Ordering currency from a bank

Phate · 2 Apr 2007 at 00:34

Hi people

Now I need to think about getting X amount of £'s worth of dollars.

Whats going to be the best way to do this so I get the best rate?

The current exchange is 1.97, seems like a good time as I'm off on holiday on the 20th of this month, turns out I can do it online with Llloyds through internet banking.

Would this be a good place to do it? or should I get the cash from somewhere else?

Bank can give me an exchange rate of 1.87, and it says it's comission free.

Getting the money over in the states isn't an option.

Many Thanks

Phate

calnen · 2 Apr 2007 at 00:35

Most cities will have a few specaialist exchange places. Shop around - sometimes your bank will give the best rate, sometimes it'll be a travel agent or something.

ste_bla · 2 Apr 2007 at 01:57

Travelex have always given the best rates for when i've looked around

Home Del or Airport Pickup and no fees (well might be for smaller amounts as always £1k+)

NokkonWud · 2 Apr 2007 at 02:40

Phone the US and see what the rate back-over is there, on the odd occassion you can make even more.

jhmaeng · 2 Apr 2007 at 03:17

Drop by your local M&S to see whether they can get you a better rate. I usually find that M&S is very good for foreign currency.

Efour · 2 Apr 2007 at 03:20

I always just use my cashcard/credit card abroad.

natwest gold account dunno the exchange rate

that really dosn't help does it.

Post office? they are commission free but crap rates. Any free place will have worse rates.

singist · 2 Apr 2007 at 10:35

Check out your main Post Office for commission free rates.

calnen · 2 Apr 2007 at 10:36

Efour2 said:
I always just use my cashcard/credit card abroad.

natwest gold account dunno the exchange rate

that really dosn't help does it.

Post office? they are commission free but crap rates. Any free place will have worse rates.

Most normal accounts will charge a set fee for using your card abroad.

Samtheman1k · 2 Apr 2007 at 10:37

jhmaeng said:
Drop by your local M&S to see whether they can get you a better rate. I usually find that M&S is very good for foreign currency.

I found that too. Also, if you are after a lot (i.e. >£1k), then ask them what rate they will give you, and they should offer you a slightly better rate.

Samtheman1k · 2 Apr 2007 at 10:38

calnen said:
Most normal accounts will charge a set fee for using your card abroad.

Nationwide don't!