Currency exchange timing

July 16, 2011 11:46 AM

If you were visiting Europe in mid-August, would it make sense to exchange US dollars now? I'm worried about the dollar tanking against the Euro in light of a possible default and the remaining parade of economic horrors.
posted by cedar to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

If you have a set budget and the cash in hand, converting 50% is an ideal hedge.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 11:53 AM on July 16, 2011

Yeah, converting 50% isn't a terrible idea. But worrying about the dollar tanking against the Euro because of a possible default is not really necessary. Remember, Greece is defaulting already and some other countries in the EU are in far worse danger of defaulting than is the USA.
posted by Justinian at 12:01 PM on July 16, 2011 [1 favorite]

Remember, too -- dollar to Euro is all about oil prices. A big swing in a month would be unlikely.
posted by Karmacane at 2:29 PM on July 16, 2011

If you could predict currency fluctuations with any accuracy, you'd be a very rich person. Make your exchange when it's convenient for you and don't give it a 2nd thought (that way lies madness).
posted by owls at 8:13 AM on July 18, 2011