Best place to buy dollars.

[k-herm]

Although we're not going until Oct 2005, IMHO we should purchase some dollars now. I really can't see the rate getting better and it is very much a possibility that it will get much worse.

So, at the moment, where would you recommend going for the best deal (a mixture of dollar cash and dollar travellers cheques?)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hilary]

I used to spend days tracking the rates and commission charges from the various banks / Amex places near me, and sometimes 'saved' myself a few pounds (which all helped add to the holiday fund). The trouble was that everywhere seemed to have different 'rules' about commission and it wasn't easy making a straightforward comparison.

Now, I just go to the Post Office! Their rates are always one of the best (although not usually the best) around, and they don't charge any commission.

I know a lot of posters here also use Online FX and have their dollars delivered, and M&S usually get good press here too (not many M&S stores have a Bureau de Change).

 

[florida sun]

another vote here for M&S. Never found a better rate.

 

[maureen4200040]

Hi ya,

I would recommend the post office for cash dollars and travellers cheques. We usually book a year in advance for our orlando trips.

Every fortnight I go down to the post office and get $50 travellers chq - $30 cash dollars. The cash dollars are used for tips, food, drinks, and attraction tickets. Travellers chq's are to spend on me and for souveniors.

 

[Goofyish]

We are not going until December 2005, but I've already started getting a few $$, especially when the rates are good

I always use Online-FX, and find them very efficient and competitive. They are commission free, but do add a postage charge. You get you money or TCs next day via special delivery.

The TC's you get are AMEX ones.

 

[tartangirl]

Hi,

Apologies if this is way off the mark but does your cashline card have CIRRUS?

If so it may be worth considering not buying many dollars and using the cash machines in US once your their. You do get charged for taking money out so your better taking it in reasonably large amounts but you get a better exchange rate than the tourist ratesand the machines are everywhere.

You could limit the amount of cash needed by using plastic while over there which also gives a better exchange rate. We find AMEX gives a good exchange rate (and you get 1% cashback).

Obviously you will still need money on arrival for road tolls etc and until you can get to a cash machine and you are open to the exchange rate changing.

Last tme I checked the American Express shop near us sells commission free $s between 10am and 11am but M&S is usually as good for cash.

 

[xsred]

Another vote for www.onlinefx.co.uk, alwyas found them excellent, good rates and speedy delivery.

 

[k-herm]

Thank you all for taking the time to help. Once again I've gleaned valuable information from this forum

Particulary, I had not realised that using plastic in the US could give a better rate - how convenient!

k-herm

 

[tartangirl]

Do I sense a case of credit card meltdown is imminent

 

[MalcolmC]

Another vote for the Post Office The rates are usually the best on the High Street and no commission.

I'd like to use Marks & Sparks but I'm not driving 60 miles the Chester!

I used my HSBC Switch/Cirrus debit card to get cash and for purchases last month.

The rate showing on the statement is round about 1.79/1.8+ so I can't complain. When I got TC's and cash at the start of the July the rate was 1.76.

Note the problem with relying on a debit card to make purchases is that a lot of places won't accept it!!! Unlike here debit cards are far from universal. Publix, Walmart and such like will accept it though.