Changing cash - pounds to dollars
Dec 13th 2008, 4:23 pm
#1
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Changing cash - pounds to dollars
When I came back from a trip to England in August I had about £300 in pounds cash but wasn't worried as I had another trip planned in November. 300 quid would do me nicely for beer money and a suitcase full of chocolate hobnobs.
BUT when November came I couldn't find my sterling cash stash. I searched everywhere but had to go without it. Now, today Mrs G1ant turned up the money. Its no good to me in pounds, where can I change it into dollars? Do normal banks to foreign exchange? Will I have to go and find one of the bigger banks in the big city?
Any ideas?
BUT when November came I couldn't find my sterling cash stash. I searched everywhere but had to go without it. Now, today Mrs G1ant turned up the money. Its no good to me in pounds, where can I change it into dollars? Do normal banks to foreign exchange? Will I have to go and find one of the bigger banks in the big city?
Any ideas?
Dec 13th 2008, 4:29 pm
#2
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
In my experience, US bank branch employees will react to foreign currency as if it's covered with anthrax. Big cities with a lot of international visitors will have currency exchange shops in the touristy areas, but ordinary banks will probably be clueless. You might have to head to the big city, but call a few banks near you first just in case it's your lucky day.
Dec 13th 2008, 4:30 pm
#3
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
Google is your friend. Seems to be a few places nearby.
http://maps.google.com/maps?client=s...e-results&cd=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?client=s...e-results&cd=1
Dec 13th 2008, 8:43 pm
#4
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
I'd hang on to it for the mo,if you can that is,exchange rate not brilliant or find a Brit going home and ask for a good exchange rate from them.
Dec 13th 2008, 8:58 pm
#5
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
your normal branch can probably do it - just might prefer lots of notice - but no biggie if your in no particular hurry!
Dec 13th 2008, 9:42 pm
#6
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
$1.31 to the pound (plus a $5 service! charge). I came out dollars richer but with a feeling of being well shafted.
Dec 14th 2008, 12:03 am
#7
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
Dec 14th 2008, 1:38 pm
#8
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Dec 14th 2008, 2:31 pm
#9
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
made your eyes water huh??!! 
Dec 14th 2008, 3:48 pm
#10
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Re: Changing cash - pounds to dollars
Sorry about the pain. That's the real problem with the airport exchanges--the rates are just god awful. I've had slightly better rates at Amex exchanges, but at present I just keep all my currencies in a safe and pull them out as travel dictates.
Who knows, the way the pound is going, you might have been ahead of the curve. In a few months you'll be begging for this sort of rate.
Who knows, the way the pound is going, you might have been ahead of the curve. In a few months you'll be begging for this sort of rate.
