Travel Money (1 Viewer)

The experts such as Martin Lewis (his MSE currency comparison is great) and Simon Calder say the only two currencies you should buy before traveling are the USD and Euro. The rest you're better off buying from a BdC in the country you're visiting.

In Mexico last year and Jamaica the year before we would've been better off doing it at our hotel (2-4 Pesos and 20-30 JMD to the pound better off) However in the Jamaica during the last two weeks it was only a 4-5 JMD-£ better than here so wasn't worth it.

One thing you should take into account is that a lot of credit cards are far better than cash. If you think you can avoid paying in cash don't take much with you. You'll get charged a small fee but their rates will often beat anyone else's as long as you request to pay in the local currency not Sterling. If you're traveling through a few countries you should also consider the security aspect. If your cards get nicked it's a pain in the arse but at least you've still got your money! I often only take very little if any Euros away with me for England trips and have rarely visited an ATM.

One final point is look outside the box. If you've booked your holiday/trip through a particular travel agent that you're considering using again it's worth getting it from them, even if it's a few quid more expensive in the short term. After your trip go back in with feedback and pick up a few brochures. They'll remember you and will reward your loyalty. We always book through Thomson as they've looked after us.

CJ_covblaze said:

In Mexico last year and Jamaica the year before we would've been better off doing it at our hotel (2-4 Pesos and 20-30 JMD to the pound better off) However in the Jamaica during the last two weeks it was only a 4-5 JMD-£ better than here so wasn't worth it.

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Have you won the lottery and not told us? Mexico, two trips to Jamaica and England away games. I'll be lucky to afford a weekend in Bognor!

chiefdave said:

Have you won the lottery and not told us? Mexico, two trips to Jamaica and England away games. I'll be lucky to afford a weekend in Bognor!

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Lucky? Bognor? Not two words that go together are they?

I've always used the post office to get Euros, think they now do a pre paid card as well.

Online Sainsbury's was best for me.

Tesco are as good as any. Just checked online and Tesco are offering a slightly better rate than Sainsburys.

As I'm off to the US I've got myself a Post Office Credit Card for most of my spends.

Used Tesco last week for currency they were very decent and free next day delivery.

I don't get the point of the pre paid cards. Just use your debit or credit card. You get the bank rate not the travel exchange rate so it's better and there are loads of cards that do no foreign transaction fee now. For cash pre order it online, delivered straight to your house get the best exchange rates, as someone said above Martin Lewis has a comparison site for it the more you change the better the rate.
But I hardly take any cash now, credit card is safer as your covered for fraud, theft and pretty much everywhere takes it and you get the best exchange rate.

My missus insisted on taking out euros at Gatwick and got 300€ for £302. :/ Apparently only English people exchange money before going on holiday.

Liquid Gold said:

Travel Money: The best foreign exchange rates - Money Saving Expert

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This a really good tool. How much has this guy saved people throughout the years?

I have always used Tesco or m&s at the Ricoh, depends which one is better on the day

I have just used M and S at the Ricoh also.

Do you save that much by having it delivered?

Nearly always use Travelfx. You lock in at a price and can get it delivered or pick up at most ports or airports. And they normally offer about the top rates.

Have always used the wifes Norwich and Peterborough debit card as it is fee free. But they are in the process of closing all accounts.

Nick said:

I have just used M and S at the Ricoh also.

Do you save that much by having it delivered?

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I went to Tesco Bedworth one day last week and then M&S a couple of days later. Tesco is definitely a quicker service at M&S the young lad nearly short changed the couple in front of me. It looked to be a counting error where he nearly gave them 40euro less than they should've had. But Tesco is a better rate and not seen any errors there.

We always order online from Moneycorp and collect at the airport.