Best places to get currency out

[manwithnoname]

I normally use the Post office. I would recommend using an ATM in the USA, my bank would let me take out money for nothing and it had reasonable exchange rate. Got money out in US, Australia, Italy, Ireland, France, Holand and Belgium but when I came back from Spain they told me I would be charged an additional fee for transaction via ATMs worldwide ... I hate my bank

Just checked out the Euro rates
PO: 1.3975
M&S: 1.417

Sorry the Euro rates were for my benefit - on the move later this month, US dollar rates:
PO:1.8363
M&S: 1.856

[chrestomanci]

If you have a Nationwide credit card to go with that bank account, they won't surcharge you when you use your card in shops, though if you use an ATM, you will still get stung by the 1.5% that VISA charges on all cash advances. ATMs are still good value though because that is 1.5% on top of an extremenly good exchange rate. (The one VISA gets for shifting billions arround the globe)

My advice would be to get a small ammount here for use at the airport, and get more when you need it from an ATM, but to make the bulk of your purchaces on your credit card.

[Merlin4458]

If you have a Nationwide credit card to go with that bank account, they won't surcharge you when you use your card in shops, though if you use an ATM, you will still get stung by the 1.5% that VISA charges on all cash advances. ATMs are still good value though because that is 1.5% on top of an extremenly good exchange rate. (The one VISA gets for shifting billions arround the globe)

My advice would be to get a small ammount here for use at the airport, and get more when you need it from an ATM, but to make the bulk of your purchaces on your credit card.

sorry m8, im a bit confused, i got a flexaccount with nationwide. Will they charge me if iwithdraw from ATM's in USA>

[moogle]

my dad always uses m&s to convert cash when going on holiday, especially when we go usa. last time he bought at an exchange rate of $1.68 to £1, but when we got to new york we went into an american express and he got an exchange rate of $1.74 to £1 so it was much better bringing some £££'s into the US to convert.
have a safe flight.

[Butcher]

sorry m8, im a bit confused, i got a flexaccount with nationwide. Will they charge me if iwithdraw from ATM's in USA>

No, there's no surcharge for withdrawls from your flexaccount in the US, only if you draw money on a credit card.

[Jonny]

I just got $600 out today, paid £320.

That was from Hays Travel in Newcastle.

Most places work out about the same and will price match. Word of warning though - if you pay for your dollars with a card (at least, with a Visa anyway) then you get charged 1.5%.

I had to withdraw cash from bank and then exchange.

[elbows]

I can clarify that a Nationwide Flexaccount (their current account) does not charge commision when you use a foreign ATM and it doesn't 'load' the exchange rate. It gives to the proper rate, not some rubbish tourist rate. I've been taking my Flexaccount card on holiday for over 15 years now and must have saved hundreds of pounds! And (BONUS), a Nationwide Credit card has the same terms (except for cash withdrawals).

For a frequent traveller, it's a no-brainer....

[Taz]

I travel nearly every week to different parts of the world and I always use Travelex at the airport. I also get extra BA miles at Travelex. I never buy too much foreign currency and only buy enough for a few days and then use ATM's at my destination.

Also, be very careful of using a credit card. You might get hit with interest on top of a handling fee. I always use my bank debit card for FX.

I've once used Travelex online and did a pick-up at the terminal of my departure airport and found the exchange rate slightly better. However, on sums of £500 of FX, I think you'll find that the variations will be around £10.