1 Pound = 2+ Dollars - how much higher?

[Katys Grandad]

Good news if you're looking to exchange your sterling. £1=$1.82 today. Best since September 2005.

I suppose tourist rate should be around £1.77 or so.

[blott]

Shhh, don't tell Mum. She only got 1.69 last week... [msncry]

[GrahamC]

Great news, I have money to change.

[Madabouttigger]

Noticed in Thomas Cook's today the exchange rate was £1.72, looks like its worth shopping around for.

[Twiglet]

*watches aussie dollar plummet further*
If anyone wants a great exchange rater for a pound, then visit Oz.
Anyone that comes over here, is delighted at the value for money they get here, as a result of the stength of the sterling!
They can't get through their holiday money, it lasts and lasts.

[kitty]

Does the rate vary from bank to bank etc,we have been watching it for a few months and not sure whether to change up now or wait a few weeks to see if it improves even more

[wrpac00]

Travelex is $1.7526 but the $ has gone up about 2 cents more today so I expect tomorrow it will be close to $1.77.[msnsmile2] Could be time to buy some[msnwink]

[Cruella DeVilla]

Hoping to pull over 1.8 from our broker but we are waiting as it is on the way up but of course the markets are shut now. As the dollar is falling against the Euro at the mo nobody wants to buy dollars so it is good news for us Brits. We have a whack to change but we want to wait and see what happens. Hope it goes back to 1.9!

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Hoping to pull over 1.8 from our broker but we are waiting as it is on the way up but of course the markets are shut now. As the dollar is falling against the Euro at the mo nobody wants to buy dollars so it is good news for us Brits. We have a whack to change but we want to wait and see what happens. Hope it goes back to 1.9!
[/quote]

I'm getting over $1.80 transferring money across my Citibank accounts and, of course, no charges whatsoever.

Incidentally CDV, being internationally traded, currency markets never 'shut' and you can trade 24/7, 365 days of the year.

[Ray&Sarah]

Great news, long may it continue to rise.[msnsmile2]

[luckylady]

For a better rate try oneo f the commercial brokers Currencies Direct is the one I use
Also for very small amounts Marks&Spencers are very competetive .

[abbeyvillas]

We've found The Post Office are worth keeping a check on they are often very competitive and don't charge commission.
Pam & Jeanette

[Ruth]

I agree. I use my Citibank accounts to change money too and it works brilliantly giving you great rates and no charges[clap][clap][clap]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad

I'm getting over $1.80 transferring money across my Citibank accounts and, of course, no charges whatsoever.
[/quote]

[becbecs]

Good News Travelex still at $1.75 but should creep up a couple of cents as Business rate is $1.82

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Hoping to pull over 1.8 from our broker but we are waiting as it is on the way up but of course the markets are shut now. As the dollar is falling against the Euro at the mo nobody wants to buy dollars so it is good news for us Brits. We have a whack to change but we want to wait and see what happens. Hope it goes back to 1.9!
[/quote]

I'm getting over $1.80 transferring money across my Citibank accounts and, of course, no charges whatsoever.

Incidentally CDV, being internationally traded, currency markets never 'shut' and you can trade 24/7, 365 days of the year.
[/quote]

What I am trying to say here Phil is that our Broker is closed over the weekend so we work on Fridays rate til then.

I am still going to wait out as we have a large sum to deposit and a couple of cents difference can be hundreds of dollars.

Out of curiousity with Citibank is there a minimun amount you have to transfer?

[kokomo]

Marks and Spencer offer a better rate than the post office, although I think you are limited as to how much you can take out at one time, correct me if I'm wrong.

[Jackie1]

I have just looked at Marks and Spencers website and the rate is
$1.763.

[kokomo]

Hi Jackie,

Just checked the post office rate and today their rate is 1.7248.

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: As the dollar is falling against the Euro at the mo nobody wants to buy dollars so it is good news for us Brits. We have a whack to change but we want to wait and see what happens. Hope it goes back to 1.9![/quote]

However your property has just decreased in value against Sterling! I want it to drop to £1 = $1 just when I decide to sell!!

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Out of curiousity with Citibank is there a minimun amount you have to transfer?[/quote]

I have used Citibank for years and there is no minimum amount to transfer - either way. Current rate is just over 1.80 for on-line transfer. If you want to transfer really large amounts - for house purchase - you can phone them and get a marginally better rate sometimes.

