Need Advice ASAP On My Unused U.S Dollars

leew

Hi all, i'm after some advice regards some leftover US dollar travelers cheques i have brought back from a trip to Florida earlier this year.

Basically i need to know how best to change them back to sterling or if it would be better into Euros ( as i'm of to Greece on Sun)

I'm looking obvoiusly at getting the most back for my cheques.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Lee.

saveapenny

I would take them with you and change them to Euros out in Greece
Look round the resort for the best rate or try the banks ...Dont always go by the "No Commision charged" signs

leew

Thanks for the reply saveapenny (by name, by nature i hope!)

I never really considered doing that, changing it over in Greece to Euro's, would i not lose out?

As you can gather, i'm not really used to bringing money back, i normally spend it all!

TimC

I agree, hang on to them especially as it seems that the dollar is gradually increasing in strength against the £ and € !

leew

I would hold onto them till i next go to the U.S but i think that will be quite a way off to be honest, hence why i'm looking to cash them in for the best return possible.

TimC

That's what I meant - change them in Greece, no need to rush changing them in the UK before you go. (Missed the point about you travelling on Sunday - have a great time!)

With regards to whether you'll lose out - no more than if you are carry sterling traveller's cheques and change them abroad.

grumbler

leew wrote:

... some leftover US dollar travelers cheques i have brought back from a trip to Florida earlier this year.... i'm of to Greece on Sun...

It looks like you travel a lot. Why don't you have Nationwide debit (and credit) card still? Read 'The cheapest way to spend overseas: save 6% ' article, get this card(s) and you will never have this problem again. :cool:

leew

Yeah, i try to travel as much as work and finance allow.

I have a Nationwide account and ISA but no credit card with them, i'll take a look at that link grumbler, thanks.

TimC, i realise what your saying but it just seems 'safer' to change it over here if there's not much difference in the amount i get back - silly as it sounds maybe!

littlereddevil

Don't change them back here the buy b ack rate is rubbish.You can use them in any country.

leew

Hi anneg, that's what i thought regards the buy back rate here in the UK.

The travelers cheques are Mastercard Thomas Cook US dollar ones which i've been told are slighty different to others although they could be wrong as they are pretty clueless like me too!

Thanks all for the advice, i think i'll sleep on it then decide what to do.

saveapenny

You wont lose out changing them for Euros in Greece in fact you might gain.
I agree the rate is rubbish here