Sterling to euro

soupy600

Hi Guys,


Heading to Amsterdam next weekend for a stag doo, what the best way to take money with me?
Is it just exchange it all before I go?
and if so where's the best place/way to do it?

AlexMac

We always find it easier to take cash for a short break, and use ATMs for longer hols- but choose Euros of £ if you use ATMs (usually this means selecting "no" to the ATM's offer to translate to £ sterling at a carp rate on screen when buying)

...but there are cheap and dear credit and debit cards - read the article on this website's own Travel pages . Scroll well down this article to the debit card comparison table

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/?&_ga=2.103818825.858886321.1550749687-1294568180.1548630893#seven


We tested our natwest cards against our nationwide ones one recent hol, and there was a tenner differential on 250!

Then, if you do decide on cash do what we do and look at this websites own guide to where to exchange at the best rate locally; travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com

https://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/?_ga=2.34130280.858886321.1550749687-1294568180.1548630893

(we save about £5-10 on 250 euros by using the tool, pre-ordering online then collection from one of the many London bureaux, compared with the local PO, Bank or Supermarket)

But if you don't have time, is it worth faffing around for 5 quid?

Above all, don't get pick-pocketed and be careful if anyone in the group uses contactless in bars. Tripadvisor is awash with complaints about drunk young men failing to check the extra zero in rip-off joints!

heatherw_01

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.

EveryWhere

Metro Bank debit card if there is one near you. They should be able to dispense one to you in an hour.

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk

Otherwise, https://www.starlingbank.com/travel/

soupy600

So after using the link I found sainsburys to have the best rate near me, after a bit of thought I went and order them using my credit card but now got stung with a cash free. Ahhh I thought it would have went thru as a normal.payment. I'll not do that again

etienneg

You will also be charged interest by your credit card for a cash withdrawal, starting on the date of the withdrawal, until it is paid. There's no interest free period (such as is given on purchases) if you pay in full by the date on the statement. So, to avoid as much of this as possible, pay off the amount of the cash withdrawal as soon as it appears on your online statement (but not before).

etienneg

I see you found Sainsburys using the link in the first reply. When you entered the currency, amount, etc., did you not notice alongside that box "Top 5 exchange rate need-to-knows"? Number 2 there is "Beware extra charges using credit cards to pay for bureau de change cash".

If you're not experienced, maybe slow down a bit and read before jumping in? Such headlines contain a wealth of information, and reading things like this is the quickest way of gaining experience.

soupy600

Yeah was more thinking of them charging me as well for the exchange. Put it down to lessons learnt. Only used the credit card to get the points. Ah well