Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange WARNING

[landandword17]

This might be common knowledge to frequent travellers to the US who change currency and to those who work in the industry. For everyone else it’s not “common knowledge” and this post is very useful. Everyday we get posts here from newbies who have never been to the US and this post would be very helpful. I don’t know why some took it as an opportunity to essentially call the OP a fool in not so many words. If everyone on the forum possessed all “common knowledge” and everyone was an expert there would be no need for a forum at all! The OP won’t make the same mistake again, just like people who leave the car rental counter without checking for a 0 on their receipt, but coming back here to report their experience saves the next person from getting stung.

[Turtles]

Am I right in thinking to get the better rate online there is a minimum spend, so if you only want to exchange a small amount you have to go instore?

[Quensabob]

Originally Posted by Turtles

Am I right in thinking to get the better rate online there is a minimum spend, so if you only want to exchange a small amount you have to go instore?

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No minimum spend however if you change over £500 the rate is better!

[stormflm595]

Originally Posted by landandword17

This might be common knowledge to frequent travellers to the US who change currency and to those who work in the industry. For everyone else it’s not “common knowledge” and this post is very useful. Everyday we get posts here from newbies who have never been to the US and this post would be very helpful. I don’t know why some took it as an opportunity to essentially call the OP a fool in not so many words. If everyone on the forum possessed all “common knowledge” and everyone was an expert there would be no need for a forum at all! The OP won’t make the same mistake again, just like people who leave the car rental counter without checking for a 0 on their receipt, but coming back here to report their experience saves the next person from getting stung.

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It's not just travelling to the US that the better online rate applies though? This is for any currency and for going anywhere.

I am quite sure most people, if not all, on this forum have travelled outside of the UK to Europe/Asia/somewhere that isn't the US where they needed to exchange currency - so yes, it is common knowledge.

It's a well known fact that most products are cheaper to buy online than it is walking up.

[Quensabob]

Originally Posted by stormflm595

It's not just travelling to the US that the better online rate applies though? This is for any currency and for going anywhere.

I am quite sure most people, if not all, on this forum have travelled outside of the UK to Europe/Asia/somewhere that isn't the US where they needed to exchange currency - so yes, it is common knowledge.

It's a well known fact that most products are cheaper to buy online than it is walking up.

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This applies to most retail these days I work for a well known retail company who sells the same products online as in store,but we don't tell every customer who walks in what is cheaper online!

[stormflm595]

Originally Posted by Quensabob

This applies to most retail these days I work for a well known retail company who sells the same products online as in store,but we don't tell every customer who walks in what is cheaper online!

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Exactly this!

It's like going to a Disney theme park, checking the price online but not pre-booking your tickets and then being surprised when you try and buy them at the gate and they are at a higher price! This is absolute common practice.

[tspill]

Everyone can whinge all they like - it is what it is.

The OP and others have unfortunately been caught out.

The big thing is the lessons learned form this - all of use that use these services.

Rate in store may be different.
Always ask for the rate.
Rates differ between products - cash, cards, TCs.

In this case, the FX person was just doing their job and offering the products available. To me there is no real grounds for complaint.

[Mickie]

Well I’m still grateful for the OP for the reminder! And as it happens when passing Thomas Cook at lunch time I noticed they didn't publicise any of their rates even at the FX counter. It would be easy to get caught out if you weren’t wary. Money Saving Expert as usual has a great tool that highlights all the best rates in your area including order and pick up and postal ones.

It’s still best to get an overseas travel card they beat the nest rates. Again MSE has all the info

[sieborg]

I previously bought my Dollars from the same branch two months earlier, checking online and asking at the counter what the rate was and got the same online rate 1.25.
This time I went in my lunch break and was a little distracted with an important call from work while I was getting served, I’m usually on the ball but a lapse of concentration cost me $50. Agreed lesson learned, but I still think it’s a very underhanded practice. And be honest who reads the full terms and conditions, 5% of people and that’s being generous.
This Forum in my opinion has become very judgmental at times with its comments.

[Ricky_Spanish]

I ordered with Debenhams and got 1.1967 so $400 = £334.25. It said to collect 2 days later but I was passing the following day so chanced it and they had my order in. Also got a £5 off £20 spend voucher. I hate TC after they messed me around with booking some years back. I now refer to them as Thomas C(r)ook and wouldn't use them for anything, even if they paid me.