Help with $ —>€

[barryoglick]

Hello!

I am in Sahagún and so far have had no luck in changing my USD to Euros.

In Logroño, Santander & another 2 banks just shrugged & couldn’t (or wouldn’t) tell me where to go.

I will be in León in 2 days. Can anyone tell me a place, close to the Camino, where I can exchange my USD for Euros?

I can and have, of course, used the ATM’s, but I brought $200 in USD’s and it’s useless to me. Any help appreciated.

Barry

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Currency and travelers cheques have become useless. You may be able to exchange them at airports at a terrible rate. The ATM has replaced the money changers (maybe it was a "come to Jesus" moment).

 

[naplesdon]

Take your $200USD back home with you, they are useless in Spain.

 

[natefaith]

I'd also recommend you take your $200 home. The BBVA bank here in Santiago will exchange USD to Euros, but they take a 10 - 30% commission, which is insane. Since you can use your ATM card without problems, there's no reason to give a bank any of your hard-earned money .

Another option is to find someone who might be traveling to the US soon and do a personal exchange with him/her at a fair exchange rate. For example, you might find an American pilgrim who's stopping in León, has Euros he doesn't have time to use up, and is about to head home.

Take care and Buen Camino!
Faith

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Hello!

I am in Sahagún and so far have had no luck in changing my USD to Euros.

In Logroño, Santander & another 2 banks just shrugged & couldn’t (or wouldn’t) tell me where to go.

I will be in León in 2 days. Can anyone tell me a place, close to the Camino, where I can exchange my USD for Euros?

I can and have, of course, used the ATM’s, but I brought $200 in USD’s and it’s useless to me. Any help appreciated.

Barry

That is going to be tough outside of an airport. If your bank has an affiliation with a European bank that has branches in Spain, it is doable... For instance, Bank of America is affiliated with Deutsche Bank, which has branches along the Camino Frances. Otherwise, if you have a debit or credit card, that will be your best bet.

 

[mark connolly]

I with the people above, hold it to you get back to the USA. If you are desperate, ask at the local tourist office or a hospitalero.

good luck

Mark

 

[camino07]

In 2015 my son changed Auds into Euros in a bank in Santiago old town. Not sure of the fee though.

 

[jerbear]

Some of the bar owners like 100 dollar bills. Just saying. Other than that it pretty much useless. Good luck.

 

[camino-david]

US Dollars are the counterfeiter's favourite currency (50's and 100's) in may countries

 

[barryoglick]

Thanks everyone. I will use the ATM’s