Tourist foreign exchange rates are better online
London tip of the week:
So many tourists make this mistake when they come to London. For some reason they think the best exchange rate for pounds is found at the airport.
Hopefully you know that you should buy your currency on-line before you get to London.
I feel so sorry for the tourists I see queuing up to be ripped off at foreign exchange booths in London or even worse at the airport.
What you have to realise is that foreign exchange booths are run by private companies who know that if you’re using them, you don’t know what you’re doing. They charge you accordingly.
While at airports they know you have no choice and so yuo’ll again pay what ever they ask.
Here’s my advice, whenever I travel I either use on-line exchange bureaus Crown Currency or Travelex. Both offer good rates with Crown usually the best, but for convenience Travelex lets you pick up the currency at the airport.
UPDATE to this story Crown Currenct have gone bust and no longer operating.
Another alternative is to check with your bank to see if you can use your debit card in the ATM’s over here and what rate they charge. Depending on the bank it shouldn’t be much and it will easily be better than exchange booths or at the airport.
I’ve never had any problems using my debit card abroad if I have need extra cash, but do make sure you check with your bank first.
So please, no buying of currency at the airport or exchange booths, London’s expensive as it is.
And something to bear in mind if you do drive into London for an event, make sure your car’s in good working order. You don’t want to breakdown in London because it will definitely spoil your day out. Read this article about getting your annual full car service and why it’s so important.
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