Buy Euros in Chicago

I am going to Italy and would like to buy some Euros here rather than at FCO airport. Any ideas for the best rates?

Regards

Al

Buy Euros in Chicago

Best exchange rate is to just use the ATM at FCO in Rome. Here, you need to go somewhere like Chase HQ Bank (Madison and Dearborn) as very few branches deal with foreign currency, or the American Express Travel Store on Ohio (or Ontario?) just east of Michigan Ave.

If by chance you bank at USAA (military veterans), they%26#39;re excellent for providing foreign currency services, too, and at a reasonable exchange rate.

It%26#39;s been my experience that you can quickly and easily find an ATM near baggage claim in foreign airports.

Buy Euros in Chicago

Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange

19 S La Salle St

Chicago, IL 60603

(312) 807-4940

Travelex

360 N Michigan Ave

Located inside US Bank

Thank you, for you prompt relys and the information you have shared.

Regards

Al

World Money Exchange at 203 N. LaSalle. However, if you do have an account at CHASE, they will do the exchange for free.

Does a Chase Credit Card Count? If so does any Chase bank convert or only certain ones?

I doubt a credit card only works. But I never asked since I have a regular checking account. Only the downtown main branch bank keeps foreign currency in stock.

AAA also can sell you Euros.

I%26#39;ve shopped around for the best exchange rates in Chicago...Chase is it and they still suck. Most of the other places listed charge airport rates (most of them are owned by the same company that does the airports). Call the branches, I know the branch nearby me was willing to accept a large amount of Euro for exchange...I would assume they also carry some.

So long as you move outside the tourist areas in Rome, you%26#39;ll find better rates there...so you can also bring US Dollar and exchange as you go. Just pay attention to the exchange rates online and look at the spreads (they buy dollar for a certain amount and sell it for another) - Shouldn%26#39;t be more than 5%.

You%26#39;re best rates will be from the ATM, which in Italy, will provide Euros and use a VERY competitive exchange rate. These may scare you, but I do information security for a global bank, and that%26#39;s how I exchange money. Just make sure you use bank branch ATMs instead of a random one alongside the road.

Two concerns with this:

1) Call your bank ahead of time to warn them of your trip otherwise your bank will lock your card thinking it is fraud

2) Realize you%26#39;ll likely have a daily limit on your card. You can ask to raise it, but you also may want to pull money out even when you don%26#39;t need it.

3) Be aware of fees...3% currency conversion fee and 2-4 dollar nonaffiliated ATM fee. Italian ATMs probably won%26#39;t charge you like they do here.

You will also be able to use your credit card for most purchases, at a very favorable exchange rate, however they will also probably hit you with a 1-3% foreign currency fee (Capital One No Hassle card charges no fee).

Just remember that you will need Euros to start, so just bring a few from here OR exchange for a few once you get to Italy.

I always like to bring some with me, in case airport ATM%26#39;s are out of order. Generally get them at Amex or AAA. Didn%26#39;t know Chase would do that, will try them this summer. Otherwise, my experience in Europe is that ATM%26#39;s are plentiful in Western Europe. You can also get them at O%26#39;Hare if you don%26#39;t get a chance to get some beforehand.