OT: Travel Money

In message <vihs87$2hnrq$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me, at 14:35:51 on Sun, 1 Dec

That's less than 2% difference, useful but maybe what you'd pay for convenience?

nib

Well it does say

"Please note that exchange rates may vary whether buying in-store, online or via phone. Please visit a Tesco Travel Money Bureau to see our in-store exchange rates. Find your nearest bureau here."

so you can't see the in-store rate. I don't usually check the rate Tesco but I will take peek next time I am in.

Dave

In message <vijllo$35j3h$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me, at 06:55:53 on Mon, 2 Dec

Of course they'll vary, because buying online or on the phone will be the rate the day you ordered, but going into the store a couple of days later it may have changed (up *or* down)

I can't comment for Tesco, but Travelex would often have a 20% spread between 'buy' and 'sell' rates displayed at the airport, that probably translates to 10% margin over the interbank rate. That's because you're a captive customer. If you buy online for collection the margin is about 2%, because they know you're shopping around and want to be competitive with other companies. Which is why it pays to order in advance.

Theo

I have never understood people who waste several hours to save £2.

In message <mco* snipped-for-privacy@news.chiark.greenend.org.uk>, at 10:56:56 on Mon,

I've bought online to be collected at an airport Travelex, because I was too busy to get to the High Street that week. Which business model do you think would apply to that transaction?

Then you're going to get the 2% rate, rather than the rate displayed on the board with the 20% spread. eg here's a 'generic picture of Travelex at Heathrow':

Theo

I changed rather more than £100 last year.....

Dave.

Usually a reasonable deal because they assume you have a choice.

Dave

Why? any big purchases go on a card

You just need a little tipping money

The Revolut card is more convenient that ordering cash in Advance. Just used it in Qatar for a few Riyals for the odd place that didn't take cards.

Yes, the Revolut card or the my Halifax Extra..

There are now a few places that only take cash...

Dave

Well if you must import drugs on a massive scale...:-)

I wonder if these places are money laundering .....

That isn’t unusual if you are going out in a group, especially at this time of year ( or other busy times).

We like to frequent French markets when we are touring and have found a surprising number of traders - we tend to be buying fruit and veg but Senior Management sometimes buys fabric- accept cards, even for modest amounts.

In China, street traders have a QR code assigned to them, so they can take phone payments.