Advice needed - dollar exchange $$$$$

goldbyron

I am asking this on behalf of someone else. They are wishing to change sterling to USA dollars and have a premium account with HSBC. Would they get a better rate elsewhere and if so where?

Thanks!

wearside_2

I have sterling and US Dollar current accounts at Citibank. I have changed sterling to dollars earlier today and got $1.907 to the pound. No commission. I have to keep a minimum of £2000 across my accounts there.

_Andy_

The fact they're Premier isn't relevant.
If they're buying $$ to take to the US, best rates would be ordering online at https://www.travelex.co.uk then picking up at airport

wearside_2

_Andy_ wrote:

The fact they're Premier isn't relevant.
If they're buying $$ to take to the US, best rates would be ordering online at https://www.travelex.co.uk then picking up at airport

Ordering online and picking up at the airport is at a far better rate than cold calling for them at the airport. Having said that, the rates either way are nowhere near as good as I can get with my citibank accounts.:money:

LesD

Here's the thread you need.

pin

Hi, Here is my list of top places on how to get money to spend abroad:
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [FONT=times new roman,new york,times,serif] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [FONT=times new roman,new york,times,serif] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [FONT=times new roman,new york,times,serif] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] 1. Nationwide Debit Card for ATM withdrawals from destination country (no foreign loading) / the Audi credit card or the Post Office credit card for purchases in destination country (but watch out for Dynamic Currency Conversion) (no foreign loading for purchases, BUT watch charges for cash withdrawals).

2. Nationwide Credit Card (please note Nationwide's policy re chip and pin in foreign countries: see this thread from FlyerTalk) (no foreign loading for purchases, BUT watch charges for cash withdrawals).
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3. SAGA credit card (if you are over 50) for purchases in destination country (no foreign loading for European purchases, 1% for rest of the world, no cash withdrawal interest if balance repaid in full BUT 1.5%/£1.50 cash withdrawal fee).

4. Any other debit card for ATM withdrawals from destination country / any other credit card for purchases in destination country (but for both CHECK T&C's to see exact charges).

5. Thomas Exchange Global ("TEG") in central London - pay and pick up at store.

6. Travelex online (remember Travelex will price match any other exchange service, i.e. the one above) -pay online, pick up at airport.

For price matching: order through Travelex online as you would do normally, then call up TEG (02072401214 or 02078281880) and get a quote re their exchange rate. Email Travelex: [EMAIL="customerservices@travelex.com"]customerservices@travelex.com[/EMAIL] (must be done on the same day) stating the following: your Travelex reference number, your currency quote from TEG (and the fact you got it from TEG) and your address (Travelex will send you a cheque refunding the difference). Also Travelex normally acknowledge receipt of your email. Full terms and conditions of the Travelex Price Promise are on the Travelex website.

7. Marks and Spencer - pay online or pay and pick up instore.

8. Online FX (using this link ensures free deliver) - pay online, delivery to home.

9. Thomson Travel (they seem to use Amex as their travel money provider) - pay online, delivery to home.

10. Co-op Travel (they use Currency Express / Exchange and offer free delivery for orders over £300) - pay online, delivery to home.

11. Post Office (while probably not the best rate, there are many of them around, so may be convenient) - pay online, pick up at PO or pay and pick up at PO.

12. Haggle with High Street travel agent (which may ensure better rates than 5 to 9 above) - pay and pick up instore.

With 4 - 12, if you are paying with debit / credit card check your T&C's as many providers charge for the privilege of using money exchange services.

Here are links to ATM locators: VISA and MasterCard

Here are various information links to VISA: Foreign Exchange Rate FAQ and Visa Exchange Rates

Also please read Martin's article: Spending Overseas and Loading Technicals

Also look at the these forum threads: The Cheapest Way to Spend Overseas Discussion Area and How to buy TCs and foreign currency

Hope this all helps!!
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LesD

Hi 'pin',

I think your summary is superb. Shouldn't it be a 'sticky' somewhere?

pin

LesD wrote:

Hi 'pin',

I think your summary is superb. Shouldn't it be a 'sticky' somewhere?

It used be a sticky, but then they decided to merge it with another thread.