Money Exchange
 

Hi,<BR><BR>Can anyone tell me where the best place is to exchange my American dollars into English pounds. The place to get the best rate, is it the airport or should I wait until I get there and go to a bank, or are the atm's the best place.<BR><BR>Any info would be greatly appreciated <BR>Thanks

You will find that most people on this site use their ATM card to get cash while on vacation. A lot of people take some pounds with them so they don't have to look for an ATM before they can take a train into London etc.. I always take around 200 pounds, my ATM card and a credit card. You can buy any pounds you want to take with you from most large banks such as BOA.

All the airports have ATM`s so why change money in advance?

We always take NO pounds with us and hit an ATM in the airport to pick up a little cash. This gets us started. We charge most things because we get the best exchange rate that way and hit the ATMs as needed for cash for incidentals. ATMS are everywhere, so we never have to look far for one. The trick is to make the time and money come out evenly so we don't end up bringing back many pounds. This year it didn't work out so well. We ended up bringing home a little over 15 pounds. Sounds like we need to go back to spend it! Don't want to waste it!

The main point of the previous posts is -- don't take any $$ (well a few if you want to use them in the US airport or on the plane for duty free - but credit cards work in both those places). Leave your money in your bank account at home and access it from ATMs (usually called cash points in the UK)

As far as ATM's just check with your bank and verify there will be no problem using your card overseas. I had a problem once, bu

Sorry, hit reply by mistake. I did have a problem using my ATM card once, but my friends card worked. I checked with the bank when I came home and they mentioned it was not activated to use overseas. I am not use if it is still that way with the ATM’s card today. However, I still check with the bank that I will be able to use the card in the country I am traveling. It’s better to be safe then sorry. It is much easier to use an ATM’s to get the local currency. You may find them at the airport near a Thomas Cook Exchange or some other exchange. Visa & /Master Card are accept in more establishments, then the American Express Card. The exchange rate is very good at this time for travel in the UK. Have a great trip.

Just to second the suggestions of others here. We always use the ATM at the airports on arrival. Do check with your bank concerning pin numbers etc. Bring a second card as backup in the event of a snafu. <BR>I find using my debit card very convenient. This is more economical that using a credit card and works quite effectively.<BR>