We are visiting Florida in a few weeks and cannot remember if US banks charge to exchange sterling for dollars, anyone help? We will be staying in Sarasota and Jensen Beach and are looking for restaurants or other things in these areas "not to be missed"! Thanks

Of course they do, if they do exchanges at all. Even if there's no specific fee, you'll be paying via a disadvantageous exchange rate. You'd be better-off just using an ATM card.

Agreed you'll get much better rates using your CC as much as possible - and pulling cash when needed with your ATM card. Double check with your bank to see if they have any partner banks in FL to help avoid any fees (usually $1 to $2 per withdrawal otherwise.)

I agree, the ATM is by far the best way to exchange. If you are a customer of Barclays, give them a call about using Bank of America ATMs. I know that we Bank of America customers can use Barclay's ATMs free in the UK, I would imagine it goes both ways. Enjoy your trip.

I'm not so sure you could walk into any bank and exchange sterling for dollars, although I've never tried it. We're just not equipped to do that here in the States -- Use your ATM card and credit card for hotels/dinners/rental cars.

Here, on the West Coast only central branches of the banks have foreign currency departments. How is it in Florida?

Most likely you'll be referred to a private exchange place which will charge A LOT!

ATMs and Credit Cards are your best bets.

Listen to Anonymous, nytraveler, P_M, Budman and FainaAgain. They know what they are talking about. ATM for cash and CC for the most of your purchases

And we get our stirling the same way when we visit your country.

Keith

My most generous local bank does carry Euro in their downtown location only. On 2/28/06 they were going to charge me $1.2667 US per Euro.

I asked my personal bank, U.S. Bank, for $1,000.00 US in South African Rand, which no local banks stock. They were going to charge me $1,020.00 US for $900.00 US worth of Rand. The $20.00 was to have it delivered to their bank in three day. I did find another bank who did not charge to have it shipped in, but you had to be a customer. American Express offices charger 20% rather than 10% to exchange.

You might check on getting Dollars before you leave England, especially if you want some cash in hand on arrival. I often find very good rates at our home airport, since its an fast and easy way for the dealer to get rid of the foreign currency.

And Budman, yes, you can walk in the Bank of America if they have the currency exchange in that branch, and for $10 more you get what you need (our petty cash person uses it for business emergencies)

Be prepared to be charged for ATM withdrawals by the bank issuing cash--usually $1.50. Most banks will not exchange money, but supermarkets often accept traveler's checks, in dollars of course, like normal currency. At least they used to.

Since the original post on this thread was LAST SEPTEMBER and the OP said they'd be traveling in a few weeks. they apparently don't need any further info!