• Whats_your_reasoning@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    Any advice on getting your money converted to Euros? I’ve been trying to figure that out, but online searches for information are complete garbage now.

    • SabinStargem@lemmy.today
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      1 day ago

      Honestly, that is bit of a pickle in the US. I am an amateur, so use plentiful salt.

      First off, most banks don’t hold foreign currency, and if they do, it is for people with big bucks. IIRC, I think you need at least $30,000+ for Citi, but most banks seem to be $200,000+ before they will talk with you. However, you can trade in your American dollars for physical foreign currency. Not very flexible, but Trump might have DOGE pillage the US bank accounts of “dissidents”, so…shrug. I would treat Euros like gold or an refugee fund. It isn’t an investment vehicle.

      1: Go to the bank, and ask for a foreign currency. You are basically selling your dollars for XYZ. They will have you sign forms, and order the physical money. 2: Wait about a week, and you will be called to pick up your foreign bucks. 3: Keep in mind, the bank will ask whether you are going on vacation. Your call on how to interpret this question. I just told mine about hyperinflation. It might make me look looney, but…well, here we are. :P

      Aside from physical foreign currency, you can try a Neobank. They are purely online banks, no physical branches. You get sent a credit card, and be able to buy and hold foreign currency for it. Keep in mind each neobank offers a different selection of currencies, will require IDs, and most only use a smartphone app. You will likely want a Neobank from London or the EU. Neon is based in Switzterland, offering a IBAN - International Banking Number. Revolut is with London, and apparently quite friendly for many folks. I am might go with Wise in London, since they apparently have a PC-desktop interface available, and Britain might be “neutral” in a US-EU conflict. Note that you will have assorted costs with exchanging currency in addition to standard costs of banking.

      Up to now I only had a flip phone, but got a smartphone since I might need flexibility for handling the times ahead. Maps, photos, drone controllers, ICE spotting, neobanks, and so forth. Wish I could just be lazy and have the troubles go away, but that isn’t how it works. :(