If you’ve wrapped up a trip to Europe and ended up with leftover euros, you’re probably wondering how to turn that foreign cash back into US dollars without losing too much value or running into unexpected hassles. This article breaks down the real-world process of exchanging euros for dollars in the US, highlights the potential fees and restrictions, and shares insights from personal experience, expert commentary, and official sources. I’ll also compare how different countries handle “verified trade” in currency exchange, and share a case study that reveals the sometimes surprising realities behind those airport exchange booths.
Let’s be honest: most of us stash leftover euros in a drawer, promising ourselves we’ll use them “next time.” But what if you actually want your dollars back now? The process sounds simple—find a bank or exchange and swap the bills—but as I learned the hard way, the reality is a mix of outdated rules, hidden fees, and a sprinkle of luck depending on where you live. I’ll walk you through my own attempts, what went wrong, and what finally worked—plus, I’ll dig into how the US system compares to Europe’s and where the real friction points are.
The US doesn’t have national legislation that restricts personal foreign currency exchanges, but individual banks and money service businesses (MSBs) must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) rules under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), enforced by FinCEN. Transactions over $10,000 are subject to reporting, but for typical travelers, this isn’t an issue. Some states (like New York and California) require currency exchangers to be licensed and registered.
Official guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns consumers to compare rates and fees and notes that not all banks will process foreign currency exchanges for non-account holders.
| Country | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcement Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR) | Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) | FinCEN |
| European Union | Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) | EU AML Directives (latest: 6AMLD) | National Financial Intelligence Units |
| Canada | Currency Reporting Regulations | Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act | FINTRAC |
For more detail, see the FATF country compliance list.
On my last trip, I returned from Paris with about 300 euros. My first stop was a local credit union—no dice, they only handle dollars. At Chase, the teller said, “We can only accept euros at our downtown branch, and only if you have a business account.” Eventually, at Wells Fargo, I managed to exchange the notes—at a rate roughly 5% below what Google showed as the “official” rate, plus a $7 fee. When I asked why, the branch manager shrugged: “We have to cover our processing and shipping costs. Plus, the rates come from our corporate desk in Charlotte.”
I reached out to a regional FX manager at a major US bank (who asked not to be named). She confirmed: “Retail foreign currency is a tiny part of our business. The costs of handling, risk, and compliance are high, so the rates are not consumer-friendly. If you want a better rate, use a European ATM before you leave or spend the cash abroad.”
If you’re looking to convert leftover euros to US dollars after a trip, yes, it’s possible—but not always easy or cheap. The process depends heavily on your bank’s policies, the amount you have, and your willingness to comparison shop. The US regulatory environment is generally traveler-friendly, but the patchwork of bank rules and fee structures often creates confusion. My advice: use up as much foreign cash as you can before flying home, check your own bank’s buyback policy in advance, and don’t expect to get the exact “market rate” you see online.
For larger amounts, consider specialized online FX services, but always verify their licensing (see FinCEN’s MSB registry). And if you’re left with a handful of euro coins? Keep them as souvenirs—or pass them on to a friend headed to Europe.
Next steps? Try a small test exchange at your local bank before your next trip. And if you stumble into a great rate, let me know—because after my last round of euro-to-dollar swaps, I’m still hunting for the perfect deal.