I will be making a trip to Windsor to take advantage of a long layover I'll have at the Heathrow airport (8+ hours).
Where would you advise that I exchange or withdraw some currency? I will use my Visa as much as possible but may like to have some extra cash for smaller things. I imagine there are ATMs once in Windsor? Any suggestions of best places to make the currency exchange is greatly appreciated.
Lots of ATM's at both Heathrow and Windsor.
But consider whether you need cash at all? Visa and debit work almost everywhere, with lower conversion charges and no leftover cash.
You might need some cash.
How are you getting to and from Windsor? A bus driver almost certainly wants cash, and a taxi driver may or may not take plastic.
If you're worried about finding ATMs etc. and want to put your mind at ease just get some pounds from your bank in the US before you leave - the exchange rate will technically not be the most favorable, but for the small amount of cash you might need for when you can't use your CCs for such a short trip, the difference will only work out to a few dollars.
Be aware, the majority of the ATM machines at Heathrow are run by Travelex and not a bank. They don't have the best rates but for the small amount you might need it should be okay.
I thought the Travelex-bad-rates thing had been debunked so long as you decline being charged in foreign and choose GBP?
Frank, it is not the company owning the machine that sets the exchange rate (unless you get suckered into DCC), the exchange is done by the credit card company (Visa etc.). But, what non-bank machines sometimes do is add a usage charge, usually flat rate.
My experience is that Travalex never has good rates. Always look for a bank machine.
If you refuse DCC if it is offered your bank and network sets the rate and fees not the ATM. Over half of the UK ATMs are not owned by banks. In high foot fall locations, and Heathrow counts here, they make their money from the interbank / network fees.
Using an ATM to buy a currency that is not sterling is a different matter.
I would get some pounds from your bank in the US before you leave. The convenience would be well worth the small fee incurred.
If you go by bus from Heathrow to Windsor, you will approach the window at the Heathrow bus station, buy a round trip ticket to Windsor, and the clerk at the window will take a credit card for this. We used a Master Card. Ask at the window what bus number you will be taking. There will be lots of buses pulling in and leaving from the bus station.
You will wait outside the sliding glass doors at the Heathrow bus station for your bus. There are benches there. Watch for your bus to pull into the stalls. The bus driver will get out of the bus to help passengers with luggage, but will not yell out "Windsor" to announce this for people waiting to board. You will have to be alert and spot your bus number when it pulls in. Immediately board your bus; they don't wait very long.
If you take a taxi into Windsor, you will probably need cash, although some taxis do take credit cards.
ATMs at banks we have used in Windsor include Barclays Bank, at 29-30 High Street and Lloyds Bank at 2 Thames Street, both just steps away from Windsor Castle.
For admission to Windsor Castle, they take credit cards. For all the cafes and shops we went to in Windsor, they took credit cards. Costa Coffee, a small coffee shop, even took credit cards. When paying at shops and restaurants, be ready for them to ask, "Would you like me to convert this charge to U.S. dollars for you?" Always say "No." thereby avoiding a hefty conversion charge.
