US Dollars

[bubba gump]

Hey Guys,
Just wanted to pick the brains of people in the know!!
Going over to San Francisco soon and was thinking about getting some dollars before I went, but the best rate I can find is 1.75 from Thomas Exchange Global and I have checked on the Bank of America website and they are giving 1.86.
Is it advisable to change your money when your out there,is it simple to do like it is over here.
Also I do have a nationwide flex account card and a nationwide credit card so is it better to take them and a small amount of cash, do they charge you the best daily rate from the uk or the us??

Thanks in advance

[dzug]

Use your Nationwide cards - it will be the best daily rate regardless.

The Bank of America are not giving 1.86 - they are charging 1.86. I would guess they would give around 1.7

[beanebabe]

I would get your dollars ASAP the rate is going down very quickly. My OH is going in a few weeks and he is cursing not having got any sooner. The Post Office is usually pretty good for currency!

[bubba gump]

Forgive me for being stupid.........
but on the bank of america site when I put in that I want to change up �500 of Great Britain Pound it gives me at rate of 1.86 which = $935 where as if I do it oat the best rate over here it gives me exchange rate of 1.73 = $865 am i missing something cos i'm never really good with things like this!!!

[Young Foster]

Just back from San Francisco.
I would suggest you buy your Dollars here as it can be very difficult over there.
If you are thinking of going to Alcatraz, again I would advise you to book over here. When we arrived they were booked up for the next 9 days.
Young Foster

[bubba gump]

Thanks for that Young Foster.

I'm one step ahead of you cos so many people have told me about Alcatraz, so I booked my tickets online the other day as I didn't want to go all that way and miss out.

Anything else you could recommend, must see and do things?

[mark01]

Hi bubba - went over last august & like young foster left it too late to book tickets to Alcatraz - due to American tourist holiday month - should be easier in september though.

things to do (depends if your staying down town or near fishermans wharf).

Fishermans wharf is the place to be, nice restaurants, open air crab market ( they just knock up a crab for $20 in a small basket and a couple of spoons) sea lions, Pier 39 variety of shops, etc. All the boats big and small go from various quays along the promenade to Alcatraz and Golden Gate bridge.

Get cable car at Powell street (get a 3 day ticket - really cheap - get up early one day, say 7ish and ride all 3 lines - no one else on them apart from locals going to work)

China Town is a must, together with City Hall, tour of Pacific Bell park home of the Giants is good, guided tour of Grace Cathedral is interesting,trip to Castro and Haight Ashbury is a good day out by old fashioned trams from all over the world. theres the crooked roadway at Lombard street.

Down town Union Square has all the major department stores and has a terrific atmosphere.

The best tours I took was in an old vintage car tour that lasted 90 minutes or so (did all the sights seated 8-10 people - open sided with a fantastic guide who knew his stuff) I think it was called Mr Toads vintage car tour - leaves from waterfront fishermans wharf - well worth it.

Also I would recommend a sea plane tour which lasts about 15-20 minutes flys over the 2 bridges and Alcatraz, Downtown , Muir woods, etc. Can book tour via hotel - they taxi you to where the sea plane takes off and drops you back again after the flight - all very professional.

There are also helicopter trips over the bridges and Alcatraz.

Have a wonderful time!