[Cruella DeVilla]

Thanks Robert for the info on Citibank thats's interesting as obviously a broker has a minimum amount to transfer as they have to make on it, so although there is no charge as such they make and when you are transferring thousands it makes a h*elluva difference.

[domster]

I need to exchange money as well and was suprised to see it at nearly 1.8 again. I am in no rush so will change it next week when they start trading again

[davy woods]

Me too Dom, I will see what develops this week before making my move.
Dave

[Cruella DeVilla]

I think there will be a few of us in this boat:D

[normajohnp]

Sitting tight too CDV, so move over and make some room.[msnsmile2] We use FX Currency who do the currency for M&S thay charge us £12.50 a transaction no limit.Its what the bank in Florida charge to take it that annoys me!!

Norma.

[domster]

I am looking with interest as like I said earlier in the week, IRAN -US thing is making the US dollar very week due to uncertainty with oil.

[Sharon G]

M and S are offering 1.76 this morning as the tourist rate!!!!
......my next guest has just informed me[msnwink][msnwink]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by domster
I am looking with interest as like I said earlier in the week, IRAN -US thing is making the US dollar very week due to uncertainty with oil.
[/quote]

I think it's more closely linked to recent announcements by the Federal Reserve that they will hold interest rates and see how the US economy fares over the next few months. Whatever the reason, it's heading in the right direction for me.

Just checked my bank statement and I got 1.73 2 weeks ago in New York so quite pleased with that[msnwink]

[Madabouttigger]

Just checked the M & S Site 1.78 at the tourist rate this morning - if it gets to 1.80 think I will have to buy.[msnwink]

[Eden]

Just to let everyone know I sent some money across today and got 1.82

Its a shame we all haven't got crystal balls !

[Madabouttigger]

M&S at 1.78 today.[msnsmile2]

[Anthony Brook]

Well worth knowing. Sent the wife to change some for our visit in June with the rate at 1.83 and she was offered 1.70 !
Needless to say I still have the streling in my pocket and will definately try M&S.

[Madabouttigger]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Anthony Brook
Well worth knowing. Sent the wife to change some for our visit in June with the rate at 1.83 and she was offered 1.70 !
Needless to say I still have the streling in my pocket and will definately try M&S.
[/quote]

1.70!! In the travel agents in town it was 1.76 - so you where right to refuse 1.70 - every bit helps [msnwink]

[Madabouttigger]

Anthony - just a thought - have you considered Travelx - they to are offering 1.78?

Diane.

[luckylady]

Currencies direct are offering $182.09 today at 4 pm

[wrpac00]

Touching $1.86 now, Travelex $1.792.

[Michelle]

M&S yesterday were selling travellers cheques $1.785

[jovi]

Do Currencies direct charge commission?

[wrpac00]

Vicky,

Found this on their website.

There is no charge on transfers over £5,000. For transfer less than £5,000 there is a £15 charge.

Hope that answers your question.

[Madabouttigger]

Got some Dollars today from M & S at 1.797 - good deal I though. But then got caught by my collegue at work sniffing them........the smell just reminds me of America.........[msnembarrased]

[Katys Grandad]

Getting over $1.84 across my Citibank accounts this afternoon.

[eclipsed]

Ilkeston Co-op travel are offering £= $1.78 today

[wrpac00]

Travelex are offering $1.798 and $ is up again today so it should be over $1.80 tomorrow[msncool]

[Kissyme]

just checked on the M&S site and it`s 1.807 woo hoo

[luckylady]

received this email from our broker
Wednesday 10th May

To raise or not to raise, that is the question.

The USD was weaker again yesterday and this morning as the market awaits the US Federal Reserve decision on interest rates later today. More importantly however will be the rhetoric which comes with the decision.. Although the consensus is for another 25bp rise to 5%, the 16th consecutive, many are predicting the statement follow the meeting will signal the end to the Fed’s tightening cycle.
The GBP has breached 1.8700, a year high against the USD, this morning while the EUR is within touching distance of 1.2800. The JPY has also benefited significantly from the concerns ahead of the Fed meeting hitting a 8-month high against the USD – aided by rumours the Bank of Japan could start raising overnight rates as soon as June – driving 2-year bonds to their highest yield in 7 years.

Also today the US Treasury is set to release a report on currencies which some investors think may name China as a foreign exchange manipulator. Additionally rumours of a US Hedge Fund going under are also circling. The Bank of England Inflation report is released at 10.30 but this is likely to play a minor role as the market awaits the Fed.

