[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by Everdeen

Don't they overcharge a great deal when you do that? Today's exchange rate is 1 euro = 1.2159 US dollars

How do they charge for exchanging? Is it a fee on top of the exchange or do they just charge a different exchange rate?

They charge a commission, and they monkey with the buy and sell rates so they make money in both directions. You'll likely pay $1.50 to $1.60 for a Euro at the airport, with a commission tacked on. Don't change any more than a C-Note at the airport.

Originally Posted by Everdeen

Dollars or Euros?

We will probably be in Paris for only a few days, but I would be happy to, although, I cannot guarantee we will make a stop there. DM me if you would like.

Doesn't matter. I'd stick with dollars so you don't get reamed changing them back. Just keep some cash in reserve for emergencies. Don't dip into it, unless it's an emergency. (The hotel won't take your credit card and it's the middle of the night and you're exhausted. That sort of thing.) Oh, that's another thing. You only change money ONCE. Never change it back. We always spend our leftover Euros at the airport bar before departing. If you have LOTS of leftover Euros, bring them home and save them for the next trip. (Provided the Euro lasts that long.)

As for Pere Lachaise, the only reason you'd be going there is if you're a fan of the Doors. And otherwise it would be a big waste of time. I'll just visit next time we're in Paris.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

They charge a commission, and they monkey with the buy and sell rates so they make money in both directions. You'll likely pay $1.50 to $1.60 for a Euro at the airport, with a commission tacked on. Don't change any more than a C-Note at the airport.

Nah, it's not nearly that bad. I've taken four trips to Europe since April 2011 and each time I've noticed the exchange booths/windows at the airports were all commission-free. Of course, as you note, they play with the rates in order to make money, but it's not nearly as bad as your example. With the Euro at $1.21, I would think that Everdeen would be able to buy all she wants at no more than $1.30 - $1.35 per.

I do wholeheartedly agree with your admonition to never exchange more than once. Either spend it all or save it for another trip.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

Nah, it's not nearly that bad. I've taken four trips to Europe since April 2011 and each time I've noticed the exchange booths/windows at the airports were all commission-free. Of course, as you note, they play with the rates in order to make money, but it's not nearly as bad as your example. With the Euro at $1.21, I would think that Everdeen would be able to buy all she wants at no more than $1.30 - $1.35 per.

We flew into CDG two years ago, and the airport rates were about 40 cents more than the financial market rate. Perhaps with the Euro plummeting, that's changed.

[Everdeen]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

I do wholeheartedly agree with your admonition to never exchange more than once. Either spend it all or save it for another trip.

Good suggestion.

If we go to the place in the Fashion Show or the Convention Center as Yellowsnow suggested, is it much better? Am I just nickle-and-diming here?

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by Everdeen

Good suggestion.

If we go to the place in the Fashion Show or the Convention Center as Yellowsnow suggested, is it much better? Am I just nickle-and-diming here?

Call both and get the sell rate for Euros. If you like the rate, change as much as you think you'll need all at once. You get dinged PER TRANSACTION when using ATMs and changing money. It's best to have all you'll need in one go.