TIP ONE

Don’t pay too much for cash before you go. Every bank and building society on the high street now offers foreign currency and you don’t need to be an existing customer to use the service. But you can also get cash at Post Offices, supermarkets and traditional bureau de change offices. Most banks let you order by phone and online and either pick the cash up in a branch or have it delivered to your home or work address.



Look at three things to get the best deal: the exchange rate, conversion fees and any other charges but don’t let a good news on one blind you to bad news on another. ‘The best exchange rate may end up more expensive overall when you have added on the charges,’ says Robert O’May of Sainsbury’s Bank. So check the total cost or use an online shop around service like the one at Moneysupermarket. If you pay a monthly fee for your current account you may get fee-free currency as a perk. But it’s still worth checking that what is being given away on the fee isn’t being taken back in a higher exchange rate. As usual you need to compare the total cost of the deal.