On the commodity front gold jumped to yet another 25 year high above USD 702 an ounce on the back of the weaker USD. Gold has now risen by more than 35% this year. Meanwhile Platinum has hit an all time high on the back of the gold rise and demand from Japanese investors.
Meanwhile crude oil remained above USD 70 a barrel with concerns over Iran negated by a rise in US crude stocks.

Wish I had a Crystal ball !!!!!

[msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[becbecs]

Travelex currently have tourist rate of $1.8071 [clap][clap][clap][clap]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by luckylady
received this email from our broker
Wednesday 10th May

To raise or not to raise, that is the question.

The USD was weaker again yesterday and this morning as the market awaits the US Federal Reserve decision on interest rates later today. More importantly however will be the rhetoric which comes with the decision.. Although the consensus is for another 25bp rise to 5%, the 16th consecutive, many are predicting the statement follow the meeting will signal the end to the Fed’s tightening cycle.
The GBP has breached 1.8700, a year high against the USD, this morning while the EUR is within touching distance of 1.2800. The JPY has also benefited significantly from the concerns ahead of the Fed meeting hitting a 8-month high against the USD – aided by rumours the Bank of Japan could start raising overnight rates as soon as June – driving 2-year bonds to their highest yield in 7 years.

Also today the US Treasury is set to release a report on currencies which some investors think may name China as a foreign exchange manipulator. Additionally rumours of a US Hedge Fund going under are also circling. The Bank of England Inflation report is released at 10.30 but this is likely to play a minor role as the market awaits the Fed.

On the commodity front gold jumped to yet another 25 year high above USD 702 an ounce on the back of the weaker USD. Gold has now risen by more than 35% this year. Meanwhile Platinum has hit an all time high on the back of the gold rise and demand from Japanese investors.
Meanwhile crude oil remained above USD 70 a barrel with concerns over Iran negated by a rise in US crude stocks.

Wish I had a Crystal ball !!!!!

[msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]
[/quote]

I love these brokers that fill their bulletins with historical data and statements of the blindingly obvious without ever giving their own views on where things are going which is actually what you are paying for.

Money for old rope in my view.

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I love these brokers that fill their bulletins with historical data and statements of the blindingly obvious without ever giving their own views on where things are going which is actually what you are paying for.

Money for old rope in my view.[/quote]

I don't think these brokers are sitting on the fence at all.

As I see it they are saying the US$ could weaken even more; on the other hand they believe it could strengthen; however it might remain at its present level.

Whatever happens to the rate you can bet their next bulletin will start " As we predicted in our last bulletin ----"

[Homer]

M+S now at $1.797

Could not get down there yesterday

Ah Well will keep my peepers peeled

[pieman790]

The US goverment raised their interest rates yesterday to 5% so it may drop some more this week.

[GrahamC]

I certainly reckon over $1.90 again, but I am not sure it will get to $2.00

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: The US goverment raised their interest rates yesterday to 5% so it may drop some more this week.[/quote]

Not sure what you mean by "drop some more"

If a country raises its interest rates it makes the currency more attractive to investors and the currency usually strengthens.

Thus as the US$ has been dropping in value you would normally expect that trend to be reversed and stabilise - or rise in value a little.

The problem being that the currency market anticipates these actions and have allowed for them.

Obviously if the underlying economy is weak raising interests rates will not have any lasting effect. Raising UK rates to 15+% some while ago did not stop the run on the UK£.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I certainly reckon over $1.90 again, but I am not sure it will get to $2.00[/quote]

If you had any confidence in that statement you could make yourself Millions.

The best brains in all the world's financial institutions, with access to every scr@p(swear filter avoidance!) of information available and every computer program, calculate it is worth exactly what it is worth today.

Nobody, but nobody, has any clue which way the exchange rate will move from today.

[pieman790]

I would have thought that if the interest rates in the US go up then its more than likely the dollar should got stronger.

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:[i]Originally posted by Robert5988
Nobody, but nobody, has any clue which way the exchange rate will move from today.

[/quote]

So, so true Robert. However, I confidently predict it will be either higher, lower or at the same level by the end of today.

