American Dollars

[Eastender]

Hi anyone know what the going rate is, pounds into american dollars.  And is it cheaper to change up and get them in the bank or post office.  thanks

[luckystrike]

From oanda.com:

1 US Dollar = 0.56389 British Pounds
1 British Pound (GBP) = 1.77340 US Dollars (USD)

Not all banks will offer the same rate, and it most certainly will be worse than the figures above.

Post office rates are worse again, but they don't charge commission.

When I buy currency, I get it from the branch of my local bank, and just flash my student card for commisson-free transactions!

[metagirl]

its around/average of 1.8.

I just went a couple weeks ago and can honestly say to wait until you get there and just withdraw money from an ATM - make sure your debit card has a CIRRUS symbol or VISA (i believe you can check w/ your bank to see if your debit card is OK to use in the USA). Your bank will charge you for this priveledge however - I found that out when I got back! But, you do get the best exchange rate if you do it this way. To get around the fees, try taking out as much cash as you can in one go.

Have fun!

[Woodsz]

Try this  http://www.xe.com/ucc/

[pega]

i agree with what has been said, post office don't charge commission but poor rate I got some from post office last week and when I did conversion rate for amount I'd pay �8 more than the dollars I got from post office bank do charge commission but would probably give you a better rate, I would take some dollars with you as may need them at airport or for transport from an airport. I've used the ATM machines in N.Y and been OK bank do charge about �3. no machines on street like here they are inside banks Have a good trip.

[Courtney Cox]

I shopped around for $US in August and the best rate offered on the high street was Thomson travel agents, and they didn't charge a commission.

Before I found Thomson's rate I haggled with a couple of the high street banks and they actually offered me a better rate than than the one advertised at the counter!

[smurfchops]

Marks and Spencer don't charge commission either, neither do some of the travel agents like Going Places but check their rate first.