Choosing the right currency exchange provider in London can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. The UK is home to over 1,000 currency exchange offices, making it essential to do your research.
Be wary of hidden fees, as some providers can charge up to 5% of the transaction value in commission. This can add up quickly, especially for larger transactions.
Look for providers that offer competitive exchange rates, such as those that are 0.5% to 1% better than the market rate. This can save you a significant amount of money on your transactions.
Some providers also offer additional services, such as online ordering and home delivery, which can be convenient for busy travelers.
Choosing a Currency Exchange Provider
When choosing a currency exchange provider in London, it's essential to do some research. Compare the available options, looking at the costs involved, how safe they are, and what customers say about them.
Check both the exchange rate and fees charged by the provider, as costs can be hidden in the exchange rate. Double check safety by picking a reputable and licensed provider, such as a high street bank which is guaranteed to be licensed.
Ask around for personal recommendations from friends and family in London, and use online resources like Google reviews and Trustpilot to make sure previous customers are positive about any service you might pick.
Here are some online currency specialists to consider:
- Travelex
- Eurochange
- TravelFX
- TorFX
- Currency Online Group
These providers offer competitive exchange rates compared to high street banks and often have home delivery options.
Sterling FX
Sterling FX is a currency exchange provider with a physical presence in London. They have a phone number, +44 20 7723 3000, and a website at https://www.sterlingfx.co.uk/. You can also visit them in person at their address, 105 Edgware Rd, Tyburnia, London W2 2HX, UK.
Their opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM and 2:30 - 6:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays.
If you're looking for a currency exchange provider with a physical presence in London, Sterling FX is definitely worth considering. You can also check out Victoria Street FX, another provider with a physical presence in London, at 185 Victoria St, London SW1E 5NE, UK.
To get a good deal, make sure to compare the mid-market rate with the rate offered by Sterling FX. The mid-market rate is the one used on global markets, and you can check it on Google.
Online Specialists
Online Specialists can offer more competitive exchange rates compared to high street banks. They often provide a wide range of currencies for home delivery, allowing you to check the exchange rate and any associated fees before making a decision.
Online specialists like Travelex, Eurochange, and TravelFX are worth considering. These providers can help you save money on currency exchange, especially if you're exchanging a large amount of money.
To get the best deal, compare the exchange rates and fees offered by different online specialists. You can also order currency online through the Post Office, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s Bank, Asda, and Tesco, which can arrange home delivery or in-store pickup.
Some online specialists, such as Revolut and Wise, offer free accounts that enable you to exchange currency and hold it in a digital wallet. This can be a convenient and lower-cost option for regular travellers or visitors overseas.
Here are some online specialists to consider:
- Travelex
- Eurochange
- TravelFX
- Revolut
- Wise
Remember to always read the small print and understand any associated fees and charges before signing up with an online specialist.
Understanding Currency Exchange
Exchanging foreign currency back into pounds is usually straightforward in the UK, and high street banks, Post Office branches, and Bureau de Change or online currency providers can do this for you.
It pays to compare exchange rates and fees from different providers to get the best deal. Make sure to check the mid-market rate for your specific currency, which can be found on Google, to see how good the rate you're being offered really is.
Some currency exchanges in London, particularly in touristic areas or major train stations, charge commission on top of a bad exchange rate, which can be a double whammy of fees.
To avoid this, compare the rate you're being offered to the mid-market rate and opt for a provider that offers the best deal.
Here are some popular online currency providers to consider:
- Wise
- XE
- Revolut
- TorFX
- Remitly
- OFX
By doing your research and comparing rates, you can get the most amount of pounds for the currency you're selling and avoid unnecessary fees.
Avoiding Unnecessary Fees
You can dodge card fees by using a fee-free debit card like the Mastercard from First Direct, or a credit card like Halifax Clarity, which doesn't add transaction fees.
Some online firms like Revolut offer a better exchange rate and fee-free cash withdrawals, usually with a monthly limit.
HSBC's Global Money account allows you to keep funds in up to 18 currencies and spend abroad without transaction fees.
Note that an increasing number of ATMs apply their own, local transaction fees, typically €5 in Mediterranean nations.
Using debt and credit cards overseas can be expensive due to foreign usage fees, which are typically 2.99%. You can mitigate this problem by choosing plastic designed for use abroad.
Halifax Clarity and Barclaycard Rewards are specialist cards with no or low fees for overseas use, including cash withdrawals.
First Direct, Starling Bank, and Virgin Money offer debit cards with no fees for overseas spending or cash withdrawals.
Monzo and Kroo also offer fee-free spending abroad, but with fairly low maximum monthly limits on fee-free cash withdrawals.
Some currency exchange providers charge a small flat rate fee for changing money, such as £3 or £4.
Others take their margin or cut from the transaction through the exchange rate they offer on the currency.
Using a Wise card can beat high-street exchange rates with no markup or margin when converting your money to any currency.
You could be losing a slice of cash every time you use your normal UK bank card abroad, with a foreign currency transaction fee of just under 3 per cent, usually 2.95 or 2.99 per cent.
Using Your Card Abroad
Using your card abroad can be a convenient way to make purchases and withdraw cash, but be aware that you could be losing a slice of cash every time you use your normal UK bank card abroad, with banks charging just under 3 per cent as a foreign currency transaction fee.
Some credit and debit cards have no or low fees for overseas use, such as the Halifax Clarity credit card, which doesn't add transaction fees, and the First Direct Mastercard debit card, which is fee-free abroad.