[luckylady]

Travelex are ofering $181.00 to the British Pound online this morning

[andrewmckay5]

Order the cash online from M and S. Free next day delivery.
andrew

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Homer
M+S now at $1.797

Could not get down there yesterday

Ah Well will keep my peepers peeled
[/quote]

[pieman790]

I have just got back from Thomas Cook and they gave me $1.80 to the pound on both Cash and T/C's. You have to make a purchase of £1000 to get this rate but there was no commisson to pay.

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: Order the cash online from M and S. Free next day delivery.
[/quote]

Or 'order' the cash from an ATM using your debit card and get more US$ cash for each UK£.

[Homer]

Thats easier said than done I had to pay a nice fat cheque into my building society last week so I was going to draw that out and pay cash.

Unfortunatley my good lady spent most of the day yesterday converting some of that money into clothes and womens things!!!!

Huurrrummppphhhh

[GrahamC]

I hope she got a good rate of exchange, at least in her eyes.

[normajohnp]

Just gotten an email from FX and it is $185.89.Just waiting for it to hit $1.90 then will change some more over.We ask them to notify us when it hits the exchange we want ( $1.90 ) and to hold the dollar amount untill we transfer the sterling into there account.Work`s really well.

Norma.

[Andy & Arlene]

$1.88440 on xe at moment. Slowly rising. Just checked Markies site and they're still showing $1.79. Does anyone know when this site is updated on a daily basis?

[PAUL GIZZI]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by normajohnp
Just gotten an email from FX and it is $185.89.Just waiting for it to hit $1.90 then will change some more over.We ask them to notify us when it hits the exchange we want ( $1.90 ) and to hold the dollar amount untill we transfer the sterling into there account.Work`s really well.

Norma.
[/quote]

Hi Norma could you please tell me who you use to get this rate.

cheers

Paul

[Elaine62]

1.798 at my Thomas Cook in Edinburgh today, this is slightly lower than yesterday and now feel the need to buy in case it drops any lower, am I jumping hte gun?

Elaine

[zx6r]

Online fx is at 1.82 at the moment

[wrpac00]

Elaine, its gone up quite a bit today so you will find better rates in the shops tomorrow.

[GrahamC]

Yes, there was a 2cent rise today.

[Homer]

M+S @1.827 this morning

Think they must set the rate over night

[ahagan]

Travelex is also offering 1.827 this morning.

[SunLover]

I just exchanged at M & S at $1.828 :)

[Katys Grandad]

This morning's high - $1.8999!!

[LesleyB]

We have just forward bought some dollars for October through our bank (First Direct)at $1.88 (rate was 1.896 on xe.com) - we were going to wait it out to see if the dollar went higher, but decided we were happy with that rate.[msnsmile2]

[wrpac00]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ahagan
Travelex is also offering 1.827 this morning.
[/quote]

They are offering $1.833 now.

[normajohnp]

Sorry for the delay Paul. We use FX Currency Services Ltd. There phone number is 020 78286680. You have to registar with them, but if you are after changing large sums they are very good. What we now also do is get them to send it to us in a bankers draught which costs £4.00. then take it with us and bank it ourselves when we get to florida. Save`s us about $55.00.

Norma.

[normajohnp]

Just checked with FX and now $1.8804 so getting really close.

Norma.

[Kazzie]

$1.89 with HIFX at the moment.

Karen

[luckylady]

I have done the deal couldn't wait any longer, we fly out on Monday I exchanged at $1.88 with currencies Direct
I am happy with that, when we went to Florida in December I exchanged the same amount of Sterling then as I have Today, only this time I am $322.00 better off
That is a good start up our trip [msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[GrahamC]

Well done Barbara. All good things come to those who wait.

[Robert5988]

The other side of the coin!

I have some American friends visiting, the rate the post office is giving to buy US$ notes is US$2.03 = £1

As it is I need US$ so I give them the Citibank rate at which I can buy dollars - but it shows what a huge differential there is between buying and selling rates - easy money.

[luckylady]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by GrahamC
Well done Barbara. All good things come to those who wait.
[/quote]
I did OK Graham I think it will go higher this coming week
When the exchange rate is good against the Dollar. will give our business a boost.everyone loves a bargain
I remember visiting Florida three years ago when the exchange rate was $1.60 certainly makes a difference
[msnwink][msnwink][msnwink

[ali-uk]

Hi

I am going to florida September 06, would it be good for me to buy some Dollars now?? reading all this i think i should its $1.7941 at our local post office.
thanks
Ali

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ali-uk
Hi

I am going to florida September 06, would it be good for me to buy some Dollars now?? reading all this i think i should its $1.7941 at our local post office.
thanks
Ali
[/quote]

Don't know whether you should change money now Ali but you might want to think about keeping away from the Post Office if that's what they're offering.

