Where should I go to get the UK currency before my travel?

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jizzi

I would go to a bank in the UK, do not get it at the airport. Check out the going rate on the net before you travel, I always used to use Barclays bank. If you have a credit card it may be cheaper to draw the money out at a cash point here in the UK.

mike_dromara

Airports in UK are notorious for gives poor rates. Sometimes as much as 15% below tha rate advertised in newspapers. Banks in the UK are no better. Where do you get a good deal in the UK?...you don't. Use a credit card and pay for your purchases back in your home country. Oh yes,,,,, welcome to Britain.

proofreadergirl

I get mine from Marks & Spencers. They don't charge commission and their rates are slightly better than the banks'. But have a wander round the banks first, and see what they charge.

Be careful about using your credit card abroad - I was charged Â£1.50 per transaction by Halifax, and I used it in several shops.

hevs

The Post Office. Any main Post Office in the UK should be able to change your money and you can usually change it back comission free if you don't spend it all too. Their rates for charging in the first place are as good as any I've found. You can also get travellers cheques from there too.

oilfieldinsultant

Alot of international airports have currency exchanges. Your local bank can get it for you provided you don't need to have it in hand immediately. Most banks can get it in 7 - 14 days depending on were you live. You will get your best exchange rate also thru a bank. You can also get it right at the airport in the UK. You will not get as much as you will from your bank, but were talking a difference of about 10 - 25 dollars a thousand. I traveled for 10-1/2 yrs. It's mainly what you will be comfortable with. If you want to do it at the airport in the UK. When you get off the plane just ask any airline personnel where the currency exchange is & they will be more than happy to tell you where it is. If you fly BA the flight attendant will more than likely be able to tell you where it is in the airport.

Mr Computer

Hi
I see you have had many answers However I will add a little more.
You do not say where you are travelling to., this can make a difference. I live in Spain so if you are travelling to Spain or their islands such as the Balearic's or Canaries take sterling and change your money there there are normally many places to do this, shops, Internet cafes, If you see a sign Cambio that means change, rates at these places may vary slightly so look around. Banks will charge a commission. While the UK bank rate is high other countries will want sterling. Also if you take money from a machine your bank will charge, if you use your credit card to pay for transactions you will get a better rate of exchange on your statement when you come to pay back in the UK. Remember there are two exchange rates Business and Tourist I believe that banks use business when working with credit cards, not sure on this but normally a better rate. Hope this was of some help enjoy your holiday

Yikes!

My bank 5th 3rd in Grand Rapids, MI has a foriegn currency exchange office. I traded currency before I let, but I also used Travelex in the airport to exchange pounds to euro and was pleased with them. Their fees were not that high.

catherine02116

If you would like to have a little cash in the local currency of the country to which you will be traveling, there are 2 sources in the United States that I have used. First , most commercial banks keep foreign currency and can exchange some for you. If your local branch doesn't have it, they can certainly get it within a few days.

AAA <American Automobile Association> offers currency from 100 countries. They require a minimum order of $300 and have a maximum order of $1500.

Both places have foreign currency travelers' checks available as well.

wwJad

if in UK use a post office if its currency to currency
otherwise use a bank card and take it from an ATM

kmcdonald

I am assuming you are from the US? If so, usually you can just withdraw pounds straight from an ATM (called cash point in the UK) using your debit card.

Ask your bank to make sure beforehand and to ask how they calculate the exchange rate - our bank's debit card exchanged at the current daily rate. Mastercard will add a 3% surcharge if you use a credit card.

PS - Do NOT use travelers' checks - 99% of most places will NOT take them. My parent's didn't believe me and ended up taking home all the traveler's checks they brought.

bovie

I'd go straight to the hole in the wall quite frankly. The rate is competitive, the service quick and the commission not too bad. You are better of course of getting the amount out as a single transaction rather than various small transactions.

Tzctlpc

Not the airport, they charge the biggest commissions.

Get just enough currency to get to your destination in the UK, then ask in your hotel for the closest Post Office, they echange currency and don't charge any comission.

Alternatively you can pull money from cash machines, but you must be careful since you bank back home may charge undully for this.

Ryder

go to the post office

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