Okay, I know I can get pounds from the ATM after I get there, but on the day I leave to come home to USA, how do I go about changing what I have left over back into American currency? Do I do it at the bank in Heathrow? Where are the best rates for changing it back?
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5848 posts
You can change it back at Heathrow, but you won't get a great rate. Best advice is to try not to take too much extra as it gets towards the end of your trip.
I usually just keep the extra cash until until my next trip. Alternatively, you can always spend it at the airport.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
You just manage your cash flow so that you run out the last day and maybe depend a bit more on the credit card. I always come home with about 100E left over for the next trip. However, this past year I miss managed and came home with about 400E. Put a note on this board and sold them to someone who was going abroad and wanted a few Euro. Good deal for both of us.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
135 posts
Kris, also remember you can change your pounds back home but the US banks will not take coins only bills.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Ask at your bank. They take bills of certain denominations or larger at their current buy rate.
To the extent possible, you are best off to only get the money you need because each change costs something.
Either keep your small change as souvenirs or gifts, spend it before you leave or save it for your next trip.
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
And if you keep 'em, that gives you an excuse to go back!
Posted by
dragit
113 posts
Kris,
I agree with all of the above. We have had the opportunity to experience all of them. You really don't want to exchange back to dollars. It is quite easy to monitor your last few days so that you don't have enough to exchange back.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Try to spend it all - if not, the coins and bill actually make great gifts for friends or relatives who've never been outside the country. They flip out about them!
There are also lots of shops in Heathrow that actually sell British chocolates at quite reasonable prices.
Don't change it in if you can avoid it. You'll get juked on the exchange rate.
Posted by
San Francisco, California, USA
446 posts
Never change your money back to Dollars if you can avoid it -- especially in the USA. The exchange rate is terrible. For example, today's rate for buying Eros at Bank of America is 1.42, but if you are selling Euros to get Dollars back, the rate is 1.28! That's a $14 loss per 100 Euros. Ridiculous.
Posted by
Sydney
275 posts
If your flight is delayed for any reason, then you might find that having a few pounds to spend on food or drink is handy.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
I kept mine, knowing that I'd be back.. and I have!! 5 times in 6 years.
Try to judge your spending habits as you do here at home. That way you're not stuck with an insane amount of money.