Euros

[Dusty Bin]

Where can I get the best exchange deal for euros before I travel to Spain next month?

[Buenchico]

This question comes up frequently. There seems to be some consensus that the best way to get your Euros is to use your debit or credit card in a Spanish ATM. (You'll get the best deal if you've got a bank account which doesn't charge for overseas withdrawals, such as a Nationwide FlexAccount, but even allowing for any charges it's still probably better to use an ATM than to use any UK bureau de change)

However, that doesn't actually answer your question. If you want to get some Euros before you travel, the most frequently recommended source is Marks & Spencers. If your local M&S doesn't offer exchange facilities, the next most popular place is probably your local Post Office.

Chris

[sense4all]

You can check out their exchange rate on the web site

http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default. asp?PageID=Home&Product=TM

post office too, check out their foreign money cards too :

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/foreigne xchange?type=buy&pageId=fex_main&catId=1930021 0

[Hammer]

I did some research a couple of weeks ago for my holiday. First Direct gave the best rate and delivered free to your house. I think people 'trust' M&S and the Post Office which is why they often get recommended, but their rates are far from the best.

Thomas Cook online offer to match the best quote you get and refund the difference if you can be bothered to write to them afterwards. I got a quote from First Direct, bought with Thomas Cook and claimed under their offer - still waiting to hear from them though....

[driverdale1]

i askd a simlar question b4 i went to majorca 4 weeks a go and got all sorts of answers..i ended up changing my money here in the uk at 1.43 euro to the pound, when we got there you were getting 1.45 no commision not much more but w did change 1500 quid..so we woulda been a few quid up if we. waited.

[Dusty Bin]

Thanks to all of the above AB-ers!

To answer some of the above :-

I'm not a Nationwide customer so don't have a Nationwide Flex Account debit card;

nor am I a customer of First Direct;

and where abroad, say Majorca, is the best place to exchange if I should wait until I get over there?

I understand the hotels are not competitive, banks are more reliable, but is there anywhere better than both?

:)

[filthiestfis]

I asked the same question to ABers a few months ago before flying to Dubai and was told pretty much the same thing; take the money you need out using an ATM, however, while I was out there, I had problems doing so. I tried several ATMs and all were refusing me cash. It turns out that I was trying to take out more than the �250 equivalent daily limit. The bank called my UK phone number and I was informed that they thought it was fraud. I had to ring them from Dubai and speak to an advisor, telling them that I indeed was in Dubai and my card hadn't been stolen!

[Dusty Bin]

From a bit of searching I've found that today Thomas Cook will offer me 1.39 Euros to the pound, as will Going Places, my bank (LloydsTSB) 1.40 and the best rate I can find is M&S at 1.41 euros to the pound.

Does anyone know of a better deal?

[Dusty Bin]

Palma Nova

[Dusty Bin]

Only 1.40 at the Post Office (just checked).

M&S is till the best rate I've found.

Is there a comparison website for exchange rates?

[Dusty Bin]

Too true, legend. Too true :-(

[leg_end758]

exchange rate in tenerife today is 1.44 but you can get 1.445 if youre cashing �1000.
in general the euro hasnt dropped lower than 1.42 in the last year and usually hovers around 1.44 to 1.45 in tenerife and mainland should be similar .

[Dusty Bin]

I can find a 1.44 rate on the web (travelex.com), but would the rate be better in Majorca if I wait to exchange until I get there?