Where to buy $

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Following on from the £ exchange rate post can anyone let me know if they have used Crown Currency Exchange?

I am not going until December & looking at their rates they can offer a good rate if I order now.

Thanks everyone

 

[kristieuk]

I'm really close to buying some from them - I emailed them today, and they will sell at very close to 1.80 on £1000 to be sent out in October. I need to call them tomorrow to place the order, but I do feel slightly uneasy sending off £1000 and hoping they send me currency in October! I was going to pay by cheque to avoid the cash advance fee on a credit card, but then I have no protection at all - I was going to check with the credit card company if they would offer any protection in this situation.

Sorry I can't be of more help, but I'm sure I have seen others here who have used them before - hopefully someone will reassure us!

 

[daipp]

We always use Marks and Spencers as their rates are very good.

David

 

[pampat]

We've given up ordering money to take with us. We just withdraw what we need at ATMs on our UK bank cards. This minimises the risk of carrying currency or travellers cheques and we only withdraw what we want. And let's be honest, there is hardly a shortage of ATMs anywhere in USA.

Pam

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Use your credit cards and ATM's the rates are often a lot better and although there is a small cost there laso is a charge for currency t/chqs etc.

You do not get stuck for changing dollars back, and if staying at Disney you can charge to your room,

Only take small amounts but say 2/3 cards to ensure you do not have a problem

 

[gavvy]

I take a small amount in cash and the rest in on my Nationwide Flex account, If I use this at the Publix to withdraw cash there is no charge and I get the market rate on the exchange.

I used to buy cash bit by bit when the rate was good, but after my house got burgled, and my insurance would not cover cash I have learnt the hard way!

 

[BarnesBunch]

Hi there,
just had £1000 pounds worth of $$$ delivered today from crown exchange. no problems whatsoever.

in fact we have just ordered more.

hope this helps

 

[kristieuk]

Hi there,
just had £1000 pounds worth of $$$ delivered today from crown exchange. no problems whatsoever.

in fact we have just ordered more.

hope this helps

Thank you very much for the reassurance - it's good to have a first hand experience. I think I 'll go ahead and order this week

 

[mushumadness]

what are the min and max you can order from crown exchange?

I dont tend to buy all at once and have most of my money

 

[martina857]

I'm really close to buying some from them - I emailed them today, and they will sell at very close to 1.80 on £1000 to be sent out in October. I need to call them tomorrow to place the order, but I do feel slightly uneasy sending off £1000 and hoping they send me currency in October!

So would I be !!!!! Jeez are you mad !! What happens if they go bust before October, where is your protection ? It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to to get or save a few extra pounds!! £1000 at 1.8 delivered in October is $1800 and loads of risk ! £1000 at 1.73 delivered now is $1730 a difference of $70 around 40 quid and no risk at all, why would you take such a huge risk for $70 ????? Mad !!

M

 

[kristieuk]

Don't hold back with your comments! As I said, if I do go ahead, I will use a credit card. Isn't it the same with anything paid for in advance - holidays / flights, hotels etc. There is an element risk everywhere.

I think we are all grown up and intelligent enough to assess risks and make decisions for ourselves. If I want to get the best rate possible and a few extra $, well that's a matter for me

The point of this thread was to find out whether anyone else had experiences of using Crown Exchange - they have been recommended here many times before. I don't think it was intended to invite criticism of other people's choices.

 

[martina857]

Kristieuk,

Please do not take offence at my rantings, I would talk the same way to my friends (if I had any ;-) Its just that I think if you pay for currency now to be delivered in October that the risk is enormous !! Currency exchanges are notoriously difficult to read. The reason they are not giving you the 1.8 now is because they speculate on the market.... What happens if they have promised say... Hundreds of people 1.8 and the market goes down to 1.5 which has been widley predicted, where are they going to get all that extra money from ?

When you buy your flights car hire or accommodation do you not look at the sellers ATOL bond ? If not you are taking as big a risk with that as you are with your currency, the travel industry has one of if not the biggest bancruptcy problems of any industry in the UK, the very reason why they set up financial protection for holiday makers so that they could book their holiday in peace of mind. ANYONE who books a holiday with a company that has no protection is also mad )

By the way, how much is the cash advance on your card ? Will it really be worth the extra few pounds you will make.... I am only trying to help, not be irritating.

M