@gerrit Here, all beggers refuse food. They come to you asking x to buy something for their children, or say they were mugged and lost everything and havent eaten in days. You offer them food and they walk right out. Heck, I even offer the food I just bought for myself, and they refuse! I would never refuse a just-bought free chicken sandwich with free drinks! Specially if I was really hungry. Some don't even hide, they straight up ask money for alcohol.

@Daniel That's a good idea, but O.P. has to get through the embarassment first. Even though there's nothing to be embarassed about.

I've upvoted your answer, but I have to say this: "Sorry that you had to go through this, and sorry on behalf of people here who think it's funny or that you deserve this." <-- this bit is totally unnecessary. I haven't seen a single comment saying this is funny or saying that O.P. deserves it. And if any showed up, they seem to have been taken care of. This type of scam is very common, not only on this situation but with videogame items. And in other situations as well.

Thank you for your comment. I can see how that makes sense.

I really like how you re-used thw same asterisk a few times (3-4?). However, there are purchases that appear to benefict you personally, but will benefict you in your business. If you work from home, such an example would be a quite "top-of-the-line" gaming chair. A layman may think "why O.P. needs a gaming chair? To play at work?". When the truth is, it is a very comfortable chair and helps you be more productive as a side-effect. I don't know how the IRS would handle this. What is your opinion?

This may sound paranoid, but I recommend that you go to the Police! I'm Portuguese as well and I know how bad the system is. But trust me, you don't want anything with them. And, in case your life is put in danger, you already have an open case in the Police. Just make some preassure and they will help you. Go to the Police and give every single information you have to them. You did the right thing in asking here before taking any action.

The last tip works even with your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/friend/relative. It isn't just a good parenting tip: this is a life lesson! If someone is asked about something 'sensitive' and they get all defensive, something is wrong! This is the way I would proceed!

Oh no, I don't have any hurry. Why would I have any hurry?

Now the answer is "up-vote worthy"! It's an answer more focused on the real "business". Sadly, I've already marked an answer as accepted :/ And honestly, I dislike one of the sources, but that's another business.

@BrenBarn Now THAT is a totally different question. That you for improving A LOT the question

@BrenBarn It isn't and the country where I'm at actually matters. And the country I'm going to matters too. As such, I've reverted the edit.

I'm just asking about where I should make the currency exchange. You answered with legal stuff that have nothing to do with the question

Never though about that. But you do make a really important point that I've never though about. I have to have a full wallet, but I guess it might be the best. The negative side is if they refuse to exchange due to lack of Dollars. Which might happen.

This does answer to the question, but it has so much "bloat" that I dont care about. The ONLY thing that matters is this: "Most of these pages seem to say that if you must convert cash, converting it in the destination country is probably better." That's all I wanted to know, that's all I care about. And when I said "I'm thinking about moving to the USA.", I trully meant thinking. And if I do, I won't be alone. I will be at someone's house. And 1000€ is a lot of money. I'm paid 612.92€! Every month! So yes, it does matter for me.

@BrenBarn I will. But I won't get here. It's not worth it.

@BrenBarn I was thinking about 1000€ or a bit more. Here, it isn't a small amount. It may sound like scrap for some. Not here.