Originally Posted by
Skyline
Hello - Flying in a couple of weeks SEA - LHR - NCE on 2 x 2-4-2 redemption in CW/CE
. I need to have about €1000 on arrival (partly to pay for a driver at NCE, some for deposit for a holiday rental and a reserve) - just seeking advice on whether to change US$ at Seattle, or at T-5 to £ to € or US$ to € in NCE - alternatively, if anyone has advice on the ATM at NCE? It seems Travelex seem very expensive over in America. I intend to use a Credit Card for the majority of time.
You should never change currency at airports or hotels - even if you don't know the real rate, look at the spread they have between Buy rates and Sell rates and you'll realize how you are being ripped off. A good spread would be no more than 10-15%.
By far the best rates come from plastic - either just use a credit card, or use a debit card at an ATM. Even though you may have fees in both cases, they will be less than the Travelex fees and the exchange rate will be massively in your favor (compared to Travelex in an airport anywhere).
For example, a good UK pound rate at the moment (to sell dollars) would be $1.35 per pound (almost invariably with commission on top), but my credit card charges me just $1.25 per pound with no fees / commission.