Ordering foreign currency

snips86x · 7 Sep 2017 at 09:23

It's been quite some time since I last did this (purchased foreign currency) but since I'm driving to Italy next week, I should probably think about buying some Euros. We've got a lot of travelers here so looking for the best place to purchase Euros.

Where would you suggest?

Azza · 7 Sep 2017 at 09:36

Comapre here - http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/

Tesco is usually pretty decent.

Grab a Halifax Clarity as well - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/travel-credit-cards

wedrum · 7 Sep 2017 at 09:46

thomas cook have been good, order online for store collection to get the best rate.

tiffanys · 7 Sep 2017 at 09:46

sainsburys if you have a nectar card you get a decent rate.

413x · 7 Sep 2017 at 09:48

Revolut card! No credit check or anything like that it's like a cash card.
200 pounds of free atm cash withdrawal per calendar month too
Gets the interbank rate!

Rotty · 7 Sep 2017 at 09:53

if you need it in cash before going Thomas Exchange Global and ICE are usually best

Having said that I use Travelex online, then get them to pricematch one of above as this way I get airmiles too

snips86x · 7 Sep 2017 at 10:03

I don't like the idea of a credit card personally but I appreciate the suggestion. As for Thomas Exchange, there aren't any branches local to me. It looks like it'll either be postal order or using Post Office. If my brother and I buy together, it seems we can get a rate of 1.077

VincentHanna · 7 Sep 2017 at 10:42

I use my clarity card for everything in Europe, including taking money out at ATMs.

Jean-F · 7 Sep 2017 at 11:28

VincentHanna said:
I use my clarity card for everything in Europe, including taking money out at ATMs.

As do I, and in the U.S. too, good rates and terms.
Buying cash before you go I guess depends on where you live, there are two places that I use, Thomas Exchange, Bishopsgate, London EC2, and Thomas Global Exchange, (apparently separate companies), Wormwood St. EC2, and Liverpool St. EC2, both give excellent rates, and are normally only 5c to 10c different on euros and dollars.
I have two German grandsons, and I usually put a €20 note in their birthday cards, for these I'll use Tesco or the P.O., both inferior in rates to the two places I mentioned, but I'm not inclined to take a 15 minute each way bus ride to the City to save €1.50 or €1.75.