Euros at the post office?

3011gillian

*travel novice here!
Having to make a last minute trip to Geneva this weekend to visit a sick relative.
Can I just walk into the post office tomorrow and get some euros?? Are they still the best value on the high street? Won’t be spending much but want to have some cash on me.

I’ve lost my Revolut card so can’t use that but can I use Apple Pay?

Any other tips/hints for a short stay in Geneva. We’re staying near the main hospital area.
Thanks x

EveryWhere

Likely cheaper to use any existing card abroad than it is to go to the Post Office for Euros.

maman

They will have euros at the Post Office. Generally I find M&S better value on the High Street but as you're not needing much it's no big deal.

3011gillian

Jeez I’m such a novice just realised they still use Swiss franc!! Guess they won’t have that at the post office anyway.

3011gillian

EveryWhere wrote: »

Likely cheaper to use any existing card abroad than it is to go to the Post Office for Euros.

Can I get some kind of travel card at the post office/M&S tomorrow and just pre load money into it?
Or do you think just use my debit card?

Duckyduck

You might be able to get a prepaid card at the post office tomorrow, but at short notice you’re best just getting cash, as the post office card won’t have as good an exchange rate as say Starling bank.

There’s a page on the site somewhere to show you the best rates near you. Where I live Debenhams usually has the best rates, followed by Tesco, M&S cardholder rate is behind that. Most places probably will have Swiss Francs, Euros are advertised more prominently as they’re more popular, but I’d be surprised if most places didn’t have Swiss Francs.

And yeah you want Swiss Francs rather than Euros!

PDC

On the Post Office website you can search for branches which have a dedicated Currency Exchange.

maman

If you're visiting a sick relative, just how much cash do you think you'll need? If it was me I'd wait until you get there and just change a little bit or get some cash from an ATM and then use cards.

In your situation, getting the best deal on a small amount of francs wouldn't be my priority.

eDicky

3011gillian wrote: »

Can I get some kind of travel card at the post office/M&S tomorrow and just pre load money into it?
Or do you think just use my debit card?

Definitively avoid any such Post Office or supermarket 'travel' card - using your normal bank debit card will be simpler and almost certainly cost less overall. Use it to take any required cash from an airport ATM on arrival and thereafter, and use it for payment (in francs if any choice is offered) as usual.

skint_chick

If you have a regular bank account (not Nationwide fee free one) then there is a charge every time you use your card (a non sterling transaction fee, usually £1.50 to £3 depending on your bank) so you're probably best to withdraw cash when you arrive at the airport to last your trip. Eating out is very expensive in Switzerland, even McDonalds so if you see a supermarket/bakery you can usually get sandwiches there for a reasonable price for lunch.

agrinnall

If you live near a Metro Bank branch you can walk in and come out with a debit card that gives you fee-free ATM withdrawals in Europe (I'm taking a wild stab that it includes Switzerland).