Buying Euros

[NIK]

Firmly in compulsive planner mode now and I'm looking for the best/cheapest place to purchase Euros in the UK. It's amazing how the price seems to vary even here in Peterborough.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[Joanne UK]

We get ours from the Post Office as they don't charge commission.

 

[Cyrano]

Nik I know it is not strictly an answer to your question, but have you considered a speedbank or credit card that does not charge transaction fees.
I set up a Nationwide account last year for this purpose. We save a few hundred pound during the summer since the business exchange rate is better than the tourism rate.
Diane took a bit of convincing since she likes to see what we have left

 

[chrismoo]

Nationwide is the best possible deal.

But on the high street Marks & Spencer usualy beats the Post Office quite easily.

Or better still order in advance and collect from http://www.travelex.com/ they seem to have the best rates.

 

[Ware Bears]

We also use Nationwide credit cards for the same reasons Reid gave and get our euros from Marks & Spencers, they always seem to be giving the best rate whenever I have looked and they don't charge commission either.

 

[Ware Bears]

Have you decided where you are going to stay yet Nik, or have I missed that thread?

 

[urglewurgle]

la la la... i got mine on the ferry (as organised as ever)... cheaper than in DLRP anyways, and they changed even my coins back on the way home (and didn't charge then)... i generally use the post office tho just cos nowhere else in my down changes money!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

We take our nationwide credit card for big amounts such as evening meals, and the euros we get from travelex on line, and we pick them up at the airport. This is usually the best rate available at the time we are looking.

 

[Cyrano]

Looks like I should investigate travelex so that we have some cash for next time

 

[tracyjane]

NIK
i would go to marks and spencer in petrborough, they are nearly garanteed to give you the best rate commision free, i live about 20 miles from p/borough but i alway's use them.

 

[NIK]

Have you decided where you are going to stay yet Nik, or have I missed that thread?

I'm off November 9th. I wanted to go when it was not too cold and hopefully when it wasn't a school holiday. I'm hoping Fantillusion will be on.


I'm risking it with Leger again in hopes they won't cancel this one unexpectedly.

 

[NIK]

NIK
i would go to marks and spencer in petrborough, they are nearly garanteed to give you the best rate commision free, i live about 20 miles from p/borough but i alway's use them.

I'm coming to that way of thinking. It's amazing how difficult it is to find out what banks are using for their exchange rate. Marks and Sparks seem to have the best rate from what I've seen though.

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll certainly look into getting a Nationwide credit card for my trips abroad. I really begrudge paying for the privilege of using my own money abroad, don't you?