Counter Exchange Rates

[flutterfly]

Good morning,

I have been saving up for dollars for our trip in cash here and there. I would say I have squirrelled about £1000.

My question is, if I just walk up to an exchange rate counter, rather than ordering online in advance, would I lose out greatly on the rate?

It would save a trip to the bank and some time but maybe the difference would be worth it?

Can I order one with anyone then pay in cash? Is there much variation in walk-up rates?

Many thanks,
Kathryn

[orlandoamber]

Most places don’t accept cash and want it from a card, but I always have no problem preordering online on Thomas Cook and paying cash.

[Tsoski]

You will "usually" get a better rate ordering online look at the exchange rates on the side of the dibb to get an idea of how big the difference can be. As long as you get it before the airport the difference would be minimised

[mick]

A lot of reputable forex agents are nervous about taking cash because of money laundering risks.

John Lewis are regularly the best "High Street" rates (see DIBB table alongside). Order on line and collect from any Waitrose or JL store. You'll need to pay your cash into the bank first then use a CC or DC to pay JL.

Walk up rates are notoriously poor especially at the airport.

Mick

[baboons]

I find the best counter rates are from small financial offices rather than the big businesses. My local place is always more than 1c better than Debenhams/Tesco/Thomas Cook.

[GezzasGem]

As Mick said, I think my tendency would be towards John Lewis for your best high street rate 👍

[Disney Nanny]

I agree with JL best cash exchange rate. Depending on how much you get in return do take ID in case they ask

[ClaireNJ]

Hi I use this compare website, money.co.uk
Take a screen shot of the Debenhams online rate & they honour it & you get £5 to use on the day, on Debenhams own brand, their rate usually beats Tesco & Asda rates, plus you don’t have to pre order, I usually go within a few hours of taking the screen shot though & pay cash

[mason1]

I’ve recently ordered from no1currency that have a local store for pick up. Order online and pay cash in store. Got a better rate than others locally ($1.25) - ordered Saturday, picking up tomorrow.

[coggie]

I needed some currency the other week so popped into John Lewis. Whilst in there I checked their rate online and it was the same as at the counter. They accepted cash which in my case was just over £500