When we travel overseas we Brits have no choice but to change our sterling for another currency. So, asks TC Magazine editor Alison Rice, what is the best value way to take money abroad?
Says Simon: ‘You could simply go to your bank or travel agent and pick up the appropriate currency in cash which, for many holidays, will be the Euro. However there are a couple of things you have to be careful of. Cash alone often won’t work. When you book into a hotel or rent a car, you may be asked for a credit card as security. And carrying a lot of cash is never wise. ‘Travellers cheques are a little old fashioned now although I do use them in America where, if you have dollar travellers cheques, you can spend them like cash. And if you lose travellers cheques they will be replaced almost immediately.’ A new initiative is the Traveller’s Cheque Card. ‘Several companies are offering this. It is basically a card that you charge with money and can use for all sorts of things including hole in the wall machines. The card is pretty flexible but it is also a high cost option as you have to pay to buy it and also to charge it up.’ Finally, says Simon, there is the good old hole in the wall. ‘In most parts of the world this will give you the local currency. But of course it’s not a free service. Quite often your bank will charge you for using it abroad, and you will not get the best exchange rates.’
Some of the content of the magazine refers to flights or prices from the UK. At Travel Counsellors Ireland we can source flights from Ireland and provide full quotes in Euros. Please call me for latest availability and prices.
