Changing large amount for foreign trip

empfun

Hi folks,

What's the best way to transfer to foreign currency to use on a trip abroad. I'm looking to change £20k to foreign cash for a trip. Thanks.

benjus

Where are you going? Will you need the £20k in cash or will you be able to pay using cards? For that amount of currency I would definitely recommend getting a fee-free card like Metro Bank, Norwich & Peterborough or Halifax Clarity (the latter is a credit card so pay it off quickly to avoid interest charges). Having said that, there are certain destinations/situations where plastic is not the best option, so it would be useful to know a bit more about your plans.

warwicktiger

Open a bank account in your destination and try this:

http://www.exchangecurrency.com/converter

Bob_the_Saver

Don't forget to declare it when travelling.

empfun

Thanks for all the replies and advice. Unfortunately I'm only there for a very short time so won't be able to open an account up therefore transaction will have to be cash only since I won't be able to wire/transfer the funds locally without the bank account.

So would transferring the lump in cash and taking over the best option then given my situation?

benjus

If it has to be cash, just go to the Travel Money Maximiser link to find the best cash rate. And don't forget to declare it as Bob said.

catokelly

Which country are you going to?

Bob_the_Saver

If it's Wales please ignore post #4