money transfer - euros to sterling via 3rd party companies -worth it?

[romko]

I'm looking at transferring about 4000€ to a UK bank acount. The banks have a poor exchange rate and high transfer fees (both ends) so i'm considering using a third party company which seems to have better rate and a flat initial fee. (Hifx and Moneycorp amongst others)
However, I still get charged for getting the money to them from my Spanish account, and i suspect the advantage will be minimal. I've never done this before, any tips on the best way of getting euros to sterling gratefully received...

[stoofur]

We had a similar thing a few years ago. We had Euros sent to us from Italy to the UK. We used a bank and there were no fees. However the exchange rate was poor. The thing we lost out on is that we thought we were getting an exchange rate at the time but when the money turned up in our account it was quite a bit less than expected. This was because they used the exchange rate when the money actually transferred. Which was almost a week after we instructed the bank. My tip is to exchange the money into Sterling before then you know what the exchange rate is there and then.

[bednobs]

work out where your bestest exchange rate is, then work out if it might be more cost effective to catch a cheap flight over and deposit the money yourself rather than paying transfer fees

[R1Geezer]

As a general principle I never change Euros to sterling. If I ever get any Euro's I just use them when I'm in the Eurozone. However going the other way I have often got the best deal drawing Euro's out on my debit card whilst abroad. So if you have a Euro account do you also have a Euro debit card that you can use in the Uk? Third party is not the way to go, all they do is do what you can do yourself and charge you for it so I cannot see how you'll be saving anything. For such a small amount I'd just keep it where it is and us it when in the Eurozone.

[romko]

thanks for the suggestions!
looks like I might have to consider withdrawing cash euros in Spain ( in a few instalments, rather than at once!) and then seeing what my local bank's euro buying rate is back in Uk.
keep any ideas coming...much appreciated.

[R1Geezer]

no! draw cash pounds from your Euro account in UK.

[KJN]

Why not open a Euro account with your Bank over here, have the Euro transferred then at what you think is the right time, (after leaving what you think would come in handy for future holidays in Euro countries) have them exchange the Euro into GBP at the agreed rate with you and the Bank. That;s if there is still Euro currency in existence then (joking)