My co-hort traveler was told that we should think about getting some pounds now, prior to our September trip to London. Is this true??

No.

If you have an ATM card, you'd be better served to get pounds when you arrive in London. I looked into getting Euros here last time I went to Europe and it was ridiculous what they charged as a service fee, and the exchange rate itself was pitiful.

I got about 100 dollars worth just because I didn't want to have to find an ATM right off the plane with jetlag and all. And sometimes the machines are down and it's a hassle to look around for another. But you really don't need to do this if it's inconvenient for you to find a bank that does international currency. Your ATM card will work fine in London.

beany

There are several ATMs as soon as you get out of Customs in the London Heathrow airport (one is bound to work), plus (as a back-up) a Travelex exchange bureau. And you can use your credit card to buy tickets for the Heathrow Express, for the Airport Bus (and probably for a taxi if you chose to take this expensive option). I almost never bother to get funds in advance of a trip. (I do, however, check the airport's website, which often has a map showing you where the ATMs and F/X bureaux are).

Hi Luv,

I change about $100 at the airport before I depart and use ATM's after I arrive.

Check with your bank about fees for foreign exchange.

I do what Beany & Ira do (get about 100 GBP before I go) but are you asking NOW as in May (for a Sept. trip??) Is there an exchange rate issue underlying this question?

Mclaurie:
Not that I know of. I think the reasoning was because of the GBP being closer to a USD. BUT what do I know. I am freaked out at the thought of exchanging money. Never had to on a cruise!! (sigh)I am sure it's not that hard.

If you played even a nickel slot machine even once on those cruises, believe me, you have "changed money"...you put some in and (often) get less out!

Do you know if Gatwick airport also has ATM machines to exchange? Also, since we plan on staying in Bed & Breakfast places do we need cash?

Yes, there are ATMs at Gatwick. Many B&Bs, but not all, require cash.

If you're travelling with George Soros take his advice. If not, wait until you get there.

There are many ATMs at gatwick. Do a google search Gatwick ATM. Or www.mastercard.com www.visa.com

You won't have to exchange the money. The ATM spits out pounds for you and when you get home you get your statement with it subtracted in dollars. Very good exchange rate, too. Check your bank for fees on this, but mine were not much more than using the ATM at home.

If this sounds like basic info, honestly I'm not being sarcastic. The last time I went overseas was before ATMs and I had a lot of questions about how they would work. It really is slick and is much better than exchanging cash or fussing with lots of money in traveler's checks. Your credit card will give a great rate also.

Beany

I have a B&B in Wales asking for a 30- pound cheque to reserve our room. Does anyone know a cost-efficient way to do this from the US? Am. Express is too much!

Using ATMs must get expensive as well, but at least you don't have to carry that much cash at one time.

ATMs don't "get expensive," unless you consider a dollar or two bank fees per trnsaction, a couple of times per trip, to be a big-budget item.

The most efficient way to send a check to your B&B is to go to AAA and get some travelers' checks in pounds. Get the minimum that AAA will offer, then spend them in England so you don't lose again in converting them here - if necessary, put them towards your hotel bill at checkout on your last day.

Agree re getting travelers checks in pounds from AAA and then we get 50 pounds in cash...we don't get a lot of checks, just $500 or so, that and a credit card do it. We also pay part of the balance of the hotel bill with the travelers checks.

Your OWN BANK can get pounds for you in a couple of days....sent to your home OR bank. Is it so simple and the exchange rate is very good , and service fee minimal. We've done it several times, and get most of what we will need in UK.
We also have a bank card to use at ATM machines overseas if necessary. But having plenty of pounds when you leave home is a lot les hassle than "fiddling with it after you arrive there"
You wouldn't need to get your money until about a week before departing.

Suggestion: Convert 50 US Dollars at airport exchange for walking around money. Use ATMs in residence area. Inquire about local AX services. Are they still allowing $200 checks without charges?

Rickp, do check if your b&b will accept a travellers' cheque before you send it. Usually you have to go to a bank or bureau de change to exchange them for cash and the person whose name they are in has to sign the cheque in front of the cashier - that's why they are looked upon as more secure than carrying cash.