US currency on the cheap

pat_sexy

Hi,

Does anyone know where I can get US currency at very cheap commission and best rate in London.

I plan to cross from Canada to US overland in a few weeks time. I have to pay US customs at border cash (only US currency accepted) for privilege of being finger printed registered etc. (part of normal procedure for foreign passport holders apparently).

Tanks

dbuk44

Try http://www.travelex.com/
For high street, try Marks and Spencers.

These two options consistently offer the better consumer rates.

jenniferpa

M & S were the best rate last time I checked, also no commission.

Jennifer

bbruce

I have found M&S the best every time.
A bonus is that currency purchase is classed as a purchase on their credit card!

bad_harry

...good thread as i buying dollars and canadian dollars in next few days - so Travelex $1.68 as is M&S - the business news said the exchange rate was $1.75 I think - commission free isn't exactly the whole story obviously. Anybody aware of anything better than this...

hammy_the_hammer

bad_harry wrote:

...good thread as i buying dollars and canadian dollars in next few days - so Travelex $1.68 as is M&S - the business news said the exchange rate was $1.75 I think - commission free isn't exactly the whole story obviously. Anybody aware of anything better than this...

the higher figure you quote will be the exchange rate when dealing in millions

pin

Thomas Exchange Global in London are far the best.

zappahey

pat_sexy wrote:

I plan to cross from Canada to US overland in a few weeks time. I have to pay US customs at border cash (only US currency accepted) for privilege of being finger printed registered etc. (part of normal procedure for foreign passport holders apparently).

Are you sure they only take cash? When I lived in Canada, I'm sure I paid by UK Visa card a few times when crossing at Cornwall and going in to Ogdensburg (Ontario/NY border)

bad_harry

thanks pin - rang thomas cook global and they're offering $1.72 - thats an extra $40 to blow! top tip!

misskool

does anyone know if travelex will price match thomas exchange global? I don't have time to spare to go to london and always prefer to pick up cash at the airport (gives me something to do while waiting, how sad). the rate is quite different...

pin

misskool wrote:

does anyone know if travelex will price match thomas exchange global? I don't have time to spare to go to london and always prefer to pick up cash at the airport (gives me something to do while waiting, how sad). the rate is quite different...

Yes they will. What you do, buy travelex currency. Call up TEG, get a quote and then email Travlex. They will send you a cheque in the post to match the difference.