Disney Frenhines
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
Taking into account the terrible rates because of the Brexit fiasco I'm curious about where you get your travel money from and how you take it.
I spent some years working in a currency exchange bureau and it was an eye opener. I immediately learned not to get it from your bank and to shop around for rates, online is always best if you have the time before your trip. I worked for one of the most popular in one of its supermarket branches and it had one of the worst rates outside of an airport or TA, they rely on last minute travellers. I pop by regularly now I'm retired and I'm always gobsmacked by their rates, generally 3 cents less per GBP than online, doesn't sound a lot? Well that's $30 less per $1000 and that's a round of decent snacks for a family of four.
My advice is to get a currency card. Get it well ahead of time, ready to top up as soon as it hits a rate you are happy with. If you can, keep an eye on the political situation, since Boris lost that vote last night the GBP has gained a cent. Not being overtly political, but, if a second referendum were to be announced (not going to happen ) then we would probably see a decent rate rise as Brexit is bad for the economy. I'm not sure what a General Election would do, but, I doubt if it would be as detrimental as a No deal Brexit, which will be disasterous, so, if it carries on as it is with Boris' kamikaze attitude then think about getting your currency sorted now if you are going after October 31st, definitely keep an eye on the rates. I use Fairfx as a guide or one of the comparison sites.
Also, don't feel the need to get both currency and card top ups from the same provider and if buying cash online factor in postage. Many offer free postage, or free if you buy over a certain amount. The Post Office online is currently the best, so check it out, the rate is a tiny bit less than Fairfx, but, one charges postage, the other doesn't.
I hope this is useful to some who are new to buying currency and remember that you will get awful rates if you are selling it back, so it may be worth buying a few extra little souvenirs before you head to the airport, keeping enough for a meal or drinks before boarding, unless of course you know you will be returning to Disney, then keep hold of it. I have money from my last trip on my currency card and in cash and having bought them at a way better rate I'm glad I didnt spend them as every little bit helps.
I spent some years working in a currency exchange bureau and it was an eye opener. I immediately learned not to get it from your bank and to shop around for rates, online is always best if you have the time before your trip. I worked for one of the most popular in one of its supermarket branches and it had one of the worst rates outside of an airport or TA, they rely on last minute travellers. I pop by regularly now I'm retired and I'm always gobsmacked by their rates, generally 3 cents less per GBP than online, doesn't sound a lot? Well that's $30 less per $1000 and that's a round of decent snacks for a family of four.
My advice is to get a currency card. Get it well ahead of time, ready to top up as soon as it hits a rate you are happy with. If you can, keep an eye on the political situation, since Boris lost that vote last night the GBP has gained a cent. Not being overtly political, but, if a second referendum were to be announced (not going to happen ) then we would probably see a decent rate rise as Brexit is bad for the economy. I'm not sure what a General Election would do, but, I doubt if it would be as detrimental as a No deal Brexit, which will be disasterous, so, if it carries on as it is with Boris' kamikaze attitude then think about getting your currency sorted now if you are going after October 31st, definitely keep an eye on the rates. I use Fairfx as a guide or one of the comparison sites.
Also, don't feel the need to get both currency and card top ups from the same provider and if buying cash online factor in postage. Many offer free postage, or free if you buy over a certain amount. The Post Office online is currently the best, so check it out, the rate is a tiny bit less than Fairfx, but, one charges postage, the other doesn't.
I hope this is useful to some who are new to buying currency and remember that you will get awful rates if you are selling it back, so it may be worth buying a few extra little souvenirs before you head to the airport, keeping enough for a meal or drinks before boarding, unless of course you know you will be returning to Disney, then keep hold of it. I have money from my last trip on my currency card and in cash and having bought them at a way better rate I'm glad I didnt spend them as every little bit helps.