Here we give details of all of the different ways you can exchange your money.
However, it's worth noting that you should look at the amount each establishment will charge you to convert your pounds to foreign exchange as well as the commission rate offered. |
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| Changing Money At Home |
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You could consider your local bank, the Post Office or travel agent when flying from Bristol Airport. These traditional methods of exchange require you to go into the branch.
Or, you could shop online and use services that take American funds and send the converted money to your home.
Or you can buy with very favourable exchange rates through Currency Express - direct link above. |
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| Hotel or Airport Exchanges |
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| Only use a hotel or airport exchange facility if you have no other option. Why? These two choices often charge very high amounts to change your money and can offer uncompetitive rates of exchange. |
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| Credit Cards |
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Surprisingly to many, credit cards can offer very good rates when needing to convert currency from pounds to another exchange.
Do note however, that you need to make sure your card will be charged on the day you are transacting or you could get a different rate than you are expecting if processed on another day and the rate has changed..
Or consider Traveller's Cheques that offer benefits such as easy replacement if they are lost or stolen. |
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| Local Banks |
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Foreign local banks can offer good rates and charges for changing money. But check the rates aren't base on supply and demand if travelling somewhere remote as you might not get a good deal.
Or the rates are set by the local government so these then can alter compared to the market price so always check in advance the rates - and use currency converter at the top of this page. |
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| Cash Machines |
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Avoid taking away large amounts of cash and use your cash card to withdraw foreign funds as and when you need them. Do check though that you won't be charged an amount each and every time you use it or it can all add up.
Do though tell your bank that you are going to be using your card overseas so they don't think your card has been stolen and therefore freeze it, meaning you will be stuck without any funds. |
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| International ATM Locator - use this hand locator to see if your holiday location has ATM cash machines. |
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