I was told that I should convert cash into British pounds here before I leave. We bank at a credit union and I was told that I can't do it there. Can I just take X amount of cash into any random bank and ask to have it exchanged? I feel silly asking, but I've only banked with this credit union and not with a regular bank before. TIA

By Vicki on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 04:27 pm:

They usually have to order it. I would make sure that you do it a few weeks in advance.

By Luv2fly on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 04:33 pm:

At LAX they will have a money exchange booth. Don't you have a layover there? Not sure if they would have the best exchange rates. Are you wanting to exchange all of your money or just enought for the first day or two?

By Reds9298 on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 04:37 pm:

You can exchange prior to your trip, but you don't have to. Your local bank does have to order it. I've never exchanged before leaving for an overseas trip. I use my cc when I'm there as much as possible, and only exchange what I need in actual cash instead of a whole bunch of $. Once you're there, you can go to a bank or any currency exchange place. They will be in the airport as soon as you get off the plane if you like! It's no big deal at all and totally not a silly question .

By only exchanging what you need (or as close to what you need as possible) then you won't have a lot left over when you return home. Keep in mind that to exchange your foreign currency once you get home, there's a fee (like $15) to do this, plus you have to wait. AND you can only exchange bills once you get back in the states, no coins, so spend 'em!

It has been a long time since I was in England..did they switch to euros, too? Just know that euros have larger denominations in coins... like $2 and $5 coins, so when you have change in your pocket you have a lot more than when you are at home.

By Tink on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 04:41 pm:

I'm flying out of San Francisco and I'm sure they have a booth there, also. I'm just trying to do as much done ahead of time as possible and was hoping to have a decent exchange rate. I think I'll just do it when I get to the airport. Thanks, Laura!

By Tink on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 04:43 pm:

Thanks for all the info, Laura. I hadn't even thought of England using euros yet. I'll have to ask.

By Alberobello on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 05:53 pm:

England is still using pounds. I would advice you to buy at least some to arrive with because at the airport they usually charge you a very high commission fee. But i don't know whether is cheaper to buy them in the USA or when you arrive here (but definetely not at the airport).

Cori, did you get my email address?

By Missmudd on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 06:24 pm:

You can also just get it from any bank. If you live in a major metro, call the big banks and see if they have any british money on hand. The bigger the city the bigger likelyhood that they will have currency on hand. GL and have a great trip.

By Pamt on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 07:15 pm:

Cori, when we went to London 5 years ago we took about $100 cash and got it exchanged at the bank before we left. Any bank should do it for you, but call ahead and tell them what you want. DON'T do it at the airport b/c it will cost you dearly. I would suggest primarily using your debit or cc (and they will convert it on your bill) because it is easier and safer, but you will need cash for misc. and tips. Make sure you get some several 1 and 5 lb. notes as well as change for tips, vending machines, etc.

By Vicki on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 07:21 pm:

I also wouldn't suggest doing it at the airport or hotel. The exchange rate isn't near as good as doing it at a bank. If you have plenty of time, I would do it with a bank before you go. Using a credit card for regular things is a great idea too. But you will need some cash for odds and ends.

By Reds9298 on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 08:12 pm:

If you're only exchanging a small amount to get you by in the beginning, doing it at the airport is no big deal. It's convenient and easy. I didn't mind the *slight* difference in exchange rate. I don't remember it ever being huge. More, yes, but not huge.

By Tink on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 08:21 pm:

OK, the only cc I'm taking is just for emergencies and I didn't get my debit card set up for overseas. Since I leave tomorrow, I won't be able to order pounds. I'm going to hit a couple of the bigger banks in this area before I leave in the morning to see if they have any in stock or, worse case scenario, I'll just exchange enough to get me by until I get to a bank in London. I had no idea it would be a hassle! I'll know better next time!

By Reds9298 on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 09:34 pm:

It's so not a hassle! Don't worry about a thing I've never used my debit overseas anyway. Have a fantastic time!!!!!!!!!

By Pamt on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 09:36 pm:

Do you at least have traveler's checks? Many places don't take them anymore, but the banks or American Express office will cash them and they are much safer to travel with if you keep the actual checks on you and the receipts somewhere separately. If you don't have any you can pick them up at the bank tomorrow when you check on exchanging dollars for pounds. If you can get any England cash tomorrow, then get a little at the airport and more at a bank later.

I'm so excited for you!! You'll love England (except for the food). If you have time I HIGHLY recommend the "Jack the Ripper" tour. Any of the tours with London Walks are great! We did about 4-5 with them and really enjoyed them. Have fun!!!