You can also consider online firms like Revolut, Monzo, Starling Bank, and others that offer fee-free cash withdrawals, usually subject to a monthly limit. HSBC's Global Money account allows you to keep funds in up to 18 currencies and spend abroad without transaction fees.
ATMs in some countries may apply their own, local transaction fees, typically €5 in Mediterranean nations, so it's a good idea to check before committing to a withdrawal.
Some debit cards, like Chase Bank, First Direct, Starling Bank, and Virgin Money, offer debit cards with no fees for overseas spending or cash withdrawals, but be aware of any minimum funding requirements or salary payment conditions.
If you're using a standard bank debit card to withdraw currency abroad, you'll be hit with further fees on top, which could be an extra 1.5 per cent, for example.
Prepare in Advance
To get the best exchange rates in London, it's essential to prepare in advance. The UK's economic calendar reveals that the Pound Sterling (GBP) is most volatile during weekdays, peaking at 12 pm when the Bank of England releases economic data.
You can use online tools to track currency exchange rates and stay informed about market fluctuations. The article notes that the best time to exchange currency is during off-peak hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm on weekdays.
Before your trip, research the exchange rates and fees charged by different currency exchange providers in London. According to the article, some currency exchange providers in London charge commission fees as high as 5% of the transaction amount.
Consider ordering currency online or using a prepaid currency card to avoid high fees and long queues at airports or currency exchange offices. The article suggests that ordering currency online can save you up to 10% on exchange rates compared to buying at airports or currency exchange offices.
Where to Get Currency
You can get currency in London from various places, including currency exchanges, travel agents, and the Post Office. Most in-person currency exchanges will buy and sell major currencies, like Australian Dollars.
If you're looking for the best rates, consider shopping around online through companies like Travelex and Moneycorp, and pick up the foreign currency at an airport or ferry port. This can often get you a better deal than exchanging money in person.
The Post Office is another option, with over 80 foreign currencies available to exchange without commission. However, be aware that they may not offer the best rates, especially for smaller transactions.
You can also consider using a Bureau de Change, but be careful of the fees they charge, especially if you're exchanging money in a central area or airport.
Here are some options to consider:
It's always a good idea to compare rates and fees before making a decision, and to consider using an online alternative like Wise for even better exchange rates and lower fees.
Locations in London
If you're in London, you'll find plenty of places to exchange your money, especially in popular areas like London Bridge, Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and near Buckingham Palace.
London Bridge is a great spot to exchange money, with currency exchange kiosks aplenty. You can find ACE-FX at London Bridge House, 5 London Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX, or Thomas Exchange Global at 131-133 Cannon Street, EC4N 5AX.
If you're on Oxford Street, you'll find even more options. The top three spots to exchange money are Moneycorp at 2/F House of Fraser, 318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF, Best Exchange (operated by Currency Exchange Corporation) at G/F House of Hanover, 13-14 Hanover Street, W1S 1YH, and numerous other offices in the streets close to Hanover Square.
Here are the top locations to exchange money in London:
- London Bridge: ACE-FX (5 London Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX) or Thomas Exchange Global (131-133 Cannon Street, EC4N 5AX)
- Oxford Street: Moneycorp (2/F House of Fraser, 318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF) or Best Exchange (G/F House of Hanover, 13-14 Hanover Street, W1S 1YH)
- Leicester Square: Thomas Exchange Global (402 Strand, WC2R 0NE) or Eurochange (45 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0AN)
- Near Buckingham Palace: Victoria Place Shopping Centre, 141 Victoria St, SW1E 6RA
Near Oxford Street
Near Oxford Street, you'll find a plethora of options for exchanging currency. Oxford Street itself is a great place to do so, with plenty of bureau de change offices scattered along the street.
Moneycorp's House of Fraser branch is a top choice for exchanging money, located at 2/F House of Fraser, 318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF. You can check out their daily rates on their website.
If you're looking for another option, Best Exchange (operated by Currency Exchange Corporation) is a good alternative, situated at G/F House of Hanover, 13-14 Hanover Street, W1S 1YH. You can also check out their daily rates on their website.
Here are the top three spots to exchange money near Oxford Street:
- Moneycorp – House of Fraser branch (318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF)
- Best Exchange (operated by Currency Exchange Corporation) (13-14 Hanover Street, W1S 1YH)
Near Leicester Square
If you're near Leicester Square, you're in luck because some of the best places to exchange money are nearby. Thomas Exchange Global is one of them, located at 402 Strand, WC2R 0NE.
You can check out their daily rates on their website, but I haven't had a chance to compare them to other places yet.
If you're looking for another option, Eurochange is also close by at 45 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0AN.
Near Buckingham Palace
If you're near Buckingham Palace and need to exchange money, Victoria is your best bet. The Victoria Place Shopping Centre has numerous bureau de changes.
You can find a reliable money changer at 141 Victoria St, SW1E 6RA. Check out their daily rates here.
If you're looking for a specific money changer, here are some options:
- Address: 141 Victoria St, SW1E 6RA
- Check out their daily rates here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get pounds before I go to London?
Yes, exchanging a small amount of dollars for British pounds before traveling to the UK is a good idea. This will provide you with cash for immediate needs, while credit and debit cards can be used for most expenses.
Sources
- https://www.thecurrencyshop.com.au/guides/currency-exchanges-best-in-london-london-city-of
- https://www.the-independent.com/travel/news-and-advice/holiday-money-currency-sterling-dollar-euro-b2429164.html
- https://londonmymind.com/exchange-currency-in-london/
- https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/money-transfer/where-to-exchange-currency/
- https://www.thecurrencyclub.co.uk/blogs/exchange-currency-in-london-cheaply
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