Is it best to buy euros here in england or to get them in spain?

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zafir

The last thing you want on holiday is to worry about carrying a large amount of cash around with you.

So get your cash from an ATM, there are plenty of them, and it will also be much cheaper than going to a foreigh exchange bureau. Just make sure you use a Visa or Mastercard debit card, not a credit card.

rose1

Here in Spain, but hey the rate is so lousy at the moment it won't make a great difference! When will the UK change to the euro and make us all happy!!

The Tank

As a rule of thumb you will get a better rate when you buy your Euros abroad. This is mitigated because the banks charge a larger "commission" fee abroad than they do at home, and you also get stung for pure-greed levels os cashpoint use charges. This means that you shouldn't do it for small amounts or the better exchange rate is wiped out by bank charges.

If you're buying less than about ВЈ300 in a single go then you're probably best off going to Thomas Cook before you fly, because their exchange rate is among the best available and their charges are zero.

NEVER buy your currency at the airport or from a foreign cashpoint using a credit card unless it's a dire emergency. If you do you will get really well hammered with poor exchange rate and bank charges.
If you use a debit card in a foreign cashpoint the charges are lower but they still exist.

DO consider opening a Nationwide card account with a few hundred pounds in it especially for your holiday funds, because they are the only people who do not sting you with usage charges when you draw out money abroad from a cashpoint.

SUE

It probably doesn't make a lot of difference. You will pay about the same no matter what. If you have an ATM debit card, that is the most convenient way to get money, and you withdraw it in Spain...best rates, generally, and lowest fees, too.

Just stay away from anything that looks too much like a convenience place, and try to make sure you are getting the going rate...you should be getting about 1.27 or a little less for a pound. If they are trying to give you less than about 1.15, then move along to the next place.

eliotowen

I have lived in Tenerife for 14 years and have always given family and friends the same advice. Only buy enough Euros in the UK to cover your arrival and first few hours. When you get to where you're going, look around and ask the peole who are already there where the best exchange rate is given. It is always a better rate here, as much as 7 cents per pound, so if you come with 1000 pounds you can make 1000X7 cents extra to spend, which is 70 euros.
A fair amount you must agree

GrahamH

I am in Spain on and off for 6 moths of the year. I always take ВЈ and change them in the no commission money exchange shops. You will get about half way between the Bank and Tourist exchange rates (Bank = Bank to Bank, Tourist = Thomas Cook etc, difference between the two is 9 or 10 centimos). Do not change in a Spanish bank as they will charge commission. Similarly do not change in a hotel, you will simply get a lousy rate.

Papajoe

This question has been asked a million times here...! Why not doing a search with the "Search for questions" bar first?

Additionally, why don't you simply get your money from an ATM? That's the way to get the best exchange rate (banks amongst themselves always charge a lower rate).

Carousel

It really makes no difference if you are talking holiday money. You may be в‚¬5 euros better off one way or another. Just buy your euros before you leave. It will give you one less thing to think about.
I live in Spain

woodie

Yes its better to buy your euros in spain than in england as you will get a better rate.ps watch were you buy your euros make sure from rep or people in hotel who will advice you.

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