us dollar

[babalicious]

i believe the exchange rate is really good at the moment, and i was thinking of buying some dollars for my holiday in september 2007, is this a good idea and where can i get the best exchange rate from?

[dzug]

No one can really say whether it's a good idea or not with any certainty. It's possible the exchange rate may get better still, it's possible it may worsen or it may stay roughly the same. You are gambling any way.

To buy $ cash Marks and Spencer generally have the best rates on the High Street. Only larger branches do foreign currency.

Some cheque cashing shops have gone into the BdeC business - their rates are worth checking if there's one near you that has.

[jno]

remember places that say 'no commission' will have worse rates; that's how they make their money. The other way round, places that do charge commission may have better rates but how good they are may depend on how much you want to change. Faffing around with a calculator and 16 different exchange rates can be more trouble than it's worth sometimes.

My guess is the dollar rate won't get much better (from your point of view) in the next 9 months and is more likely to get a bit worse, but remember the money will be in dollars in your purse rather than pounds earning interest in your bank, so it may not make much difference.

[Bigfellah]

Try Travelex on line (http://www.travelex.co.uk) - their rates are generally very favourable and no commission. You will have to pay with a switch card to avoid fees.

Another one is Currency exchange Corporation (http://www.cecltd.com) based in the west End of London. From past experience they will deliver to your office in London against cash payment.

They also have an office in Oakwood (Piccadilly Line) next to the Tube Station.

Good Luck.