How to Get Euros in the US? The Best Places Discussed

Last Updated on December, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Europe? GUESS WHAT? It’s more than just buying tickets and packing your bags. It’s important to handle your currency exchange well so you have enough Euros (EUR) for your trip. 

This piece will help you decide how to get Euros before you go. You can choose to use a travel money card, order online for delivery, or exchange money at a bank or airport. 

I’ll also explain the exchange rates and help you pick the best way to get Euros for your European journey. 

Excited? Continue reading… 

ProviderExchange RateUSD 1,000 Gets YouDelivery TimeNote
Wise Travel Card0.9240920.82 EUR14–21 business daysCard costs USD 9, and transparent fees
Wells Fargo Travel Money0.8794879.35 EUR2–7 business days70 currencies, sell back unused notes
Xchange of America0.8562856.16 EURShipping with FedEx overnight60 currencies, pay by card
Banks & Currency Exchanges5.6% marginVariesVariesCheck-in store for rates and details

Best Places to Get Euros in the US

1. Wise

wise logo on a laptop

Wise is a financial service that provides international money transfers with low fees and real exchange rates. 

Wise is a top choice for exchanging dollars for euros. Known for its transparent fees and competitive exchange rates, Wise offers convenient online services and fast transfers. 

Users appreciate its easy-to-use platform and the ability to exchange money directly to European bank accounts. To sign up, visit the Wise website or app, click ‘Sign up,’ and enter your email, create a password, and follow the prompts to verify your identity and link your bank account.

Looking for more details on Wise? Our comprehensive review is just a click away.


2. Xchange Of America

xchange of america logo on a laptop

Xchange Of America is a reliable provider for acquiring euros in the U.S. It offers competitive rates and a straightforward online ordering process. With physical locations for in-person exchanges, Xchange Of America caters to both online and offline customers. It is known for its fast service and customer support.


3. Banks & Currency Exchanges

Traditional/ local banks and specialized currency exchanges are popular options for obtaining euros in the U.S. 

Many major banks provide currency exchange services, though often with high fees. Currency exchange international outlets, found in airports and city centers, offer convenience and immediate cash but may come with variable rates and fees.


Where to Exchange USD to EUR?

If you need to exchange Euros in the U.S., you have some options:

  • Get a Euro Travel Money Card: Buy a travel card from providers like Wise. Load it with U.S. dollars and use it to spend or withdraw cash (Euros) during your overseas trip. The Wise card has a one-time fee of $9 and offers low, transparent fees with mid-market rates. 

You can manage your card and top up using your phone.

This is a secure way to handle your money abroad and allows you to withdraw cash from ATMs as needed:

  • Order Euros Online for Delivery: Use services like Xchange of America or CXI to order Euros online and have them delivered to your home. You’ll pay currency conversion and delivery fees. Some services offer quick dispatch if you pay with a debit or credit card. This way, you’ll have Euros before your trip without leaving home. 
  • Buy Euros in Person: Visit a CXI branch to get Euros instantly, or order them in advance from a bank like Wells Fargo. Some banks let account holders buy foreign currency, and specialists like CXI usually have most foreign currencies in stock. This option helps you avoid delivery fees. 

Get a Euro Travel Money Card

Person holding a card on a Euro note background

You can easily order a travel money card like Wise or Revolut in the United States. Load it with USD and convert the currency to Euros within your multi-currency account. 

How it Works: 

  • Load and Spend: Add USD to your card, convert it to Euros, and spend with no extra fees at your destination. You can also make ATM withdrawals when needed.
  • After Your Trip: Convert leftover Euros back to USD instantly or save them for your next trip. 
  • Convenience: Use a digital card before your physical debit card arrives. 

Any benefits? Yes, there are:

  • Secure, affordable, and user-friendly.
  • Instant or automatic currency exchange when you pay. 
  • Manage your money via your phone.

Now, for a better understanding, check the following table. 

Provider Fees for SpendingATM Fees for Cash Withdrawals Exchange Rates Delivery
Wise cardNo fee if you have enough balance in the currency 2 withdrawals up to $100/month free, then $1.50 + 2%Mid-market rate; conversion from 0.35%14–21 days; virtual card available instantly 
Revolut cardNo fee if you have enough balance in the currency Some no-fee withdrawals within plan limits Some no-fee weekday conversions within plan limits; fair usage fees apply after that7–8 days; virtual card available instantly 

How to Buy Euros With a Travel Money Card?

This is SUPER EASY!

  • First, create an account with a provider like Wise. 
  • Next, get verified and order your card. 
  • Your card will be delivered in 14 to 21 business days.
  • Add money to your card online for free. 
  • Buy Euros in your account or let your card automatically convert USD to EUR at the mid-market exchange rate when you spend. 
  • Replace TEXTS

GUESS WHAT? You can also order Euros online for delivery.

