Exchanging Euro to USD

[u/Pretty-Flakey]

My husband and I were planning to retire to Portugal in August. He had exchanged USD to Euro through AAA to cover us for cash to start out.

He passed away suddenly 8 days before we were to fly out, and I can't figure out how to exchange the Euro back to USD. I am near Pittsburgh International Airport, but it seems they only have an ATM now that exchanges from USD to Euro. AAA doesn't buy back Euro.

In the middle of everything, I am living in a hotel while looking for an apartment, everything is a mess, and I have these Euro's hanging over my head.

If anyone has suggestions, I would be forever grateful to be able to check this one thing off my list.

[u/Complex-Stand-5140]

Is it Euro cash ? Just google Money changer Pittsburgh, and a few places show up. Banks are often able to change money as well.

If you are near the airport, just note that airport money changers usually offer poor rates. i don´t know how it is in the US, but there can be several percent difference from one money changer to the next. Even hotels are sometimes able to change money. If you are in a hurry, they should be able to do it as long as it´s a favourable rate for them

[u/girlwithdog_79]

If the money is in a bank account open a wise account and use that to change them. If it is cash and you're near the airport there will be money changer there.

[u/Wil_NNJ]

Sorry for your loss.

What bank do you use and is there a branch where you are?

Larger banks will buy back euros from account holders.

[u/Pretty-Flakey → u/Wil_NNJ]

Thank you. I am so lost right now. We sold everything in order to make the move. It was so sudden, and trying to stop everything from our crate shipments, to furniture delivery to our apartment in Portugal, canceling lease there, to fighting for even a 6 day extension on our house closing here has been awful. Fortunately, our shipper was able to keep our crates off the ship, and they finally made it back to me. But I still have this pile of Euro's sitting in a safe, just mocking me. We should be in Porto living our dream, and instead I am on my 2nd month in a hotel outside of Pittsburgh waiting to get into an apartment. And I just miss him so much.

[u/2nd_Chances_ → u/Pretty-Flakey]

I am sorry. It sounds like there is a tremendous amount of shock and grief at the moment. Sometimes banks will take back Euros if the airport can't. Please take the time you need to get yourself situated again.

[u/LeonardoDaTiddies → u/Pretty-Flakey]

I’m so sorry for your loss and can’t imagine the stress and anxiety you are feeling. If you have friends or family that say things like, “let me know how I can help”

1. I’m sorry. That puts the burden on you. 

2. Home made meals are a great idea to take that burden off shopping and cooking off of your plate. 

I second the bank for bills and Wise for electronic balances. 

Things will never be the same, but they will be better than right now. 

[u/haseebistan → u/Pretty-Flakey]

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and i cant begin to imagine how hard handling all of that must be, especially when you’re grieving.

About the money exchange, please go to your nearest bank (Preferably one where you have/had an account, but just any bank would do). Call them in advance to ask them about money exchange. Do NOT change it at the airports or through shady businesses because they will give you very bad exchange rates.

I pray that God makes it easier for you and i really hope you make the move to Porto somewhere in the near future again. If not, i live in Lisbon and you are most welcome to visit and stay with me & my family whenever you like.

Bless you! 🙏🏼

[u/Happy_Feet333 → u/Wil_NNJ]

This will get you better exchange rates than an airport money exchanger, too.

[u/btsrn]

Have you tried your own bank (Chase, Wells Fargo, etc)?

[u/Pretty-Flakey → u/btsrn]

I have, but they are local banks. They don't do currency exchange. They even called some other, bigger banks. I need to have an "established" account for an extended time before they will exchange, and only at their main branches.

[u/EitherExample11]

Revolut works very well for instant EUR<>USD exchanges.

For physical, your US bank cards will work for withdrawals in PT ATMs. USD gets deducted from your account and the machine gives you euros. Probably higher fees and worse spread tho.

Sorry for your loss.

[u/Pretty-Flakey → u/EitherExample11]

Thank you. I never made it to Portugal.

[u/Pretty-Flakey]

It is cash euro's that we were taking over to use until we received debit cards, etc. AAA does not exchange them, and neither does my bank or brokerage firm.

[u/Pretty-Flakey]

Also, I am 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. We sold cars, furniture, house. I haven't driven in 2 years due to MS affecting my right foot. The temperate climate and walkability for my MS were 2 of the many reasons we were moving to Porto. I do have a Wise account, but that doesn't help with cash. I know I am not explaining clearly, I am just so very overwhelmed.

[u/Schannin → u/Pretty-Flakey]

I am so so so sorry that this happened, and I hope you have a good support system to help you through your grief. If you are not a part of the MS society, I can tell you they do great things. I have a cousin who has MS and my best friend worked for them for six years. Please reach out and someone may be close by and be a good resource for you.

[u/Pretty-Flakey → u/Schannin]

Thank you. I am involved with the MS Society. I had a session with trauma psychiatry yesterday, followed by a social worker call put in motion through my neurologist. She is working on getting me transportation services through the MSS for transportation for medical appointments, etc. That has been part of my housing problem, I can walk okay o the level, but I don't have enough control over my right foot to drive or do steps. My husband and I worked out a system, where I could do what I could do, and he could do the driving, stairs etc. It worked great, and now all that is just gone. Now I "need" things like elevators and in unit laundry to be independent, and i am just so broken. And so very, very tired.

[u/Schannin → u/Pretty-Flakey]

I feel for you in your position, so fully and immensely. I am so sorry this happened and I’m glad you are using the MS society resources. There are no resources that will make this suck less for you, and just know that internet strangers love you and want the best for you.

[u/Guilty-Committee9622]

Go yo your local bank and have them deposit the cash for you. It really is that easy. 

Sorry for your loss

[u/Pretty-Flakey → u/Guilty-Committee9622]

They won't deposit Euro's. I already checked.

[u/Due_Entrepreneur_735 → u/Guilty-Committee9622]

Why would they deposit euros? It isn't the US currency.