Where To Get Euros in Atlanta: A Local Guide for Travelers

If you live in Atlanta or you’re flying out of Hartsfield‑Jackson for a trip to Europe, you have several reliable options to get euros in Atlanta. The best choice for you depends on how soon you need cash, how much you need, and whether you care more about convenience or exchange rates and fees.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you decide where and how to buy euros.

Main Ways to Get Euros in Atlanta

Most Atlanta-area travelers use one (or a mix) of these options:

  • Major banks and credit unions
  • Currency exchange services at or near the airport
  • Ordering euros online for pickup or delivery
  • Withdrawing euros from ATMs once you arrive in Europe

Each option has tradeoffs in cost, speed, and convenience.

Getting Euros From Atlanta Banks

For many people in Atlanta, starting with your own bank is the simplest and often most cost-effective option.

Large Banks With Euro Services

Many national and regional banks with branches across metro Atlanta allow customers to:

  • Order euros in advance
  • Pick them up at a local branch
  • Or have them delivered to a specific branch in a few business days

Common patterns with these banks:

  • You often must be an account holder.
  • Some branches do not keep euros on hand, so you’ll need to order in advance.
  • There may be a minimum order amount (for example, $100–$200 worth of currency).
  • Banks typically charge either:
    • A small flat fee, or
    • A slightly less favorable exchange rate compared to the mid-market rate.

📝 Tip: Call your local branch in advance and ask:

  • “Do you offer euro currency exchange for customers?”
  • “Do you keep euros in stock, or do I need to order?”
  • “What are your fees or rates, and how long does it take?”

Examples of Bank Areas in Metro Atlanta

You’ll find major bank branches throughout the city, including:

  • Downtown Atlanta – Peachtree St NW, around Five Points and the Government District
  • Midtown – Peachtree St NE, 10th St, and around the Midtown MARTA station
  • Buckhead – Peachtree Rd NE, Lenox area, and Phipps area
  • Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – around Perimeter Mall and Hammond Dr
  • Cobb County / Cumberland / Vinings – near The Battery Atlanta and Cumberland Blvd
  • Decatur – around Decatur Square

While specific availability changes, larger “flagship” or “financial center” branches in these areas are more likely to handle foreign currency.

Credit Unions in the Atlanta Area

Some credit unions serving Atlanta residents also offer foreign currency services, often with competitive fees for members. You may need to:

  • Place the order 3–7 business days in advance
  • Pay a modest service fee
  • Pick up your euros at a specific main branch

If you bank with a credit union, contact Member Services and ask whether they:

  • Sell euros
  • Have any minimum order amounts
  • Offer better rates for larger orders

Airport Currency Exchange in Atlanta

If you’re leaving soon and didn’t plan ahead, Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) may be your fastest option to get euros.

Where to Exchange at ATL

Currency exchange counters at large airports typically:

  • Are located in or near international terminals and concourses
  • Offer immediate euro cash, subject to availability
  • Operate with extended hours, often covering early and late flights

At ATL, foreign currency exchange is usually found:

  • In or near International Terminal (Concourse F)
  • Sometimes in Concourse E or other international departure areas

Check airport signage for “Currency Exchange” or ask an information desk once you arrive.

Pros and Cons of Airport Exchanges

Pros:

  • Very convenient if you’re already at the airport
  • Good for a small amount of euros for immediate expenses on arrival
  • No need to be a bank customer

Cons:

  • Exchange rates are often less favorable than banks or ATMs
  • Service fees can be higher
  • Not always ideal for large amounts of cash

💡 Local Tip: Many Atlanta travelers get just enough euros at ATL to cover:

  • Transportation from the airport in Europe
  • A snack or meal
  • Small tips
    Then they use ATMs or cards abroad for the rest.

