Thomas cook high street money exchange and airport style rip off rates of 10%

PollySouthend

My partner picked up some money and didn't realise that you are supposed to prebook it so was charged extra.

I thought it would just be a percentage or two extra but it turns out being 10% extra! He need not of bothered at that rate was would have been fasr cheaper the 2.75% that our debit cards charge abroad!

Seems stupidly high. Do they exchange back at the same rate if we keep the receipt? I remember they used to advertise this but can't see it anywhere

Ganga

Did he not ask what the going rate was,how much he would get for his money etc.would not let him loose with money again.

PeacefulWaters

Changing money at a travel agent or bank counter is so 1980s.

Get a Monzo card and a Halifax Clarity credit card for future overseas spending.

stephb34

If you don't ask the rate you will get the lead in rate, which is as bad as the post office and other agents if you don't ask. There's also a better rate for customers who have booked in Thomas Cook. You had obviously seen Thomas Cooks internet Reserve and Collect rate which you will get if you order it online to collect in your chosen shop. If you had seen this why didn't you order it at that rate to collect. Thomas cook also give you a certificate of insurance if you purchase over £400 of currency and if you buy over £500 you get 1 years free membership to the Gourmet Society. Which if you eat out or go to the cinema can save you quite a bit.
No they don't buy back at the rate you bought them at, I think that's Thomsons and I think they charge you £3.95 to guarantee the rate.

WAYT

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Changing money at a travel agent or bank counter is so 1980s.

Get a Monzo card and a Halifax Clarity credit card for future overseas spending.

Monzo will be introducing fees. Perhaps this year.

Well, Monzo has said it plans to introduce ATM fees overseas later in the year - as we predicted - which will bring it more in line with other cards in this guide

PeacefulWaters

WAYT wrote: »

Monzo will be introducing fees. Perhaps this year.

Bet it's not 10%!

WAYT

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Bet it's not 10%!

Of course not. Just letting people know that it might be better to go for Starling or Loot at this point.

eDicky

If, as your name suggests, you're in the Southend (Essex) area, your best source of dollars or euros is at the airport. MoneyCorp have moved their ATM landside, it's just to the left of the escalator going up to departures. When the screen offers the choice, be sure to select 'Without Conversion' to avoid the extremely bad MoneyCorp exchange rate. If you are using any credit card that has no non-sterling fees you will obtain the ideal MasterCard (or Visa) exchange rate, and the same applies to Monzo, Loot and Starling Bank cards. It does not work with regular bank debit cards or at any ATM other than MoneyCorp.