Order Euros Online for Delivery

image of ordering money through online

Here’s how it works. Some providers let you order Euros online and have cash delivered to your door. This is convenient if someone can sign for the delivery. 

It ensures you get the currency you need without visiting an exchange office. Providers offer various currencies, fees, and exchange rates. 

Benefits? Yes:

  • No need to visit a store. 
  • Quick delivery options. 
  • Wide range of foreign currencies available. 

Check out the following table to compare different providers. 

Provider Fees Exchange Rates Delivery
Xchange of AmericaTransfer fee is $4.95Exchange rates may include a markup $17 – $27 for delivery
Ships 2 days after payment 
Card orders may ship the same day
CXIVaried fees Exchange rates may include a markup Varied fees 
Price matching availableSome orders can arrive the next business day

Clear? Now, I’ll tell you a bit about buying EUR. 

Where to Buy EUR?

At the Bank

Listen, when buying Euros at a bank, start by logging into your online banking and navigating to the travel money section. Enter the amount of Euros you wish to purchase and choose to pay from your bank account or using a card.

You’ll be notified when your money is ready for collection. Simply visit your selected branch to pick up your Euros in person. Banks typically offer a variety of global currencies and often allow you to order online for branch pickup. 

Some banks also provide buy-back services for leftover travel money, although the exchange rate may result in receiving less than your initial spend. 

Provider FeesExchange Rates Locations
Wells FargoVaries by service Exchange rate may include a markup Confirm availability by calling the main branches of Wells Fargo 

At the Airport 

This is another option (but costly.) You can buy Euros at the airport if you’re short on time, but keep in mind a few things. Major airports have foreign currency exchange office(s) for travelers, but options can be limited, leading to higher fees compared to city centers. 

Plus, currency exchange rates at airports often include a markup, which can be quite high. Not all airports offer foreign currency exchange services, and the lack of competition can result in overall high fees.

Understood?

How to Get the Best USD to EUR Exchange Rate?

image of a euro and USD currency

When choosing a provider to exchange U.S. dollars for Euros, it’s important to understand that rates can vary widely. Providers set their rates, which depend on factors like the foreign currency amount, payment method, and whether you’re exchanging digitally or for physical cash. 

To find the best deal, it’s helpful to know about the mid-market exchange rate. This is the rate you see on your currency converter tools or through a Google search for USD to EUR. 

It’s a benchmark used in wholesale markets. However, banks and exchange services usually add a fee to this rate for retail customers, known as a markup. 

To get the most competitive exchange rate, look for services with transparent rates close to the mid-market exchange rate.

Here’s how to find the best USD to EUR exchange rate:

  • Enter the amount you need to exchange into the comparison tool. 
  • Compare the exchange rates offered, focusing on U.S. Dollars to Euros. 
  • Choose between getting a travel card, ordering online, or exchanging in person. 
  • Select a provider based on their rates and any special offers available. 

Check this too. 

Provider Exchange Rate 
Wise 0.9234 (Mid-market exchange rate, 0%)
Wells Fargo 0.8794 
Xchange of America 0.8547 

The details in the table are up-to-date as of August 2024.

How Much Money Do I Need for Europe?

Planning a trip to Europe involves considering various expenses that can greatly affect your budget. To help with planning, it’s wise to set a budget in Euros early on. 

Accommodations and activities typically account for the biggest expenses. However, remember to budget for currency exchange fees, food, transportation, and extras like tipping. 

Accommodation costs vary widely across Europe, starting at approximately $135 per night. In addition, plan ahead to spend around $35 per meal. If you prefer a more organized approach, consider booking a tour where activities are planned for you. 

Alternatively, budget about $22 per day for additional expenses to ensure you make the most of your trip.

Useful guides:

Conclusion

TRUST ME. Managing how to exchange currency can greatly affect your budget when traveling in Europe. By planning and choosing the best way to get Euros, you can make your money go further and have a smoother trip. 

Whether you decide on using a travel card, ordering Euros online, or exchanging money in person, think about the fees, exchange rates, and convenience that suit your travel plans.

FAQs

Yes, you can purchase Euros at most major airports, but expect higher rates due to convenience fees.

Yes, online currency services like Xchange of America may charge fees for conversion and delivery, which can vary.

Yes, you can exchange leftover Euros back to USD, but you might get less than you originally spent due to the exchange rate.

Euros are used in 20 EU countries, non-EU nations like Norway and Switzerland, and territories such as Andorra and San Marino.

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Allen Morning
I'm Allen Morning, with a background spanning over 15 years in international finance and education from Harvard and Stanford. I founded Currenciap with a vision to demystify and streamline global financial transactions. My journey in finance has fueled my commitment to creating a platform that is both user-friendly and efficient, making international finance accessible to everyone. You can find more about me here.

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