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Thread: Buying foreign currency online

  1. #1
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Buying foreign currency online

    What's good... want to buy some holiday currency online (have searched threads in history)

    Seems like a bit of minefield...

    After a good rate and home delivery preferable

    Links and sharing experiences welcomed!

    Even better if you have a few Icelandic krona left over!!!

    Ben
    Last edited by Wolfie; 15th February 2017 at 21:51.

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  3. #3
    Master draftsmann's Avatar
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    Which currency? If you can, a private exchange at mid-market rate with someone wanting to sell the currency in question is always best.

  4. #4
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by draftsmann View Post
    Which currency? If you can, a private exchange at mid-market rate with someone wanting to sell the currency in question is always best.
    Icelandic Krona

  5. #5
    Master ed335d's Avatar
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    I nearly always use John Lewis for convenience, as you can pick it up from Waitrose the next day!

  6. #6
    Master mr noble's Avatar
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    I usually order it from the Travelex website to be collected from the booth in the airport I'm leaving from. Normally a competitive rate.

    Post office is also good and they'll mail the currency to your door RMSD

  7. #7
    Usually better getting these more obscure currencies at destination.

  8. #8
    I usually check using the moneysavingexpert link above. Most of the time Thomas exchange comes out best.

  9. #9
    Master mr noble's Avatar
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    Often the best rate is to just use a debit card at a national bank"s atm when you get there. Cuts out the middleman!

  10. #10
    Master
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    I'm going there tomorrow. Give you a shout if I have any left after the weekend, though from what I hear of the prices over there that's probably
    very unlikely

    maseman

  11. #11
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by neilma View Post
    I did have a look at that but shows a load of options that I've never heard of…. I guess they are all ok?

  12. #12
    Master
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    I use Currency Exchange Corporation (order online then pay in your local branch) very competitive rates too. cecltd.com

  13. #13
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Slamdoor View Post
    I use Currency Exchange Corporation (order online then pay in your local branch) very competitive rates too. cecltd.com
    London only apparently

  14. #14
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by maseman View Post
    I'm going there tomorrow. Give you a shout if I have any left after the weekend, though from what I hear of the prices over there that's probably
    very unlikely

    maseman
    Have fun!

  15. #15
    Master
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    I use money saving expert like the others as a rule. One thing I've found is for the sake of what can be peanuts in difference between companies, I'll use the most convenient one as long as it's there or there abouts. Never buy from an airport though, unless pre-ordered at a good deal. Can be 10% or more in difference.

  16. #16
    Master
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    If you want just a once off transaction, the best deal is usually via Asda.

    If like me, you send money abroad directly to your foreign bank, then Currencies Direct is a very good bet.

    It is a very competitive market and the reality is that every service provider can be on top one day and be over taken the next.

  17. #17
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mick P View Post
    If you want just a once off transaction, the best deal is usually via Asda.

    If like me, you send money abroad directly to your foreign bank, then Currencies Direct is a very good bet.

    It is a very competitive market and the reality is that every service provider can be on top one day and be over taken the next.
    All sorted now through a mate on the forum!

    But, i need to send euros soon, so, will look at those options… when I have to transfer money for a villa in the summer…

    Thanks again to all for some nice advice!

    Ben

  18. #18
    Master
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    Not really pertinent to the original question however a pal recently got me onto this:

    https://revolut.com

    Very clever and looks like the future to me, plus interbank exchange rates (as good as you'll ever get).

  19. #19
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wolfie View Post
    I did have a look at that but shows a load of options that I've never heard of…. I guess they are all ok?
    I also use the travel money section of Money Saving Expert, they all seem to be fine, but be careful of the ones that ask you to transfer the cash in advance, as you don't have any protection. That said, I have done it before and it worked fine. If you have time before you travel, look at the delivery options, as over £500 is usually free next day delivery.

    Have a good trip.

  20. #20
    Craftsman Ribena36's Avatar
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    Last couple of trips I've used a company called WeSwap. Basically u load GBP into ur account, then transfer it into whatever ccy u want, then withdraw the foreign ccy from an ATM when u get to location. Apart from rates being good what I like is that I can exchange an initial amount then top up while I'm on holiday and therefore not have to over exchange.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  21. #21
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cbh View Post
    Not really pertinent to the original question however a pal recently got me onto this:

    https://revolut.com

    Very clever and looks like the future to me, plus interbank exchange rates (as good as you'll ever get).
    Yep... I've got Monzo…. Works In a similar fashion

    This is for my sons school trip though, so, just needs a few quid, well quite a lot as it's Iceland, just glad he hasn't started boozing yet!!!

  22. #22
    Master
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    Don't get too much cash as they hardly use it there if at all. Even the hot dog stand in Reykjavik has a card machine.
    Halifax Clarity card is perfect for Iceland.

  23. #23
    Thomas exchange is good used them a fair few times delivered next day rmsd

  24. #24
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by cbh View Post
    Not really pertinent to the original question however a pal recently got me onto this:

    https://revolut.com

    Very clever and looks like the future to me, plus interbank exchange rates (as good as you'll ever get).
    We have just got this card after talking to someone I was working for.
    Its good to build some funds up for your holiday and get a rate that is better than anything I have seen.

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