V-Flyer

I haven't used this service since my journeys originate in Ireland but my nephew who is based in the UK is joining me on our jaunt to South Africa. Am I correct in thinking that Travelex, if pre-ordered offers the best exchange rate and am I correct in thinking there is a difference between the rate offered landside and that offered airside? Or am I having both a blonde and senior moment?

Good question, the answer to which I am interested to hear. A friend has recommended their pre-loaded plastic as well but reading the site I am far from convinced.

Unless you want to go out of your way to somewhere like Victoria station, you get the best rates by booking online and picking up landside. Don't forget your 0.5% cashback on Quidco too!

Not sure about the rates landside and airside, but if you don't book it in advance you have to pay commission anyway.

Yep you get the best rate pre paying, and picking airside (dont know why that is) and again you can use quico and get cashback, or use Virgin Atlantic Shop and get 1 mile per 5.

every mile counts

You get the best rate by ordering online but you cant get BAA Worldpoints for ordering on-line.

Collections at LHR are all pre security - just opposite the lift and entrance to the private security channel.

I don't think the land / airside rates are different.

I wasn't very organised last week so just bought at LHR but they automatically charged me for buy-back but qickly chnaged that into $ when I objected - the chap didnlot even ask if I wanted it!

The only problem I find with ordering via Travelex online, is that you can only order an amount that is under your daily withdrawal/cash advance limit on your bank debit card, so if you want to order a large amount, you can't.

I needed to pick up a large sum of dollars a few years ago, ordering on line and picking up at the airport was the best way to do it. I spoke to an agent on the phone at Travelex and they were able to place 2 separate orders on consecutive days for me, both were in excess of my daily cash withdrawal amount and it went through fine.

Generally I find Thomson Exchange best for rates these days, can collect from their bureau in Maddox Street off Regent Street or Bishopsgate or have it delivered via Royal Mail Special Delivery.

Bear in mind though on travel money, people do seem to get very hung up on rates, if only ordering a small amount of foreign currency it can make little difference, more worthwhile to make sure you avoid any commission fees

A very good little site from MoneySupermarket.
http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/holiday-money/
Compares loads of people and gives you rates for delivered and pick up.

quote:Originally posted by tontybear

Collections at LHR are all pre security




Not correct, I always pick up airside at the BA south lounge pavilion Travelex,no BA miles but a better rate and quidco.

I use Caxton card - good rates, $ on pin protected mastercard.

They do a euro card as well.

http://www.caxtonfxcard.com

But yes, the TOTAL cost is important - not just 'no commission etc' offers.

quote:Originally posted by jaguarpig
quote:Originally posted by tontybear

Collections at LHR are all pre security




Not correct, I always pick up airside at the BA south lounge pavilion Travelex,no BA miles but a better rate and quidco.


I meant it to read for T3

Last time I used travelex I pre-ordered, went through security and realised I hadn't picked up my money! [:I] Luckily the helpful lady went back to the landside desk to get the paperwork!

Just a reminder to everyone, if your traveling to Las Vegas most of the major casinos will quite happily exchange your pounds for dollars at the real exchange rate without charging a commission.

quote:Originally posted by stevebrass
I use Caxton card - good rates, $ on pin protected mastercard.

They do a euro card as well.

http://www.caxtonfxcard.com

But yes, the TOTAL cost is important - not just 'no commission etc' offers.


I like the look of this card. Could avoid the double charging used on CCs.