cheapest/best way to get small amount of euros?

martyp

Hi all,
I've got to go to the continent for 2 weeks for work and thought I better take some spending money, say about £50 worth.
Sorry to be totally clueless but I haven't been abroad in years. Can anyone advise the best source to get the exchange quickly and as cheap as possible?
Many thanks in advance

Incapuppy

For that amount it is hardly worth trailing around. I would simply take cash to my local PO as they are always competively priced in this local area.

martyp

Many thanks Incapuppy. I looked at the website for the Post Office and that says a minimum of £400. I take it you can exchange smaller amounts in person rather than online?
Would it be better than getting the money from my bank (Natwest)?
I'm confused as so many places seem to boast '0% commission' but can imagine they have other means of charging you?

Meadows

martyp wrote: »

Hi all, I've got to go to the continent for 2 weeks for work and thought I better take some spending money, say about £50 worth. Sorry to be totally clueless but I haven't been abroad in years. Can anyone advise the best source to get the exchange quickly and as cheap as possible?
Many thanks in advance

I would just walk into you local post office (or travel agent) and pick them up. You will have no problem getting £50, I did that a few weeks ago short notice as my husband telephoned me one afternoon to say he was going to France the following morning.

Meadows

martyp wrote: »

I looked at the website for the Post Office and that says a minimum of £400. I take it you can exchange smaller amounts in person rather than online? Would it be better than getting the money from my bank (Natwest)? I'm confused as so many places seem to boast '0% commission' but can imagine they have other means of charging you?

The £400 will be for on-line transactions.
Some have 0% commission some charge you about £3-£4 buy back so you can exchange the money you have not used at the same rate you bought it for.
Just because they have 0% commission does not mean they have the best rate and you can look around and tell the travel agent that you have seen a better rate elsewhere and they may well price match (I have done that twice).....But for such a small amount I really would not bother chasing around looking for the best deal. If your bank, post office and travel agent are all close pop in and ask the rate if not just go to the nearest one for your Euros.

adindas

dear martyp;

For £50.00 It is not worthy to shop around. Your time and transport will be more valuable then the gain you will get by shopping around. Just go to PO, M&S, Thomas Cook, etc.

The one you quote min of £400 is very probably just for pre-order it. You will get a better XE for this.

AdINDAS

martyp wrote: »

Many thanks Incapuppy. I looked at the website for the Post Office and that says a minimum of £400. I take it you can exchange smaller amounts in person rather than online?
Would it be better than getting the money from my bank (Natwest)?
I'm confused as so many places seem to boast '0% commission' but can imagine they have other means of charging you?

catokelly

martyp wrote: »

Hi all,
I've got to go to the continent for 2 weeks for work and thought I better take some spending money, say about £50 worth.
Sorry to be totally clueless but I haven't been abroad in years. Can anyone advise the best source to get the exchange quickly and as cheap as possible?
Many thanks in advance

You can use Martin Lewis's Travelmoneymax, you have nothing to lose by saving a few pounds! The PO rate is terrible, you get on average 5 euro less for £50 than you would at other Bureaus such as Thomas Exchange

martyp

Many thanks catokelly. 5 euros to me would definitely mean a difference. I have many of these places near me and even within walking distance. I mean I have walked 4 miles to save a small bus fare!

martyp

I think I'll go with £100 instead and pick them up from Travelex at the airport on departure as that seems like a good deal. I don't have a Tesco near me with an exchange although I do have a Sainsburys with an exchange. They seemed to have a fairly good rate if you're a Nectar card holder although not really in the top 5 or so. I think you may get nectar points too?

dzug1

catokelly wrote: »

You can use Martin Lewis's Travelmoneymax, you have nothing to lose by saving a few pounds! The PO rate is terrible, you get on average 5 euro less for £50 than you would at other Bureaus such as Thomas Exchange

Yes - but if you have to pay £20 to travel to London to collect from Thomas but could walk to your local High Street what are you saving?

McKneff

£50 for 2 weeks spends :eek:

Have you seen the cost of living on the continent.