cheap foreign currency deals

Unravelling the mystery of foreign currency charges
Research by the Post Office found that more than half of all holidaymakers were confused by the various charges they pay when buying foreign currency. Most people buy from their bank or at the airport. But by shopping around you can save as much as £25 on £1,000 worth of spending money. Read on as we untangle the mess and clear up the confusion!

Banks, building societies, travel agents and foreign exchange bureau usually charge commission of 1 - 2% on currency purchases (notes), with minimum charges or a flat fee of between £2 and £3.50. They will usually charge an additional commission or flat fee on any travellers cheques you buy.

There is also some confusion over 'buy' and 'sell' rates. You will see up to four rates of exchange quoted - two for foreign currency (cash) and two for travellers cheques. Ignore the terminology. Banks will sell you currency or cheques at the lower rate, and buy them back at the higher rate. So, for example, if a bank is quoting $1.50 and $1.54 to £1 it will sell you $150 for £100, and it will give you £97.40 for $150. Other than commission, this difference is how banks make money from foreign currency.

The best places to buy your foreign currency
You can buy your currency online via a number of foreign exchange companies. We regularly checked the rates, including commission and delivery charges, and have found Onlinefx, Travelex and The Post Office to be the most competitive.

Onlinefx were cheapest in a recent Sunday Times survey. To make things even better, we've negotiated 0% commission and free delivery if you pay via a debit card with Onlinefx. Order by 2 p.m. with and your currency can be delivered to your home or work before 5.30 p.m. the next day.

(If paying with Switch, Delta and Solo cards, just type "free delivery" in the Promotion / ID box at payment stage.)

The other two have a handy advantage. Although Travelex need 48 hours notice, you can collect your currency from the airport. The Post Office also delivers, or you can pick your currency up at your local Post Office.

The foreign currency checklist - how to get the best foreign currency deal

1. 'Commission free foreign currency' usually means commission free foreign cash. You will still be charged commission on travellers' cheques.
2. Don't leave buying your currency until you get to the airport. You won't get the best rate, you will pay commission, and they may not have the amount you want.
3. Shop around and do your sums. For the amount you plan to buy, is it cheaper for you to pay commission with a low minimum charge or a flat fee?
4. Check the rate of exchange too. Some 'commission free' offers have a poor exchange rate. It might be cheaper to pay commission.
5. The Post Office do not charge commission on foreign currency purchases for 30 major foreign currencies. For smaller currency purchases this can represent a saving, but for larger currency purchases make sure you check the exchange rate - it doesn't tend to be the most competitive.
6. Although foreign currency travellers cheques are commission free, most 'commission free' outlets charge commission on sterling travellers cheques.
7. Consider buying online. Most online companies do not charge commission and will deliver to your home, your work, or you can collect you currency at the airport.
8. A less obvious place to consider is Marks & Spencer. Many of their larger stores have a Bureau de Change offering currency and travellers cheques, and their rates are amongst the most competitive.
9. Minimum charges make it expensive to exchange small amounts. If you are travelling with a group make one combined currency purchase, rather than everybody buying their currency individually.
10. Don't forget that you can draw cash abroad on most credit and debit cards using your normal pin number. The ATMs will recognise that your card is 'foreign' and offer you instructions in English. But note: your card issuer may charge a transaction fee of between 1.5 - 2%, a 'currency loading fee' (they adjust the rate downwards, by between 0.5% and 2.75% depending on the bank) and on credit cards you may be charged interest. However, it's still a convenient way of getting your holiday money
11. Don't be persuaded to take more currency than you need on the strength of 'commission free buy back' offers. Although you won't be charged commission, the currency will be bought back at a lower rate, so you will still lose out, typically by between 2 - 5%