Best Place to Buy Euros
If you are planning a trip to Europe, you might be wondering where to get the best exchange rate for euros. Euros are the official currency of 19 countries in the European Union, and you can use them in many other places as well. But where can you buy euros at a reasonable price and avoid paying high fees?
There are different options to buy euros, depending on your preferences and convenience. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Online currency exchange services. These are websites that allow you to order euros online and have them delivered to your home or a nearby pickup location. Some of the benefits of using online services are that you can compare rates from different providers, lock in a rate ahead of your trip, and avoid queues at the airport or in-store. However, you might have to pay for delivery fees, wait for your order to arrive, and provide identification documents for verification. Some examples of online currency exchange services are Travel FX, Tesco Bank, and The Currency Shop.
- In-store travel money bureaux. These are physical locations where you can buy euros with cash or card. You can find them in supermarkets, post offices, travel agents, or dedicated money exchange shops. Some of the advantages of using in-store bureaux are that you can get your euros instantly, pay with cash if you prefer, and ask for advice from staff. However, you might have to pay higher fees, accept lower rates, and deal with limited availability or opening hours. Some examples of in-store travel money bureaux are Tesco Bank, MoneySavingExpert.com, and Australia Post.
- Airport currency exchange kiosks. These are booths that offer currency exchange services at airports. They are convenient if you need to buy euros at the last minute or if you have leftover currency to sell back. However, they usually offer the worst rates and charge the highest fees, as they take advantage of the captive market. You should avoid buying your euros at the airport unless you have no other choice.
- Specialist overseas credit or debit cards. These are cards that charge no fees on spending or withdrawing cash abroad. They offer near-perfect exchange rates every time you use them, as they use the interbank rate or the Mastercard/Visa rate. They are safer and cheaper than carrying cash, as you can cancel them if they get lost or stolen. However, you might have to apply for them in advance, pay interest on cash withdrawals (for credit cards), and notify your bank of your travel plans. Some examples of specialist overseas cards are MoneySavingExpert.com, TransferWise, and Revolut.
As you can see, there is no one best place to buy euros, as it depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. You should compare different options and find the one that suits your needs and budget. Remember to check the exchange rates, fees, delivery times, availability, and security of each option before you buy.