Foreign exchange GBP/JPY

fifthofwhisky

Hopefully, I'm in the right place to ask what are likely the best options to change GBP to JPY (Japanese Yen) before travel please?

Sandtree

Have you looked at https://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com ?

eDicky

Purchasing foreign currency in advance of an overseas trip, involving the cost of exchange rate margins, is rarely necessary (except perhaps for a small amount of spare cash), and is somewhat considered a 'mug's game' by most regular travelers.

It's better to keep your funds as GBP and convert by using suitable fee-free cards for purchases and ATM withdrawals when in-country. There's a chance that exchange rates move in your favour after buying cash in advance, but the cost involved puts the odds against gaining much.

For suitable 'travel' debit and credit cards see:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

A Starling Bank account is ideal and very easy to open, but always have alternative backup.

Unless your regular cards have the worst fees, it's probably cheaper even using them than exchanging cash or loading a prepaid currency card.

Japan is actually a much more cash-based society than most, and foreign cards are not always accepted by outlets and ATMs, but you can always use them to withdraw cash at ATMs in the prolific convenience stores or a post office.

[Deleted User]

I travel regularly to Japan as my wife is Japanese and my current card of choice is the one you get with the Virgin Money MPlus account. Just put some money in the account before you leave and you'll be able to use it at an ATM in Japan without any fees. I'm sure there are others that do much the same thing, but I like the Virgin Money one as it was easy to set up, there are no requirements (e.g. paying in a certain amount each month) and the app is pretty good for managing your money. You also get 2% interest on the first £1,000 in your account so it doubles as a pretty good savings account.