We have US dollars that we would like to exchange for pounds. I understand that you get a good exchange rate at post offices. Will smaller post offices such as Sturminster Marshall, where we will be staying which is close to Poole and Bournmouth, be able to do this for us? We will be flying into Gatwick Airport but don't know at which place we might get a better exchange rate.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
Just use at ATM at the airport when you arrive. You will get a far better rate than trying to exchange dollars for pounds.
You might check with your local bank to see if they have foreign currency and get a small amount of pounds before you leave to have on hand upon arrival.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Rick uses ATMs, and so do the rest of us. See his Money 101 (Favorite Links above) for his reasons.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
61 posts
Definitely use ATM's. Much more convenient and lower fees.
Posted by
Akron, OH, USA
21 posts
My home branch bank was able to get me a few hundred bucks in pounds before I left. It took about a week, so plan ahead.
Once there, I used an ATM card for cash. Easier than you'd think. Just be sure to call your debit card issuer before you travel and tell them you'll be overseas - otherwise they might freeze your card for suspicious activity.
Posted by
Brandon, Florida, USA
22 posts
Hi Charlene, Nathan's suggestions are good. My bank here in Florida will exchange dollars for Euros prior to my leaving. Also if I have many left over, they will exchange back at the same original rate. Therefore not losing anything on evaluation changes. Check with your local bank. With enough advance notice they are also not charging a fee for the exchange. Speaking of fees, make sure you ask your bank in advance to drop the 3% fee applied to purchases with your debit card. Chuck
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Gatwick is a decent sized airport with plenty of ATMs. Once you go thru passport control, you will see plenty of ATM's.
I understand people's need to get money at home before leaving (fear of the 'unknown') but seriously, London is a big city. Millions of people live there and have no problem getting access to an ATM.
One tip though: You may have difficulty getting money in a very touristy part of town, say the Tower of London, St. Paul's etc. The ATMs run out of money in the afternoon. Probably because people pull money and its very busy? Well, I had to find 3 ATM's (literally 1/4 block from each other), but I was able to withdraw money.