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Get euros before coming or not?

Printed From: Albufeira.com
Category: Tourism / Turismo
Forum Name: Users Chit Chat / Conversa entre Utilizadores
Forum Description: Topic area unrelated to Albufeira / Área de Tópicos não relacionados com Albufeira
URL: https://albufeira.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12308
Printed Date: 08/November/2024 at 12:10
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.15 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Get euros before coming or not?

Posted By: Gottfrieden
Subject: Get euros before coming or not?
Date Posted: 28/August/2024 at 16:57

Hi guys,

I'm planning to travel to Portugal from the UK and was wondering if it was a better idea to get Euros before travelling or if it's better to exchange currencies after arriving?

Also, I'm not sure about what company I should use to exchange currencies. I've heard of ChangeGroup but don't really know if it's a good operation. Have you ever used them?

Here is their website: https://uk.changegroup.com/

Thanks for your help :)

Replies:

Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 29/August/2024 at 09:11

You will always get about 2% more for cash if changing money in the UK. There are though much better and safer ways of bringing your spending money.

You can use a UK credit or debit card almost everywhere, except most taxis, some bars and smaller shops. The contactless limit here is €50.

If you withdraw cash as required from ATMs you get the commercial rate, not the tourist rate.

ALWAYS decline the offer of a local currency conversion. Pay in Euros and let your bank apply the conversion.

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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve

Posted By: Gottfrieden
Date Posted: 29/August/2024 at 09:34

Thanks for the answer Cubsur!

The thing is usually my bank applies crazy exchange rates when paying on euros with my debit card.

And regarding withdrawing cash, most of ATM applies a fixed charge so even though the exchange rate is cheaper, for small transaction it's actually more expensive because of the fees.

I'll contact my bank and ask them about exchange rates so I should be able to compare :)

Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 29/August/2024 at 12:07

The current exchange rate is 1.189 euros to pound. Ramsdens on the high street will give you 1.168 (book online) Higher rates may be available with a Euro card ... UK banks do not usually give good rates. You can walk into Tesco or Sainsbury`s and exchange cash at around 1.165.

Tesco`s are having a `sale` until Sep 5 ..

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Pyrman

Posted By: cubsur
Date Posted: 30/August/2024 at 09:30

The rate for cash exchange in town a couple of days ago was 1.085, which speaks for itself.

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Albufeira Resident

www.algarvebus.info public transport information for the Algarve

Posted By: AJSUGGY
Date Posted: 30/August/2024 at 12:33

Dont know which sainsburys or tesco offering that exchange rate was, as I went in my sainsburys here where I live, and they were offering 1.1129 Euro`s to the £ with a nectar card and 1 cent less without it. Just checked barclays business and they were offering me 1.1652 to the £

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suggy

Posted By: AJSUGGY
Date Posted: 30/August/2024 at 12:35

Dont know which sainsburys or Tesco he went to, but mine was offering 1.119 only.

Went on barclays and they were offering me 1.1652

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suggy

Posted By: Bunnyrunner
Date Posted: 19/September/2024 at 10:55

Not every credit or debit card is the same, they may charge Foreign Transaction fees and convert at lower rates. There are many cards that are perfect for foreign transactions and cash withdrawals. Two that are good with no Foreign Transaction Fees and who use the bank daily exchange rate (often only 0.5 cent lower than published rates are, 1) Barclaycard Rewards, this also gives you 0.25% cashback on all transactions including Foreign ones and 2) Halifax Clarity, no rewards with this one.

You will therefore get near perfect rates on purchases and you can withdraw cash at ATMs at the same rates. When you do this you must only use MB Multibanco ATMs, these are pink ones, there are 2 in the Old Town Square outside Millenium bank next door to the Ice Cream parlour. They are also in the supermarkets Pingo Doce and outside Continente. When withdrawing, as Cubsur says always refuse their conversion which will be 10% lower. Then if you have online banking, you can pay off the card the following day when it will be shown as a pending transaction, this way you can also pay no fees for cash withdrawals. If you don't pay it off interest will be charged on your next card statement.

Don't use any other ATMs, blue and yellow ATM Euronet and Green ATM Eurozone both charge a fixed fee per transaction which can be very high as a percentage when withdrawing small amounts.

There are also more modern cards Revolut and Mondo with similar benefits but you will need an app for them.

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"You wake up a winner only you can make yourself a loser"- Declan Murphy