Avoiding Tourist rates

chambta

Peter_Lanky wrote: »

I realise that the exchange rate varies, and I'm OK with that. What I want to avoid with tourist rates is being given a lower rate for US dollars in this country whatever the official rate happens to be. If the rate is 1.61, I want to get 1.61 or thereabouts, not 1.55 as tourist rates would give me.

However, reading some of the comments on the linked threads, it may be more appropriate to take Sterling notes with me, and just get enough US dollars to cover the visa cost. (another pointless rip-off, but that's another story).

I am hoping to visit plenty of remote places outside the main cities. There may well be cash points, but I'm not willing to take the risk and end up with no money. I already have an appropriate credit card, but may get a Sainsbury's one, as for a £5 a month fee you get worldwide travel insurance.

Of course you do. I'd like a mortgage at 0.1% and a tap that serves free beer in my kitchen.

We can all dream.

Peter_Lanky

chambta wrote: »

Of course you do. I'd like a mortgage at 0.1% and a tap that serves free beer in my kitchen.

We can all dream.

Read post 11 for evidence. It's no dream. It seems that people have been so conditioned to accept tourist rates that their eyes are closed.

chambta

Peter_Lanky wrote: »

Read post 11 for evidence. It's no dream. It seems that people have been so conditioned to accept tourist rates that their eyes are closed.

I have been places where hard cash changes hands at better than any published rate. These are not likely to be places that will be advertised or recommended to the casual traveller.

Peter_Lanky

chambta wrote: »

I have been places where hard cash changes hands at better than any published rate. These are not likely to be places that will be advertised or recommended to the casual traveller.

The ones I mentioned in post 11 are official, and recommended:

http://www-singapore.com/moneymatters.htm

I don't believe for a moment that this is something that is unique to Singapore.

chambta

Peter_Lanky wrote: »

The ones I mentioned in post 11 are official, and recommended:

http://www-singapore.com/moneymatters.htm

I don't believe for a moment that this is something that is unique to Singapore.

You are free to use them as you please but the rates they can offer are never going to be available through use of a UK issued card of any sort. For most people convenience will overtake any cash benefits through using foreign exchange companies located abroad.

For me it's all about limiting costs whilst remaining accessible.