Buying Euros - Here or there?

Hi,

I'm traveling from Canada to Italy (Rome) in two weeks, and I'm
considering taking some Euros with me. I already have about 40 EUR for
pocket money, but I'm debating whether I should purchase more at my
local bank or just get it in Rome?

In the experience of people here, which will be the cheaper option?
I'm reasonably comfortable relying on my Bank/Credit cards, but I'd
feel better carrying some cold, hard, cash.

Many thanks

Jon de Poer wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm traveling from Canada to Italy (Rome) in two weeks, and I'm
> considering taking some Euros with me. I already have about 40 EUR for
> pocket money, but I'm debating whether I should purchase more at my
> local bank or just get it in Rome?
>
> In the experience of people here, which will be the cheaper option?
> I'm reasonably comfortable relying on my Bank/Credit cards, but I'd
> feel better carrying some cold, hard, cash.
>
> Many thanks
Your cheaper option will almost certainly be to draw Euros from an ATM
when you get there, at the airport on arrival. If you feel better buying
Euros cash before you leave, feel free to do so, but I have serious
doubts that you will get a better rate. Why not just bring some
Canadian $$ cash if it makes you feel safer.

"Jon de Poer" <ianpower@> ha scritto nel messaggio
news:236ab778-b5d9-42a6-93f2-25907e9c68a4@a1g2000hsb..com...
> Hi,
>
> I'm traveling from Canada to Italy (Rome) in two weeks, and I'm
> considering taking some Euros with me. I already have about 40 EUR for
> pocket money, but I'm debating whether I should purchase more at my
> local bank or just get it in Rome?
>
> In the experience of people here, which will be the cheaper option?
> I'm reasonably comfortable relying on my Bank/Credit cards, but I'd
> feel better carrying some cold, hard, cash.
>
> Many thanks

there are many ATM machines at the airport
If you want to chnage yr cash. the best option is the Post Office

They have standard rates and standard charges
Nobody will cheat you
Post Offices are normally open when banks are closed
banks in Italy
8.20 to 13.20

15.00 to 16.00

with small differences from bank to bank.

"Jon de Poer" <ianpower@> wrote in message
news:236ab778-b5d9-42a6-93f2-25907e9c68a4@a1g2000hsb..com...
> Hi,
>
> I'm traveling from Canada to Italy (Rome) in two weeks, and I'm
> considering taking some Euros with me. I already have about 40 EUR for
> pocket money, but I'm debating whether I should purchase more at my
> local bank or just get it in Rome?
>
> In the experience of people here, which will be the cheaper option?
> I'm reasonably comfortable relying on my Bank/Credit cards, but I'd
> feel better carrying some cold, hard, cash.

I would get a small additional amount, enough for a day or two, say another
100 EUR, then use your bank cards for the remainder of your trip.

"Hatunen" <hatunen@cox.net> ha scritto nel messaggio
news:3l0704llaltj1h0m30ig9v36ttmvovakbq@...
> On Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:01:11 +0100, "Mark Hewitt"
> <nomail@here.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Jon de Poer" <ianpower@> wrote in message
>>news:236ab778-b5d9-42a6-93f2-25907e9c68a4@a1g2000hsb..com...
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I'm traveling from Canada to Italy (Rome) in two weeks, and I'm
>>> considering taking some Euros with me. I already have about 40 EUR for
>>> pocket money, but I'm debating whether I should purchase more at my
>>> local bank or just get it in Rome?
>>>
>>> In the experience of people here, which will be the cheaper option?
>>> I'm reasonably comfortable relying on my Bank/Credit cards, but I'd
>>> feel better carrying some cold, hard, cash.
>>
>>I would get a small additional amount, enough for a day or two, say
>>another
>>100 EUR, then use your bank cards for the remainder of your trip.
>
> If you only want an initial EUR 100 just take some of your own
> currency and exchange it at the inevitable airport currency
> exchange booth. But my guess is that you can find an ATM just as
> fast and won't need to change your personal currency.
>
>
> --
>there are a lot of ATM machines just outside the Customs controls.-
as soon as you get out with yr luggage. there will be a few cash dispensers