Ordering Euros Online for Atlanta Delivery or Pickup

Some currency services let you order euros online and then:

  • Pick them up at a partner location in the Atlanta area, or
  • Have them delivered to your home or bank branch (depending on the service)

Common features of these services:

  • You lock in the exchange rate at the time of order
  • Delivery or pickup often takes 1–3 business days
  • There may be a shipping fee or order minimum
  • You usually pay by bank transfer or debit card

For those living in the Atlanta metro, this can be useful if:

  • You’re planning a trip a week or more in advance
  • You’d like to compare rates and fees before committing
  • You don’t want to visit multiple branches to find one that stocks euros

Always confirm:

  • Total cost (rate + fees)
  • Delivery or pickup date
  • Security of delivery (signature required, ID required, etc.)

Using ATMs in Europe Instead of Buying Euros in Atlanta

Many Atlanta travelers skip large euro purchases in advance and withdraw money from ATMs once they land in Europe.

Why Some Travelers Prefer ATMs Abroad

  • Your bank may give an exchange rate that’s closer to the market rate
  • You can withdraw as needed, instead of carrying a large amount of cash
  • It can be cheaper than airport currency exchange in Atlanta or overseas

However, this depends on your bank’s international fees.

Call the number on the back of your debit card and ask:

  • “What fee do you charge for international ATM withdrawals?”
  • “Do you add a foreign transaction fee or percentage to the amount?”
  • “Is there a daily ATM withdrawal limit for international transactions?”

Backup Cash From Atlanta

Even if you plan to use ATMs, it is often wise to leave Atlanta with:

  • €50–€150 in cash, if possible, to cover:
    • A train or taxi from the airport in Europe
    • A small purchase where cards aren’t accepted
    • Situations where ATMs or card systems are temporarily unavailable

You can get this small amount either through your local bank in Atlanta or at ATL just before departure.

Comparing Your Euro Options in Atlanta

Use this simple overview to decide what fits your situation:

OptionBest ForTypical Costs & Considerations
Your bank in AtlantaPlanned trips (1+ week out)Often better rates than airport; small fees; may require account and advance order
Atlanta-area credit unionsMembers seeking good valueCompetitive rates; member-only; 3–7 days lead time common
ATL airport currency exchangeLast-minute cash before boardingVery convenient; often higher fees and weaker rates; good for small amounts
Online currency ordersPlanners who want to compare costsDelivery/pickup in a few days; shipping or service fees; rate locked at order time
ATMs in EuropeTech-comfortable travelers with timeDepends on your bank’s fees; can be cost-effective; need functioning card & PIN

Practical Steps for Someone in Atlanta

Here’s a straightforward sequence that works well for many Atlanta-based travelers:

  1. Check with your bank first

    • Call or visit your nearest major branch (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, etc.).
    • Ask about euro availability, timing, and all fees.
  2. Decide how much cash you actually need

    • Many places in Europe take cards, but cash can still be important for small vendors, markets, taxis, and tips.
    • Some Atlanta travelers carry a mix: a few hundred euros in cash plus credit/debit cards.
  3. Plan for emergencies

    • Keep at least one backup card separate from your main wallet.
    • Know your bank’s international customer service number before leaving Atlanta.
  4. Use the airport as a backup

    • If your bank can’t get euros in time, use ATL’s currency exchange for a small amount.
    • Then rely on ATMs or cards in Europe for the rest.

Key Takeaways for Getting Euros in Atlanta

  • Yes, you can get euros in Atlanta—through banks, credit unions, airport exchanges, online services, or overseas ATMs.
  • For most Atlanta residents, ordering euros from your regular bank in advance is the most balanced option in terms of cost and convenience.
  • Hartsfield‑Jackson International Airport is a practical backup for last‑minute cash, though usually at a higher cost.
  • Many travelers from Atlanta combine a small euro purchase here with card or ATM use in Europe to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

By choosing the option that matches your timing, budget, and comfort level, you can leave Atlanta with the euros—and peace of mind—you need for your trip.