Hi,
Does anyone know if there is a bank-run ATM that dispenses euros at the London Victoria station? Rick Steves recommends withdrawing funds from ATMs located just outside banks; however, it would be most convenient for us to do this while at the station. Searching online I’ve found that a Raphael’s Bank operates a “Cashpoint Compass” ATM, but I don’t know if they are reputable or not. Their website states they have one at Victoria station.
Thank you.
You will not find ATMs in London giving euro since the local currency is pounds. Sometimes in the international station you may find euro and pounds ATMs. Just wait till you get to the euro zone. I don't remember seeing any euro ATMs in Victoria station BUT was not looking either. There could be one there if they say so.
If you clock on the + symbol at Victoria on the link it tells you where the ATM is located.
http://www.cashpointcompass.co.uk/#/station/Victoria?1560022879143
An expensive way to get Euros I imagine
Indulge me. Why would you need Euros at Victoria station?
It's not the station for Eurostar trains to France and Belgium, that's St Pancras, which does have a machine dispensing Euros.
Note that unless you have a card linked to an account in euros the Raphael’s Bank ATMs will only sell you euros at their own rate.
I know there’s a cashpoint at Euston station that dispenses Euros so I would imagine there may well be one at other major London train stations as well.
Pamela,
As others have mentioned, an ATM in England that dispenses Euro probably won't have the best exchange rate. If you're heading for the continent after England, why not just wait until you arrive there and get the local currency then.
One other point to mention.... You'll need to be vigilant to avoid the Direct Currency Conversion (DCC) scam, which is becoming more common. If the ATM asks if you want the funds billed in your home currency, decline that and take the other choice to have the transaction processed in local currency. Your bank at home will then do the conversion. If you choose the DCC option, the fees will be higher.
Raphaels Bank and their ATM network are plenty reliable. They have been around for a long time and have never failed me. Over the years I have withdrawn both Pound Sterling and Euro (at different times) many times and never had any issue with them.
One possible reason somebody would want Euro at Victoria is that they are at Victoria and setting up for a trip to Europe, or perhaps they are taking the slow train to Dover for a ferry.
Hello all,
I was trying to get euros in preparation for the countries we will be visiting after a brief stop in London.
Thank you for your responses!
Most U.K. residents wanting to buy euros would go to a bureau de change. They would either exchange cash, or use their debit card (chip+pin). Bureaux de change can be found in post offices, shops like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, travel agents, and many other places. Banks no longer offer this service. The exchange rate offered will be set out on a board, and the rate can vary, although it is probably only real enthusiasts who compare rates and choose the best.
It is still quite common for people to do this before going on holiday, since it puts a cap on how much money they spend and means they have cash as soon as they arrive. That's important if you are travelling with your own car through the tunnel or on a ferry.
I don't know how the cost would work out if you used an American debit card, as there could be a double exchange rate hit.
I drew some Euros out at Euston the other day as I remembered I had an early flight to Germany the next day and wanted a bit of cash on me. Used my British debit card. No idea about the exchange rate but it was a quick and easy way of getting €50 or so.
