Where to buy Euros?

[filthiestfis]

I am going abroad in 3 weeks time and am wondering if it is better to buy my euros now or whether it wont make a difference to the value if I buy them closer to my time of travel?
Also, I understand that Tesco are cheaper than the post office and M&S but they apply a �5 charge to orders under �500. Since I am planning to exchange less than this amount shall I assume that M&S will offer the best deal?

[craft1948]

Well the Post Office don't have any charges for foreign currency so it just depends what rate is on offer.....

[Buenchico]

Rates change daily but it's unlikely that the rate will change significantly in your favour over the next three weeks. (If anything, it's likely to go the 'wrong' way).

M&S is probably your best bet but it won't be worth travelling miles to a branch with foreign exchange facilities if there's a post office just around the corner. (There won't be a lot of difference in the rates).

As has been stated countless times here on AB, the best way to get euros is usually to use a debit card (or credit card) at overseas ATMs. Even allowing for any charges involved, the exchange rate is usually good enough to provide you with a better deal than exchanging money before you travel.

Chris

[filthiestfis]

Yes Buenchico-but its too risky IMO to travel abroad with the idea of taking money out there using a debit card. I have had problems taking money out abroad before using debit/credit cards.

[leggysreturn]

depends where youre travelling to?
if tenerife for example theexchange rate today would be 111 euros for 100 pounds .
far better than m&s and debit crads and remember to check no commission.

the very best place to buy money in the uk are the cheque cashing shops.

they will pay you better than m&s and post office for certain.

i wouldnt want to depend on a card either as if stolen , damaged etc then wheres the cash ?

and even since chip and pin card fraud has increased in europe by 25 % ( outside of uk )



hope that helps ?

[hc4361]

Cash gets lost or stolen, too.

[Drisgirl]

We always use the Post Office.

[joannie10]

i either use Cheque Centre (rate has improved a little recently) or use card while abroad. I am not sure what problems you have had but often worth while giving your card provider a call before hand just to let them know you are planning on using it abroad.

[alavahalf]

Went to Fuerteventura last week...because I booked through Thomas Cook they promised to beat the best rate on the high street, plus another 1%... if I got my euros from them.
They did do that on the day...but when I got to Fuerteventura I found that I could get the same rate Thomas cook had given from a local shop for cash or cheque.
The rate was 1.09 euros for �1.

It's gone up dramatically in two weeks ...it's now 1.17

[filthiestfis]

Thank you all for your contributions!