[jackie greaves]

HSBC are offering 1.83 as of today, according to their web site. Pity there are not open[msnwink]

[blott]

Travelex are at 1.8334 and they're always open if you've got a debit card! [msnwink]

[Kazzie]

It must have shot up a lot over last 24 hours now at $1.89[msnsmile2]

Karen

[ali-uk]

thanks all

Kazzie, i tried your web site what a difference it makes i am nearly doubling my money[clap].

I am going to keep a look out and buy some Monday
Thanks
Ali

[PAUL GIZZI]

Could anyone tell me the best place to exchange money?

Cheers all

[dawn]

Travelex usually offer good rates, you can buy on line and they are also at airports

[Pegasus928]

Listening to the radio on the way home - they reckon that the dollar is going to get weaker in the very near future, but that the pound is also going to go the same way - so maybe now would be a good time to buy

[russell148]

Getting better everyday, waiting to transfer some money but cant decide when to go for it

Russell

[Steve and Dawn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dawn
Travelex usually offer good rates, you can buy on line and they are also at airports
[/quote]

Yes but the thing to remember is that the Airport Travelex don't give anywhere near the rate you get online. However, you can order online at the rate shown and pick up from the Airport.

[dawn]

Has anyone checked the rate today - just about to have a look[?]

[ShirleyCottam]

Yes its down by 0.01 today.

M&S are giving 1.822. Interesting bit of information, I was in Thomas Cook and asked thier rate, it was only 1.75 but they said they would price match, and they matched M&S price, so I bought some $$$$ from them.

[Shirley G]

We have just sent some money over and got 1.86 today. Hubby works for Barclay's so good staff rate.

[The Simpsons]

Went on Custom House.com web site and it is a wopping $1.88[msnsmile2]

[Kazzie]

Just checked this site as I hadnt heard of it and it does say that the rate quoted is for transactions over US$10,000

Karen

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by The Simpsons
Went on Custom House.com web site and it is a wopping $1.88[msnsmile2]
[/quote]

[The Simpsons]

Hi Karen

I always use these for my dollars and i never known a minimum amount had to be changed. If you call them tommorrow the guy i usally deal with is Mike Mcfee.

[Kazzie]

Ali, with HIFX you have to have an account with them. I would be interested to know where you were previously looking as the exchange rate has nowhere near doubled! Or do you mean that for each £1 you are getting almost double in $'s?

Karen

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ali-uk
thanks all

Kazzie, i tried your web site what a difference it makes i am nearly doubling my money[clap].

I am going to keep a look out and buy some Monday
Thanks
Ali
[/quote]

[Michelle]

I wire transfered some money over today and got $1.86

[dawn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Kazzie
Just checked this site as I hadnt heard of it and it does say that the rate quoted is for transactions over US$10,000

Karen

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by The Simpsons
Went on Custom House.com web site and it is a wopping $1.88[msnsmile2]
[/quote]
[/quote]
Karen,
We use xe.com and they are part of/in association with Custom House

[jackie greaves]

1.86 is pretty good. The best I can find today is 1.83.

[ali-uk]

Hi Kazzie

Yes i meant for every £1 you get you are almost double the $1, sorry got a little excited , never been to america before so hoping if i buy enough dollars now then i wont have be spending as much when i get there when i do go Sept/Oct on the credit card, but who knows what the dollars going to do anyway.
I keep putting my holiday money in the bank and spending it!!! if i change it now into dollars while its good then i can't spend it[msnwink] might go get some more before it drops again today.
Ali

[Corky]

I got a quote this morning from travelex for a spot contract today at $1.87, and the same quotation for a forward contract in August.

[mizzy]

i've been and bought some dollars this morning from the high street

i got them from thomson travel agents and i noticed that they have a big sign that says they will now beat any high street or INTERNET price (i did ask and they said that matching an internet price is new)

didn't buy many as they are a birthday gift and not for my holiday

i got $1.834 to the £ and i'm ok with that[msnsmile]

but i'll be checking a few of the sites mentioned on here before i hit them to buy my holiday cash[msnsmile2]

Mizzy

[kitty]

Brought our dollars today ,it was 1.6something last time we went so any extra this year is a greeeaat bonus[msncool]

[gilly]

I got $1.835 today at Thomas Cook:D

[wendyd]

I got $187.14 with associated foreign exchange yesterday.
Wendy

[Katys Grandad]

Down over 2 cents today to £1.87.

