Austria

[164keswick]

Hi,is it easy to take sterling and exchange it to euros in Austria.Thanks

[tara20]

I'd say just take your Maestro Card and withdraw Euros either at a cashpoint or in a bank foyer. Charges should be much less than exchanging cash.
It certainly works that way when I go from Austria to UK.

[KARL]

Austria has banks and is really quite a civilised country - yes, negotiable foreign currency can readily be exchanged in Austria, including at many major hotels, etc. The advice already given is correct: you are better off doing your spending by plastic and also for taking out cash if you need to. That said, it is advisable to take along a few euro in cash in case you need them at an early stage, such as for transportation from the airport.

[Khandro]

Plastic, as Tara says is a safe way, but don't use it for small amounts such as tolls and parking, because you will pay a charge on each transaction. I exchange a lot of pounds into euros when I'm in the UK and a good tip, if it applies, is to use those Indian boys in the Kiosks opposite Paddington Station, they always give the best rates.

[Khandro]

PS. Though plastic is a safe way, at the end of the day you will be making your transaction with a bank, and at their rate of exchange, which is always the worst - that's one of the ways they make lots of money. I wouldn't ever exchange currency with a high st bank. If it is only a small amount it may not be too important, but for larger amounts you need to ask them what their rate is before you lreave and compare it with other agencies, you may be surprised at the difference.

[tara20]

So, I've tested a UK Maestro Card (Bank Austria, Vienna)

€50 = £45.67 (£44.02 + Charge £1.65)

Rate 1.1360

Just to give you an idea.