Money, Pounds and Euros

[Len]

On our recent trip to Tenerife I took stirling and change it over there. At home best was around 1.20 euros to the pound, over there I got 1.22 euros

[Mikester]

Thanks for the input.

I will definitely be shopping around before i buy any cash without a doubt.

My question was more to do with the exchange rate and value of the pound. With two months to go is the value going to go up or down?

I am going for 14days. Eurotunnel to france, through belgium and staying a night in luxembourg. Then to switzerland for a night. Then 8 nights in italy before coming back through france for a night.

Ive worked it out as about £400 in fuel which im going to pay for on a creditcard then clear it off when i get home. As that way its all covered and insured if one of the garages tries to clone it.

Im camping all of the way.

I am going to have to get some cash Euros / Swiss Francs. Plus maybe some travellers cheques or pre-paid cards.

I was just curious to what you think will happen to the exchange rate as it seems from the news trouble is imminent.

Should i buy cash now as the value will go down, or hold off as the value will get better against the pound.... Hmmmm

[The Mighty Elvi]

Read this, and the graph at the bottom.

Hold off a bit as its on the up.

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-1652304/Sterling-outlook-What-pound.html

If you're forward planning, then keep a wad of Euro' back to go to Greece when they go back to the Drachma.

 

[Diamond Hell]

get over to a local place and purchase your euros from there using your card.

That rather depends on the card.

What you were suggesting was that he should trust his bank to give him the best card with the best deal.

Who on earth trusts their bank to give them the best deal?

Banks are just second hand money salesmen - they will normally recommend the best deal for them.

I was just curious to what you think will happen to the exchange rate as it seems from the news trouble is imminent.

Ah - you want crystal ball gazers.  I think if people knew what would happen in the next few months they would be very rich. 

[mustard]

I have been looking aexchange rates for the last week, before heading for Spain shortly. The current best rate being offered is one of the independants and this morning it was 1.236 euros, best travel agent is 1.19. Personally I would advise, take enough cash to buy drinks, small items etc and pay on the credit card (have one that does not charge a commisssion) and insist on being charged in local currency. That way you get the best rate.

[AlanD]

Ive got some old Spanish pesetas if you want them. Might come in handy

[R32UK]

That rather depends on the card.

What you were suggesting was that he should trust his bank to give him the best card with the best deal.

Who on earth trusts their bank to give them the best deal?

Banks are just second hand money salesmen - they will normally recommend the best deal for them.

Most banks have a card that is specific for usage abroad.. he will have to see which one suits him. Some are marginally better than others, it would still be my first port of call. This way I always know I can transfer money over very quickly if need be.

We all know what banks are... you just have to use them to your benifit

[J_V_Dub]

That rather depends on the card.

What you were suggesting was that he should trust his bank to give him the best card with the best deal.

Who on earth trusts their bank to give them the best deal?

Banks are just second hand money salesmen - they will normally recommend the best deal for them.

Most banks have a card that is specific for usage abroad.. he will have to see which one suits him. Some are marginally better than others, it would still be my first port of call. This way I always know I can transfer money over very quickly if need be.

We all know what banks are... you just have to use them to your benifit

Well using any card card abroad from any bank is plain stupid. Yes you can transfer money, it's great, what happens when you loose your card, happily bend over and apply vaseline to your anus???

To answer the original question:

The rate will always vary, today it traded at 1.2467, you can get €1=£1.2342.
Have 100 euros in cash and rest on card, there's no fee for paying for stuff and if it's stolen some of them will send you the balance via western union within 24 hours. Your bank will send you a new card to your home address, no use if you're 1000 miles away...

[R32UK]

Well using any card card abroad from any bank is plain stupid. Yes you can transfer money, it's great, what happens when you loose your card, happily bend over and apply vaseline to your anus???

Do they even let you out of the country? 

[cullygti]

i have to agree with the above i have always found and been told by the locals in whatever country i go to to change my moneys over there as the rates are always better than what they are in the uk