Money Exchange

[fruitsalad]

Where is the best place to pick up some euros, or is everywhere about the same

[Atheist]

If you're talking about cash for a holiday, then I expect it's not important. Big bucks would be different.

[fruitsalad]

Yes Atheist, cash for a holiday.

[Atheist]

You'll probably get cleverer advice here, but I doubt if there's much variation in the rate for small amounts. I use my Natwest for ease of use, even though it's not the best rate, but I only do a couple of thou at a time.

[douglas9401]

Why Mr Bond, so nonchalant.

[Atheist]

It's enough for half an hour at the tables and a shaken not stirred. Are you a Fettesian by any chance?

[douglas9401]

What an odd question. Are you looking to borrow a tie?

[Atheist]

Always comes in useful in my line of work. One must look the part.

[Buenchico]

I'm usually happy enough just to use my debit card abroad, so I rarely buy euros. However the Post Office usually has reasonably good rates for the fairly small amounts that I might need. (If, say, I found that M&S was offering slightly better rates - as it often does - by the time I'd spent about £7 or £8 to drive into Ipswich and to pay for parking, I'd be no better off than simply calling into my local post office).

If you intend to buy a relatively large amount of euros though, the best rate will depend upon
(a) the actual amount that you want to exchange ;
(b) how soon you want your money ; and
(c) the way that you want to receive your money. (The best rates of all are often with those firms that don't have a High Street presence, where you order your money online and it's delivered to your door).

The calculator here will show you the best options available:
https://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/

[diddlydo]

Unless you're talking loads of money just take your debit card abroad and use the local ATMs

[Hopkirk]

Not at the airport.

[malagabob]

A lot of people use cards like Revolute, Halifax Clarity, to get better rates, whilst away. PO gives the worst rate, inc Euro cash outlets. I’ve ordered at John Lewis before for free delivery. If your in or near London some better outlets available.
I’ve used my Santander Zero card at a Santander atm whilst away to get fee free no conversion fee.

[theshedman]

In our town the best rates are nearly always to buy online from Tui and then pick up in store. The online rate is always better than the instore rate. The Post Office and Hays are usually the worse rate here. As others have said never buy at the airport unless you have to as it's never good there.