Transferring money from Canada to Germany

Hello all, this issue really caught my attention when I picked up a few (500) euro's for a trip to Ireland. The exchange rate I was given for Canadian $ to the Euro was alomst 4% worse than the current "spot" rate. Its not a huge deal on 500 euro's, but if I am going to transfer a few thousand to a German bank account it will make a pretty big difference.
I am moving to Munich in April, and had planned on exchanging a few thousand dollars into euro's when I arrived in Munich.
So is it a good idea to transfer a large amount into euro's, all at once, when I get a bank account in Germany?
And is there a good way of doing it that will give me a better exchange rate, ect.?
Thanks!

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a search for Money Transfer may throw up some useful ideas

BR beat me to it.

This thread looks promising: International money transfer. Looking for cheap method.

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Type a bit more slowly, will you, I can't read that fast!

Heh heh thanks guys, I had taken a look around, but I guess searching is an art form!

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