anywhere in UK I can change $100 bills?

jameskennedy

We're off to the States soon and took MSE's advice and got a good deal on our currency off the internet, the only problem being that they've sent a load of $100 bills, which I don't think will be very usable over there. Legal tender and all that, but still.
Anyone know where here we can change them into something more usable without having to convert them back into pounds and then dollars again, which is what the Post Office wanted?

Alt

Who said you could not use them easily over there? I have had no problems using them to pay for items and services including petrol, restaurants and shops. Obviously you also need some smaller notes for small purchases or tips but I suggest when you get over there to go to a supermarket, buy something (If you have a rental car, having some water bottles are useful) so you have some change. After that just pay for larger items with the 100s

iltisman

I have never had trouble with $100s and $50s they get a good dose of looking at at some smaller shops but I have never had one refused.

stevie11

Why don't you think that the bills will be legal tender? If you know they are not get genuine back to your supplier and report it.

If the bills are genuine and no agency in the uk will change them without a fee, when you get to the US go to a local bank and ask for smaller notes or ask if the hotel can do it. A friendly smile/chat with the hotel receptionist always helps .

How about when you make your first purchase handing the note over and see what happens.

$100 bills will not be that uncommon especially for tourist areas.

Happy hols

_Roxy_

Hi, sorry to go off topic a little but can I ask where the best deal you found was? Looking to get some dollars soon and the rate is just so disappointing at the minute! Thanks for any advice!

stevie11

_Roxy_ wrote: »

Hi, sorry to go off topic a little but can I ask where the best deal you found was? Looking to get some dollars soon and the rate is just so disappointing at the minute! Thanks for any advice!

I don't know where the OP got their currency from but I have found Crown Currenncy Exchange to be the best rates around. Usually a few cents higher than the usual high street agents.

ailuro2

I agree they are widely accepted in larger stores, note to yourself for next time, most currency exchange companies give you a choice of large or small denomination, the Post Office definitely does online, it's on the first page,with the default setting at mixed notes.

If there's a casino close by where you're going they will gladly change your notes for you, ime, they also change traveller's cheques for free too!

ailuro2

_Roxy_ wrote: »

Hi, sorry to go off topic a little but can I ask where the best deal you found was? Looking to get some dollars soon and the rate is just so disappointing at the minute! Thanks for any advice!

use MSE's very own tool, :money:

http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/

note that crown currency normally do an even better rate if you order quite a few weeks in advance...

luci

Received my currency and TC's from Crown Currency today that I ordered in January at a rate of $1.74.

They have sent a mixture of denominations, but the highest note is $50.

I have never had a problem using or changing a $100 bill, but that's in Vegas where you can actually put it in to a bill breaker machine and get change without the intervention of a human being.

jameskennedy

Err yeah they are legal tender and totally legit, I used the MSE tool and picked the one that got the most and would send me the money rather than me having to go to London or whatever, Global something I think. They didn't give an option to select denominations, but a good service with no fees, and quick free special delivery.
Yeah I should be fine just going into a shop, I just don't want to have to buy something just to get the change, or not be able to tip anybody. Plus, I haven't used or even seen one for ages, but I'd feel weird using a £50 note here unless it was for something that cost a bit.
No matter, just wondered if this was something a bank or whatever over here would offer, I'll sort it when I get there.

_Roxy_

Thanks very much for the advice, had no idea MSE had their own tool for comparing!