Originally Posted by
Alinlondon
Not sure if this is the correct forum, if not mods pls move. Advice please on the lest costly way to exchange £500 to US $ or should I just use my bank ATM card to draw cash in the US?
There are two issues: the exchange rate itself and extra fees/commissions.
As for the exchange rate, usual laws of economics apply. Things tend to be cheaper where they are produced and more expensive in distant locations. So dollars, like any US products, should be cheaper to buy in the USA and more expensive in UK. IOW exchange your pounds in the USA.
Now as far as fees/commissions go, everybody has their own rule. You should familiarize yourself with your bank's policies. However, an ATM is extremely convenient and that's what I use when I travel.