank’s app to set a travel notice a few days before you fly.
By following these steps, you ensure that your money goes toward experiences and food, rather than padding the pockets of currency exchange CEOs. Plan ahead, stay digital where possible, and always keep a few coins handy for the paid restrooms. Safe travels.