Have you read Rick Steves money tips?

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm

I already bought some Euros so I would have them on arrival. Since I'm arriving a day early, I'll have to take cab to hotel, buy meals that day, etc. I had to go to the main branch of our bank - our local branch told me that I would have to order the Euros and it would take a week to 10 days to get them.

You'll get the best deal by changing dollar bills when you get there. And hotels etc. will be happy to accept dollars directly.

Thanks Agilita, good suggestion.

I've also purchased some Euros already, but I don't like to carry a lot of cash which is why I was hoping I could buy them as needed in Europe. My bank (Bank of America) tells me Visa hits you with a 3% surcharge for using the check card in Europe.

BOA also claims I can order Euros from them and have them in a couple of days (Kathy ordered some a couple days ago, so we'll see).

If you do use the ATMs, be aware that here they often have only numbers, not letters, so if you are used to using a word, you'll have to be sure of the numbers corresponding to your letters!!

We tend to use the credit card for meals and things, and debit card for getting cash for lunch and incidentals thus minimizing the cash withdrawals. We're based in Europe and travel in both Europe and Canada /USA - this system words well for us and the fees we pay are less than what you pay in commissions for conversions at banks or other institutions.

I wouldn't ever use the visa for cash withdrawals, only the debit card.