In my travel to France I have a quite lengthy layover in London Heathrow coming from Chicago. I plan on eating both lunch and dinner in London as well as a little shopping to kill time. Then continuing on to France. Would it best to depend on a credit card in London or exchange USD into pounds and then to Euros or use an ATM and withdraw often to hopefully not end up with extra pounds? Any thoughts appreciated! Its my first international trip!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
162 posts
I always avoid exchange bureaux because their rates are so lousy. The ATM machines give a much better rate of exchange, pretty much the official rate of exchange, you'll just have to pay for withdrawal fees.
Don't worry about buying UK pounds, their money has dropped in value, even against your US dollar.
Posted by
Clarkston, wa, usa
35 posts
I just jot back from London and pairs. I found that it was much cheaper to use my debit card for purchases at restaurants, stores, etc. I used atms if I needed cash as the rates were the best. I also had to exchange at the money exchange places, but I found their rates to be really bad (plus a 10% or higher commission).
Best bet is to stick to plastic, use an atm to retrieve local currency when needed. atm's (hole in the walls as the locals call them) are everywhere.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Transport tickets, meals and shopping should all be easily done with a credit card. Withdraw 10 or 20 pounds from an ATM to have some cash with you and spend what you have in your pocket for your train ticket back to the airport or a book at the airport.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I'll typically use ATMs for cash. I pay cash for most small purchases or purchases from small businesses.
I use credit cards for bigger purchases or purchases from large businesses - Car rentals, hotels, department stores or big restaurants.
I avoid exchange bureaus. Beware, exchange bureaus are now putting machines in airports that look like ATMs. Make sure there is a bank's name on the machine.
Toward the end of the trip, I try to guess how much I'll need so I don't have a lot of currency left over. Use the last of your cash to buy snacks for the plane or small gifts. I'll also give small currency and coins as souvenir gifts.
If you have a lot left, you can exchange it at a comercial bank (any of the big banks) back in the US or save it for next trip.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
If you are spending time to eat and shop, I'd pull a few pounds out of the ATM for at least to cover tube/taxi fare. You can charge your purchases, and even the meal.
Don't worry if you have a little left over. I always have some left from past trips, and they come in handy when you (or a friend/family) returns to Europe.
Posted by
Palo Alto
3 posts
Exchange Bureaus are the worst for money exchange...stick to ATM's or Banks.