Best Place To Get Dollars

[Marijn]

I'm going to America soon. Where is the best place to get dollars? Shall I get them before I go or when I get there? Will it cost a lot if I have to use the hole-in-the-wall when I get there? Any advice much appreciated as I've never been there before. Thanks.

[roslyn251254]

M&S/ tesco
I would imagine fees would be expensive for withdrawing from an ATM over there

have a look on comparison websites - depends on how many dollars you need too

[gingejbee]

Lots about foreign currency from Which?

http://www.which.co.uk/money/bills-and-budgeting/guides/travel-money/buying-travel-money-on-the-high-street/

[Marijn]

Thanks. Should I take all the dollars I think I'm going to need, with me?

[boxtops]

People say that the rates from Post Office are really competitive.

You'd need to check with your cardholder about rates for cash withdrawals from ATMs. We find Nationwide are one of the lowest fees (both for the withdrawal and commission) - check them out.

[boxtops]

PS - we never carry loads of cash with us - it's too risky. Are you going independently or with a tour operator? - if so, they should advise.

[Marijn]

Thank you. I'm going on my own. I don't belong to Nationwide :-(

[Marijn]

Thanks, I didn't know I had to notify my card provider. Why is it difficult to use cash in USA?

[jon1968]

If you use the post office then order the cash in to collect from your local PO, it takes a day or so but you get a far superior rate. For day to day stuff I’d recommend a cash card. FairFX or Caxton are the best for rates. FairFX are slightly lower on the conversion but you can ‘load’ the card with smaller amounts. Caxton is best if you’re likely to be spending a bit.

[boxtops]

It's always as well to tell your card providers if you are leaving the UK, otherwise they will suddenly see foreign transactions and could block your card, thinking your card has been cloned and used by someone else.

You could always open a Nationwide account, just for holiday spending :-)

[Marijn]

Thanks Jon and Boxtops

[jno]

you can still use travellers' cheques (sorry... "checks") there the same as cash - buy them here, American Express are the most convenient.

Really useful stuff about spending here, including the best credit cards to take

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

[Marijn]

Thanks very much all :-)

[Marijn]

Thank you. Theres lots of good advice here