mymatemarmite

We fly home in a week and as ever I left this stuff really last minute!

Have done a quick search on the internet but not sure what's the best value - so any recommendations on changing dollars into pounds (substantial amount $1000-1500), or maybe I should transfer into my British bank account (Bank of America - HSBC)

We're in LA, if that makes any difference

Thanks

denzil75

We never bother changing any money when we go back. We just use our HSBC US debit card to withdraw cash when we get to the UK. Having said that we don't get charged by HSBC for making international withdrawals but I know some banks do. I've also transferred money from our US to UK account, again free with HSBC. Lots of people on here have used Xe.com to transfer money to the UK so I'm sure someone will be along to tell you more about this.

Ash UK/US

We are going to Vancouver Canada for a couple of days so we wanted some CAN$ just for incidentals (taxi etc), I went into my bank, Fifth Third, the exchange rate was ok however they did not charge me any change over fees.

penguinsix

I just use my US debit card in the UK whenever I need money. You need to check if there is a fee but it's really quite a bit easier than walking around with £1000 cash and whatnot. I generally pay a pretty good rate from the bank rather than the tourist rate you'll get at walk up shops.

In the end factor in the difference. If you get say .03¢ better at one place but are only exchanging $1,000 US than you are talking a difference of about £15 overall. You'll probably spend that in tube fares or gasoline just running around trying to find a better exchange shop, not to mention the time and hassle. Just easier to use the ATM and be done with it.

But do check your bank and see if there are any hidden fees.

mymatemarmite

that's a good point about the false economy actually!

Will check with our bank - thanks!

blinkgoddess

Bank of America will allow withdrawls at Barclay's cash points without any fee

md95065

Is that really without any fee? I know they waive the "non BofA ATM fee" but I thought they still slapped on a foreign exchange fee ...

Bob

Barclays own a chunk of BoA, so it is one advantage they offer. As the OP banks with HSBC, it might only be useful if HSBC let them use a Barclays cashpoint without charge, but they'd probably end up with a exchange fee.

blinkgoddess

If I use my ATM debit card (BOA) to make a purchase in the uk, they charge a 3% fee. But using a Barclays ATM there's never been any fee at all. I was shocked too

blinkgoddess

OP said they could make a Bank of America to HSBC transfer so I assumed they had a BOA account.