Exchanging cash for local currency
ATMs or cashpoints nearly always have the best exchange rates. Currency-exchange offices and hotel reception desks tend to offer poor rates, and sometimes their commissions are outrageous. (The last time we checked the Travelex office in Venice, it was charging an 8.5 percent commission on U.S. dollar notes, plus a €3,50 handling fee.If you must exchange cash or traveler's checks, try to limit the quantity, because changing money twice (from your currency to euros, and from euros back to your own currency) will mean two hefty commissions.