Free Currency Exchange

[aaa32]

As most travelers have seen, especially those on a budget, currency exchange can royally suck. I wanted to start this thread for people to share their experiencing on finding places in major european cities that will actually exchange currency at little or preferrably no charge. Please post. This will help more than you think.

I'll start.

In Rome ... or the Vatican City, actually..... you can go to the Vatican bookstore (i think thats what it is called) and they will exchange currency at absolutely no charge. When facing St. Ppeter's, the bookstore is located on the right side (I think that might be South) wall leading up to The Basicalla. There is a cashier directly to the right when you walk in. Hope this helps.

Aaron

[bluepea]

Some places claim no fee, but their exchange rate is worse than market, so beware. We'd go to banks instead of currency exchanges as you'd get a better rate. Also, hitting anyplace in a touristy area that is near a lot of traffic (ie the touristy area itself, bus station, train station, etc) is going to have horrible exchange rates and fees, so avoid. We visited my in laws in Germany who are stationed there, so they were able to take our money on post and exchange it at the current rate, no fee.

[worldwidemike]

And of course, if you can, use an ATM to withdraw cash instead of going to banks or currency exchange booths. Just don't make a lot of little withdrawals, or your own bank will get you with "foreign ATM fees."

worldwidemike