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WHILE the value of the pound continues to fluctuate against most of the world's major currencies - including the euro - getting good exchange rates for your holiday cash is more important than ever. Here are some essential rules to remember when you're getting euros, and why you should always try to pay in the local currency when you're abroad.
How many euros you get to your pound will depend on the exchange rate on international currency markets, known as the "spot" rate.
The pound to euro exchange rate , influenced by big investors like banks and hedge funds, determines how much each currency is worth in comparison to one another. If a currency is strong, it means it's worth a lot compared to other currencies, which in turn means you get better value when buying foreign currency. The reverse of this is a weak currency, which results in poor value exchanges when buying money to spend abroad. When you buy currency, you won't be offered rates as favourable as the spot rate, which is reserved for big investors.
But how much bang you get for your buck will still be influenced largely by the underlying value of each currency. Foreign exchange companies set their own rates, and often include a commission when they sell you foreign currency. Because different sellers set different rates, and because they skim different levels of commission off the top, your value for money can vary wildly between euro sellers. To cut through the nonsense and get a true comparison, ask the currency seller how many euros you'll get for your pounds after all charges.
Ordering currency in advance can also save you money, provided you have time between now and your trip to wait for it. One way to save money on foreign currency is with a specialist currency card, like the ones provided by FairFX.
You top these cards up online using pounds, and they work like a normal debit card when you're abroad - but without the fees. As many as you like, but most providers will have a maximum total amount of money you can buy at one time. Yes, most travel insurance policies include a limited cover for lost or stolen cash.
You can compare policies here to find the cover you need. No, the rates online are often better than the high street because online providers need to be more competitively priced to attract you. Yes, but you will be charged by both your credit card provider and the travel money provider for purchasing travel money with your credit card.
No, so make sure you buy from a provider that will send your currency as soon as it is processed. We include every company that gives you the option of buying foreign currency online. Here is more information on how our website works. We have commercial agreements with some of the companies in this comparison and get paid commission if we help you take out one of their products or services.
Find out more here. We don't sell your personal information, in fact you can use our site without giving it to us. If you do share your details with us, we promise to keep them safe. Our data experts check the companies we list are legit and we only add them to our comparisons when we're happy they've satisfied our screening.
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How money. Our registered address is: We are classed as a credit broker for consumer credit, not a lender. How we order our comparisons. Refine results. Show me affiliated products first. Sterling FX Travel Money. Online order. Standard delivery.
Euro rate. Tesco Bank Travel Money.
Order online and collect your cash from over Tesco stores. Post Office Travel Money. Ends 8am 16th Feb Asda Money Travel Money. Collection only. Order online for in-store collection only. NM Money Travel Money. NM Money are part of NoteMachine group, handling 2. Get free next day delivery to over branches or to your home.
The Euro is not the only currency we offer. Sterling FX Travel Money. These are called closed currencies. Alternatively, visit our Euros for home delivery page to order online and get your currency delivered to your door. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Debit cards accepted. Pay and collect available for all orders.
Moneycorp Travel Money. Home delivery is not available. Reserve online for collection from central London stores or Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Southend or Southampton airports. Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money for Nectar card holders. Better exchange rates for Nectar card holders on all foreign currencies.
Next working day home delivery if you order online before 2pm or on the phone before 2. Excludes Highlands and Islands. There is no fee for in store pick up. The rates shown are only available to Nectar card holders. No1 Currency Travel Money. Sale ends Tuesday 26th February Indicative rates are for the Click and Collect service, Home Delivery may vary. The Currency Club Travel Money. The more you order, the better the rate.