My family is traveling to Scotland in July. A couple of small B&Bs are asking us to send reservation payments to Scotland in GB pounds vs, US dollars. What is the best way to do this?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
I'm not sure about the U-S, but we can get postal money orders from our postal outlets in GBP.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Unfortunately, US post offices do not provide money orders in British pounds.
Open an account with www.xe.com/fx. Money will be taken from your checking account by electronic transfer and a bank draft in the currency of your choice will be sent by US mail directly to the recipient of your choice. The exchange rate is only slightly higher than the international rate on the day the transaction is initiated. There are no fees. For security reasons it takes a little time and effort to set up an account, but everything goes swiftly and smoothly after that.
Posted by
OP
Kent, WA, USA
2 posts
Thank you Tim and Norm for your help!
Keith
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
I've actually just sent, via snail mail, small B&B's a $100 in U.S. bills as earnest money with the understanding that upon arrival I would pay them in the local currency and they would return my $100. Never had any problems (although I perhaps wouldn't try this in Italy or other places with less than stellar postal services). Small B&B's in particular can't afford no-shows especially during their peak season. Doesn't hurt to ask and saves everyone those conversion fees.
Posted by
London, England
30 posts
its best regarding payment to send a personel cheque adding 10 pounds for bank charges, its so easy and not messing about.
holiday host