Exchange Rates

[Shazzie B]

Although we don't go for another 48 days I thought I'd start 'tracking' the exchange rate to work out finances, best time to order etc. Rate was higher than I thought at 1.565.

I know if we could predict rates we would all be alot better off - but has rate been at this level recently does anyone know? I think it was June time when I was working out budgets for spending money etc and rate was about 1.52 ish. then. Not sure whether to order now if rate is having a 'peak' or to leave a bit longer.

 

[brer rabbit 28]

I bought some today at 155.85 from Fairfx as I thought this was the best rate I'd seen for a while. I think it has been sitting around 1.53 for the last week or so

 

[Shazzie B]

Yeah, very tempted to buy - would also be delivered before kids went back to school, which is another bonus - I won't have to take time off work to receive delivery!

 

[brer rabbit 28]

I have a Fairfc currency card so it all just goes straight on there for me to spend within hours!

Might be worth considering if you're thinking of taking a lot of cash

 

[Shazzie B]

Yeah, we use fairfx card too, most goes on that - but take some cash too. Was planning on buying cash on Aug payday & load card on Sept payday (to spread the load) ready for us to leave on 10th Oct

 

[wayneg]

Its at a 3 month high, just dropped of it slightly this afternoon but it hit $1.59 this morning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/market_data/currency/11/12/three_month.stm

Don't really follow the currency rates as I get the above rate with Post Office credit card.

 

[Shazzie B]

Thought it had jumped quite a bit - Thanks.

May look further into Post Office CC, assume it works out at best value (as long as you pay of in full before interset kicks in-which isn't a prob) Have time to sort before we go.

 

[wayneg]

Thought it had jumped quite a bit - Thanks.

May look further into Post Office CC, assume it works out at best value (as long as you pay of in full before interset kicks in-which isn't a prob) Have time to sort before we go.

Only downside is if the rate collapses while youare away you only get the rate on the day you purchase but over the years I have saved £100's using a free free credit card.
There is also £25 cashback here http://www.quidco.com/post-office-credit-cards/

 

[Shazzie B]

Thanks for the link Wayne

Congrats to Matt on his results by the way. How's the Uni prep going? When I started buying stuff for my DS - saucepans etc - his answer was - I'll take the stuff from home - quite what he thinks the rest of us are going to cook in whilst he's away I'm not sure

 

[wayneg]

Thanks for the link Wayne

Congrats to Matt on his results by the way. How's the Uni prep going? When I started buying stuff for my DS - saucepans etc - his answer was - I'll take the stuff from home - quite what he thinks the rest of us are going to cook in whilst he's away I'm not sure

Waiting for info to come thru, keep buying bits although for food I think Matt's thinking more like, Greggs, chinese, Indian........
He won't know whats hit him.

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

I used these people this week. They are showing $1.58 today


http://www.bestforeignexchange.com/Exchange-rates-check-exchange-rates.php

 

[Shazzie B]

Waiting for info to come thru, keep buying bits although for food I think Matt's thinking more like, Greggs, chinese, Indian........
He won't know whats hit him.

It's the bathroom that worries me most

 

[Shazzie B]

I used these people this week. They are showing $1.58 today


http://www.bestforeignexchange.com/Exchange-rates-check-exchange-rates.php

Yeah I'm going to look into different options - just couldn't believe the jump - I look at the Tourist Rate in the paper every now & again and it's been hovering 1.52 -1.53. Lets hope it stays up for a while for all those going in Sept/Oct.

 

[wayneg]

It's the bathroom that worries me most

We are paying silly money for a room so he doesn't share a bathroom, I don't know if thats for his benefit or to protect others, it almost costs as much per week as the fairfield Inn LBV.

 

[Shazzie B]

We are paying silly money for a room so he doesn't share a bathroom, I don't know if thats for his benefit or to protect others, it almost costs as much per week as the fairfield Inn LBV.

Us too - with same thoughts

 

[chmurf]

usually not taking much money in cash, so small changes in the exchange rate don't amount much, but this time I'll be trying Travelex online.

I used to use travelex at our local train station, and they charge silly money for the "service" when you buy straight at that window ... I'll be ordering the green money from their website, get the money at the same window at the train station, from the same employee, without the fees ... well ... thank you, lol. (I don't know if you get the same deal in the UK)

Travelex seems to have some deals, even flash sales, so I'll be on the lookout, even though I'm only changing around 200 euros.

The next 3 or 4 weeks might be quite chaotic for the exchange rates. It's "back to school" (or rather back to work) for all our "leaders" and the euro crisis will be on their plate.
It will either send our european currencies (sterling pound included) down the drain, or strengthen them against the US Dollar.

I'm still trying to decide if I should change now or wait a few weeks ... anyway got to decide before october

 

[KayTom]

Sorry to hijak the thread a little, but i usually get my travel money from M&S, is fairfx better? xx

 

[tinkerpea]

Im rubbish when it comes to rates but is the high rate everybody is on about only if you buy through fairfax? OR is this rate available from going into like say a travel agent?

thanks