Where to get euros for travel in 2025: Banks, ATMs, or online services?

If you're on your way to Europe, you might wonder whether you should bring enough euros before departing or exchange dollars upon arrival. You can purchase euros while still in the U.S. However, you should know the conversion fee beforehand. Moreover, avoid carrying excessive amounts if you don’t want to be burdened by customs requirements or safety concerns.

In determining where to get euros for travel, the good news is that you can access them in various ways. We’ll explore four options in this article: through banks, ATMs, online services, or sending money to yourself via BOSS Money.

How much cash to bring to Europe 

If you don’t want to scramble for an ATM or exchange desk after landing, or if your bank’s ATM coverage is limited at your destination - or charges high transaction fees - buying euros ahead of your trip is a wise move.

In general, €100 to €200 is sufficient for initial expenses, such as tips, a quick snack, local transport, and public restrooms (particularly older taxis and public facilities). Then, for the majority of your expenses, use a credit or debit card - preferably with zero to minimal charges. They’re widely accepted in most European cities.

How to get euros for travel

Determining the best way to get euros for travel starts with a better understanding of each channel for accessing this currency. Let’s dive into your options:

Getting euros from U.S. banks 

Most financial institutions offer foreign currency, with more options available to customers. For instance, account holders can place orders online while non-customers might need to do it in person. 

Verify the availability of euros and the number of days to process your order. Check out these FAQ pages from the U.S. Bank², Bank of America³, and Wells Fargo⁴. This way, you can properly schedule when to get euros for travel before your departure. Branch pickup is typically free, while home delivery usually comes with an extra charge.

Due to the markup, you'll receive less of the foreign currency than the actual exchange rate (the rate at which currencies are traded on the open market).

Scenario:

For instance, the mid-market rate is USD 1.10 per €1. Meanwhile, the bank applies a 1.15 USD-per-EUR rate. When you go to the bank to have your $100 converted to EUR, the bank will give you €86.96 based on its rate of $1.15 per €1 ($100 ÷ $1.15). 

Getting euros from the airport, hotel currency exchanges

Currency exchanges at airport kiosks and hotels charge the most expensive fees. They use these fees to cover their high rental expenses and the risk of currency fluctuations. 
These facilities also make the most profit through the "spread," or the difference between the rate at which the kiosk buys foreign currency and the rate at which it sells it. 

If you can't avoid these facilities, only exchange a small amount for your immediate needs, such as transportation to your hotel. Be cautious and count your cash before leaving the counter.

Withdrawing euros from ATMs in Europe

Bank-owned ATMs are secure channels for accessing euros. Before your trip, check with your bank to verify whether they have partnerships with European banks. Additionally, review the daily withdrawal limits. And don’t forget to notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations to prevent your card from being flagged or frozen for suspicious activity.

When selecting ATMs, the best place to get euros for travel is a machine operated by a major European bank. Examples include BNP Paribas (France), Deutsche Bank (Germany), CaixaBank, and Santander (Spain).

Be wary of independent ATM operators at malls and bars. Euronet, Travelex, Your Cash, Cardpoint, and Cashzone are some examples. They may charge an operator fee per transaction, typically ranging from €2 to €5⁶ as of October 2025. 

Check the ATM screen for access fees and decline the dynamic currency conversion (DCC) option, which adds a significant markup. Instead, select "pay in the local currency" or "charge in euros." This way, your card's network (Visa or Mastercard) handles the conversion, often at a rate better than the ATM operator's DCC option. 

Buying euros online before your trip

Compared to the internal pricing of traditional banks, dedicated online currency services allow you to see real-time USD-EUR rates. This transparency enables you to choose the provider offering the most competitive rate. Consider this option if you're too busy and want to order euros at a better rate without leaving home.

Choose government-regulated providers when considering where to buy euros for travel to avoid being scammed. Verify their business information and check independent customer reviews and ratings. Save all your transaction records.

Steer clear of providers offering exchange rates significantly better than mid-market rates found on reliable currency converter tools. Fraudulent services send unsolicited emails asking for financial information. Their websites typically contain obvious spelling and grammar errors.

Sending money to yourself with BOSS Money

Do you know that BOSS Money lets you send euros to yourself while already in Europe? It’s as easy as using our app to remit money to your loved ones overseas. 

Once you've installed the BOSS Money app on your smartphone and created an account, you can start the transfer with these steps:

1. Choose the European country where you're located.
2. Enter the US dollar amount you wish to send and see the conversion rate to EUR upfront. You can transfer between $10 and $2,999 per transaction.
3. Choose the delivery method: bank deposit or direct debit.
4. Since you are the recipient, enter yourself as the recipient. Ensure your name on the transfer matches the name on your ID. 
5. Select your payment methods. Bank transfers are slower but cheaper; meanwhile, debit or credit card processing can take only a few minutes.
6. Verify your transfer details and tap "Send" to confirm. 
7. You can then collect your euros: a.) direct to debit (through your international bank account) or b.) through bank deposit (transfer the funds to a local bank in your destination country and use their ATM network to withdraw cash).

When is the best time to get euros for travel?

Because currency markets constantly fluctuate, there's no single "best time" to exchange money. The best approach is to follow a gradual buying strategy - purchase euros in several amounts leading up to your trip. 

To do this, use online tools to monitor the exchange rate. Set rate alerts to notify you when the rate reaches a point you're happy with. At the same time, start comparing providers to discover the most cost-effective option.

Based on the total amount you decide to purchase, buy a third of the amount when you book your flight. Then, buy another third several weeks before, and the rest, a week before your departure date.

Currency exchange services may apply higher fees during bank holidays and weekends, when the forex market is closed. Thus, schedule your exchange between Tuesday and Thursday for more competitive rates.

Tips to avoid bad exchange rates

To make sure you get a fair deal, whether at a bank, ATM, or online, review this quick checklist before committing to any exchange:

By following these steps, you can avoid inflated rates and have a little more money to enjoy your trip.

Your travel needs will influence your mix of options

What is the best way to get euros for travel? It will depend on your situation - your budget, bank affiliation, itinerary, and comfort level. 

For the smartest mix of cost, safety, and convenience in 2025, we recommend going to Europe with some cash for daily expenses and using a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for larger purchases. To complete your money management strategy, consider using BOSS Money to avoid unnecessary fees wherever your trip takes you.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of November 12, 2025

1. https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/carrying-cash/index_en.htm

2. https://www.usbank.com/customer-service/knowledge-base/KB0235786.html

3. https://www.bankofamerica.com/foreign-exchange/foreign-currency-order-faq/

4. https://www.wellsfargo.com/help/checking-savings/foreign-currency-faqs/

5. https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/common-misconceptions-about-currency-exchange/#faqs

6. https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/international-atm-fees

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.