Sofi

Hi all. I'm going home to England for a few weeks for a holiday. I'm going to have to convert some dollars into sterling. I was wondering if anybody has any idea where it would be better to do this....here or once I get home?

I'll bring you some Blackpool rock if you help me!

Thanks

Ray

probably there ..more demand for dollars ..than here for pounds

BritishGuy36

It doesn't matter where you do it, your money is getting cut in half either way.

Sofi

Blackpool rock on its way to you! . Thanks

Kali-forniarrr

do they still use scissors as customs for that?

NC Penguin

I'm not sure if this is still true but Marks and Spencers branches that had bureau de change used to offer the best exchange rate and possibly no commission charges.

surly

Use an ATM machine.
Check with your bank before you go, make sure you have the money in your checking account. I found out that European banks don't have the option to withdraw from savings.

Manc

I'd try a bank.

they're usually good with money stuffs.

NC Penguin

Now, that's the question. Would the overall exchange rate be better at a bureau de change that doesn't charge commission versus withdrawing from your US current/checking account when the bank charges a "convenience fee" (or whatever it's called)?

Any ideas?

Sofi

Thanks everybody. I appreciate the advice

My first trip home since I got here in February. I've already made a mental list of everything I'm going to eat. Fish and chips is currently at the top of the list.....

surly

I was in Italy and France last year and used ATMs exclusively. They did charge a small fee, I can't remember how much, but it wasn't enough to cause concern. The convenience outweighs the cost IMO. In France you can withdraw money in the Post Office.

meauxna

5 bux at a lot of banks now.. rip off! You have to pull out enough money to make the $5 worth it. grrrr.

Bluegrass Lass

Whew! Most I've seen here is $3. Not sure what the fees are overseas..

surly

I don't remember how much, but it was a percentage fee, 1% I think but I'm not certain.
You're going to get burned one way or another, either with fees or a lousy exchange rate. On vacation I don't want to waste time looking around.

Bob

It's usually a percentage or a fixed amount, which ever is more...just check that the cashpoint over there doesn't charge etc fee...