Who knows where next? I don't!

[jackie greaves]

The best I could find today was 1.83. I came down a little over the last couple of days, been seems to have gone back up.

[cad-properties]

We bought some Dollars on Tuesday and got 1.82 which I was pleased with.

I had been watching the rate for a while and said that I would get some changed if the rate went to 1.80 so I was happy.

Just need some time off work to go now !!

Clair.
http://www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/495.aspx

[icemaidenuk]

Does anyone know the branch exchange rate for travelex please?

Thanks in advance

[AshleyLodge]

Isn't it nerve racking trying to decide when to buy and then when you have wondering if you have timed it right. We usually get it wrong but so far think we were OK buying on 12th. The advice we had was to buy if it got to $1.89 because ther tends to be a ceiling at $1.90. Thought this might be helpful if it goes near there again.

[ali-uk]

hi

I have just had the American express travellers cheque card, from my local lunn poly (thomson), i dint have to pay the £20 fee to open it just changed my money into dollars and put it on my card at the exchange rate of $1.802 its now capped at that rate every time i add money to it, for £200 i got $365, which is not bad really.
This exchange rate was from travelex, i changed money for my daughter into cash for a higher rate $1.834 commision free, i was happy with that other than the post office these two places at the minute are the only ones who can off no commission charges.
If like me you dont have a large amount of money to exchange now i think its a good way to save your holiday money[msnwink]
Ali

[neild292]

Definately a good opportunity to change money if you need dollars in the next few months

Neil

[jackie greaves]

We have a premier bank account with HSBC and we don't get charged for foreign currency, and the rate is always better than the Post Office. If you order your currency in the morning it is at the bank the following day.

[PAUL GIZZI]

Just go $183.1 at Fx today happy

[JoRo]

$1.88 rate - just checked - and in the US they reckon it could go to 2!

[wrpac00]

Just waiting for my lot to say how much spending money they are taking then will do a transfer with XE.

[trevlad]

got 1.836 friday from hsbc for an urgent exchange - cant complain

[jackie greaves]

Thats a good rate Trev. I thought it had gone down a little, obviously not.
Lets hope it stay good.

Marks Spencer have a new bureau de change at the Trafford Centre and they were selling at $1.79 and buying $1.91 yesterday [msnsmile]

[trevlad]

it was for $10,000 so perhaps got slightly better than tourist rate, so it was very good then[clap]

[carrie]

hi am i nuts i have just checked the exch rate on the internet and it says 1.85 in thomas cook today they are quoting 1.75 this is for cas, am i missing something? lol

[Madabouttigger]

The tourest rats for M & S and Travelex are around 1.78 so Thomas Cooks looks a bit low. Where did you get your rate of 1.85 from - was it for business rate or exchaning a large amount??[msnscared]

[carrie]

hi madabouttigger.i just typed into the internext 'convert pounds to dollars and it brought up a simple conversion table whic u enter amount to be exchanged, it did his and showed the exch rate as being 1,85

[Madabouttigger]

Hi Carrie - it sounds like your conversion site is a bit off the mark - I wonder how often they get up dated? I usually check with M&S or Travelex, they will give you todays tourist rates and usually are one of the best rates around. Hope this helps,

Diane.

[jackie greaves]

HSBC is currently offering 1.778. I am watching it daily in the hope it will go up to 1.8 as I have a large amount of money waiting to be paid off the mortgage.

[whitfield family]

I transferred money yesterday from our Nat West current account to our Nat West currency account and I got 1.812.
A lot of the internet sites quote the mid-price (ie a rate between the buying rate and the selling rate)to give you a rough guide to the current exchange rate.

[wrpac00]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by carrie
hi madabouttigger.i just typed into the internext 'convert pounds to dollars and it brought up a simple conversion table whic u enter amount to be exchanged, it did his and showed the exch rate as being 1,85
[/quote]

Hasn't been $1.85 for some days now. Highest its been today is $1.8458.

