euros

Do we get our euros before we go to France ? or take some sterling to change over there?

 

I normally take 2 or 3 hundred as cash and get the rest using a debit card at ATMs - these give the best exchange rate and with my bank charges are minimal. I also have money in a post office money card but keep this as a reserve only as it is more expensive to use. Can't think why I would take actual sterling notes to France.

 

We got €400 via the internet before we went and used N and P building society card (No charge for withdrawals) whilst we were there. Enjoy..

 

we dont use banks only building soc , so its euros, cash , or visa card , so i will either take euros or sterling to change,,,but might be better just taking euros,,its just the ex rate is crap over here...

 

A few hundred Euros in cash (avoid 50 Euro notes) and a Halifax Clarity card (no commission etc and the best rate available I believe).

 

I had a scout round yesterday and the best in Doncaster was Euro1.231 to £1, today it was only Euro1.223 to £1

 

We take about 500euros with us get the rest from ATMs and use post office credit card as they don't charge anything wherever you use it

 

£500 to £1000 cash then ATM.

M&S offer higher rates to anyone with their Credit/debit card. Good for us as store nearby and no need to visit city centre with consequent fuel/ parking costs which add to expense.

 

We have loaded a few hundred on Caxton FX card at 1.22 and will get about two hundred in cash.

 

I make sure that on returning from France I have at least 20 euros in hand for next time. Then its my Halifax Clarity card for everything, even getting cash. I pay interest on cash withdraws until the bill is paid off, but its always less that the fees other cards charge. The rate charged is very close, incredibly close, to the commercial rate on the BBC, and there are no other charges. The only place my card has been refused was the payment machine at the Aire at Greoux les Bains, that machine also took cash so all was well.

 

The £/€ rate has been getting better for the past 12 months http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/market_data/currency/11/13/twelve_month.stm
But I read today the market is due a "correction" so if you need euro cash might be worth buying it now.

 

I never trust using any card abroad, i always think i have not got the same protection as in Blighty

 

thanks everyone , as we dont have bank account cards,,its off to change some cash to euros in the morning ready for the off ....