Currency conversion

We always exchange some dollars at the TravelEx (or whatever it's called) at SeaTac. I've never found anyplace else to do it in Seattle. This place is deadsville, man. :D

You don't need much cash when you first arrive in GB. There are ATMs in the airports but you don't necessarily need to use them. All you need in local currency is enough to get you into a town. That might be enough money to buy a bus ticket or pay for parking with a rental car. For the little that you'll need to avoid (or not depend on) an airport ATM, change some money at the airport. Twenty pounds per person is probably plenty depending on what you'll be doing. You definitely don't want to get off the plane with 500 pounds after getting the terrible exchange rate.

If you have enough time before your trip, you could probably order pounds from your bank. The rate is usually OK, but you will pay a flat fee for the service.

Thanks to all for your helpful posts. Not all taxis take credit cards.

Wells Fargo has ten International Teller Sites in Seattle that will offer pounds at a markup of about 5%. Click on the International Teller Site link here: https://www.wellsfargo.com/foreignexchange/

I always get my currency from an ATM in country. The exchange rates are far better over there vs. the commissions/fees that you'll pay over here. It only takes a few minutes after you land.