Buying currency at the airport vs the High Street

Hi all,

Need to get some US dollars for the trip next week. Normally I just buy an amount at the airport but I've never really stopped to consider what this is like for value-for-money. Are there any noticeable differences between the buy/sell rates you get at Natwest et al, and the kiosks to be found in LHR T3?

Cheers,

Darryl

Originally posted by slinky09
Airports are rubbish places for exchanging, but if you do then ordering in advance from Travellex seems best. I would never use American Expres, shocking rates [:0].

I usually take money out of cash machines abroad - but then I take a lot out (like $300 a time) to make the $1.50 fee still acceptable. And then since I travel a lot having foreign currency is always useful to me.

Bank with the Natiowide and your ATM withdrawls abroad are free.

I beleive M&S also offers good rates if buying in UK

I always order my currency online and then pick it up at the airport. Travelex do not charge commission and, they will refund the difference if you get a better rate elsewhere! I have just checked M&S for UAE and they weren't any better! Must depend on the currency. If you have cash, can you not order it and then pick it up?

Most UK banks have tie ins with US banks and offer free withdrawls from certain US cashpoints. I usually find the exchange rate doing this is usually pretty good and it is convenient as you dont have to mess around with travellers cheques

Originally posted by DWiles

Originally posted by slinky09
Airports are rubbish places for exchanging, but if you do then ordering in advance from Travellex seems best. I would never use American Expres, shocking rates [:0].

I usually take money out of cash machines abroad - but then I take a lot out (like $300 a time) to make the $1.50 fee still acceptable. And then since I travel a lot having foreign currency is always useful to me.

Bank with the Natiowide and your ATM withdrawls abroad are free.

This is the BEST way to do it.
Nationwide calculate the ex rate at the top rate so you don't lose a few % that way and they do not charge a transaction fee or a withdrawal fee.
I have a flex account and I use the debit card on that for cash withdrawals.
I also have a credit card which I use when I don't need to use cash.

Hi,

I got £1=$1.913 ( no commission) at Marks and Spencers in Edinburgh on Saturday ( travel agents were $1.85 or less.

Regards

TBS

Travelex buying online and pick up at airport is the best if you need the cash before you go. Also, they will match any other rate, either on-line or not, so go here http://www.thomasexchangeglobal.co.uk/ and you will see that they are almost 3 cents better. Just paste the link into an email to travelex and they refund the difference