Very poor deal on euros.

[Huntsman]

Online the post office is offering 1.2 euros to the pound, I kind of assumed that I'd get the same over the counter, only after buying 250 euros and walking back to the office I realised I'd got 1.15 to the pound.

Seems pretty poor, do you think they got it wrong? Of have i been a fool easily parted with his cash?

[Cupramax]

Yeah I just spotted this, they dont offer the same rate at the till as online orders... good con.

[LuS1fer]

I thought I had a good rate a month ago so bought Euros. I was going to buy by debit card but used the credit card so I had protection if the company went down and only later found the credit card company charged me £4.50 as they treat it as a cash advance which therefore affected my "rate" adversely. Yes I do mean you, Mr AA Credit Card.

Still, it's interest free until September and it will be zeroed and binned and I'll claim my "rewards" and we'll call it quits.

[sastanack]

Over the counter I think M&S rates are ok

Normally last minute shopping and change-up in Lakeside, but I try and order in advance from the post office and with a few people to get the better deal if over £500 (or something like that)

[V8mate]

At most outlets, you need to change at least £500 to get the publicised rate.

I had to leverage a bit of 'hey I'm a regular customer' this morning to get the £500+ rate when I only needed £400-worth this morning. She asked me to move to just under £450 and she'd agree.

I have found the BdC counter at Going Places consistently to offer the best rate over the last two years (for £500+ transactions)

[marshalla]

That's why pre-paid euro balance cards were invented. I use www.fairfx.com and load it before travelling (actually, top it up whenever the rate looks good), then use it for payments when abroad. There's a small hit on cash withdrawals (€1.50 per transaction) and a bit of loading on "out of currency" transactions, but it still works out as a better deal than using a debit card on a UK account or changing cash at a bureau.

[cay]

Try the supermarkets, they often do good rates.

Got some from Tesco last week at 1.21.

Also be wary of the debit card con. Barclays ( and others ) will charge a fee for 'obtaining foreign currency in the UK'! Easily avoided by taking out cash and changing that, the practice is also to be banned later this year.

[chris7676]

1.21 vs 1.20 - that's indeed a huuuge differenece, I'm sure it should be in the news with some dramatic headline.
Happy euro-holidays anyway