Exchanging Dollars for Euros

So I'm in the process of trying to find a bank/service that gives me the best bang for my buck trying to exchange about $1k into Euros. I looked into Chase but their gibberish didn't make much sense to me. Looked like I'd exchange it here for 3% or some shit of the total value or I can use my card and have them charge me a fee TWICE, once for the exchange and another for their troubles.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the exchange? Are there services other than banks that can do this for me?

When I went to the Philippines, there were many places at the mall and what not that could exchange currency and they did it at values very close to the exchange rate at the time - close enough to not be a hassle. Oh, and the bank near my hotel also did it hassle free.

I don't know what it's like elsewhere but I'd stay away from the airports (the exchange rates are obscene) and look into just exchanging it in the city whenever you arrive. Just exchange a small amount to get you started but keep most of it for overseas.

But keep the CC on deck for emergencies or when you feel you are running low on loot.

So are you saying I should just bring an envelop of money with me and exchange as needed? That sounds risky.

Well I was planning to carry around 1k in Euros so it's the same shit, I guess.

Use a debit card while there and withdraw from ATM, imo.

Upon further research Chase doesn't seem to be so bad. I can just exchange about $300 here and withdraw as I need over there. It may be about $6-7 for each withdrawal but I'll make sure to only do it when necessary.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

Well I was planning to carry around 1k in Euros so it's the same shit, I guess.

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That's what I did in a country most would say is more fraught with peril than many in the Eurozone. I guess it also depends on what type of place you are staying at and what not (hostel versus real hotel, etc).

Same. While in London I could take out as much cash with a $3 processing fee each time I did it.

I'll be in the Philippines for the week prior to Japan (was originally going to do Thailand, but it's far too unstable right now). I checked ahead and the hotel I am staying at does currency conversion on site. Most hotels that cater to international travelers offer such a service for pretty close to the going exchange rate.

Of course, I'll be keeping a couple credit cards locked in the safe, just in case.

I already exchanged for a few Euros. A few cents on top of the current rate but close enough to not bother me. Also was a free service.