[carrie]

Thanks Diane, i should have realised, im not going until April 07 so i have some time, i just thought that if it was so high it might be worth buying some now, perhaps i will still and i will def check with M&A and Travelex.ive not actually heard of them before though Diane are they on-line? ive never exchanged money on-line before.
Thanks Carrie

[ALR]

I've never used travelex but I've ordered from Marks and Spencer Money. Can't put the website link as it would be deleted but it comes under the money section on their website.

ALR

[Madabouttigger]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by carrie
Thanks Diane, i should have realised, im not going until April 07 so i have some time, i just thought that if it was so high it might be worth buying some now, perhaps i will still and i will def check with M&A and Travelex.ive not actually heard of them before though Diane are they on-line? ive never exchanged money on-line before.
Thanks Carrie
[/quote]

Carrie - It's good old M&S - Marks and Spencer- lol [msnwink]. Travelex is the money exchage at the airports - you order your money before you go and collect it on departure. I've never use them but do use their web site to check the exchange rate. However, some of the high street travel agents such as Thomas Cook will match internet rates, so if you print off your findings on the internet and take them into Thomas Cooks they give you a better deal. If you are not going until April you have plenty of time to shop around and wait for a really good rate to come along[msnwink].

Hope this has helped,

Diane

[abbeyvillas]

We are hanging back with buying our currency at the moment, still hoping for it to get back to the higher price
Pam & Jeanette

[Katys Grandad]

Well your mortgage might go up with the interest rate rise yesterday but it also lead to a new £/$ rate of 1.91 earlier today.

It's an ill wind..........

[jackie greaves]

Lets hope it stays that way for a while. I have just telephoned my building society to get my money sent to my bank account so I can send it over to pay off our US mortgage. this takes 3 working days, so fingers crossed that it stays at this rate until then[lucky]

[The Simpsons]

Why is the dollar so bouyant again[?]

[Snapper]

The headline news is the interest rates. The snap decision this week by the Bank of England and European Central Banks to raise rates by a 1/4 percent made the pound and euro stronger against the dollar.

There are also constant underlying murmerings about inflation worries (shock! never would have seen that one coming [msnwink]) and the relative strength of the US/UK/European economies.

Nobody knows what the future holds but one thing is for sure. With the pound sitting at around $1.90 (ish, give-or-take) Florida is great value right now. Fill your boots and snap it up while it lasts. [msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msncool]

[Homer]

1.846 at M+S this morning

[carrie]

Hi Thomas Cook also are giving 1.84 this morning, mind you i did as you guys suggested once, and printed off M&S rate from the internet and they were prepared to match it.
Carrie

[abbeyvillas]

Yep - great value for holidays to Florida at the moment. Am in a dilemma now as to whether I should buy now or wait another 2 weeks. Lets hope the upward trend keeps going
:D
Pam

[Sharon G]

1.90891 USD today!!!!

M and S ..... $1.844


:D:D:D

[becbecs]

Travelex is the same $184.44

May bo a good time to buy some for our trip at Xmas

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Sharon G
1.90891 USD today!!!!

M and S ..... $1.844


:D:D:D
[/quote]

[carrie]

what is happening to the exchange rate? please make it go up.


:(

[Macka]

We got $1:88 on an American express Travellers cheque card through first choice I think it was last weekend. It was 2 cents better than the paper cheques. That's not a bad rate at all.[msnsmile2]

[mizzy]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by carrie
what is happening to the exchange rate? please make it go up.


:(
[/quote]

it's 1.821 with travelex so thats not too bad really[msnsmile]

Mizzy

[andrewmckay5]

Quite right Mizzy, its still an excellent rate.About 3 years ago it was only in the $1-50's.
andrew

[jackie greaves]

Got some dollars today at HSBC for 1.817, not too bad, has gone down a tad.

[lisi]

Just got some at the Post Office today 1.814 - not bad I suppose.Last time we went 2 years ago it was 1.7.

Lisi

[paddyc]

I've found a fantastic company - Crown Currency Exchange - who have outstanding rates. If you are planning on going to the US next year you can order currency now for May/June next year and the rate is guaranteed at $2 for £1!!!

I have ordered for my October break and got a rate of $1.86!!

Here's the link;

[website link edited - it has loads of links to other places, some of which aren't allowed]

[freddiehollie]

Hi paddyc any chance you can DM me the web link please looks great:D

cheers!

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Hi paddyc any chance you can DM me the web link please looks great[/quote]

You will find it by Google.

I wonder what the catch is? If indeed there is one.


I will ring them on Monday.

I have followed forward currency rates for many years and have never seen a rate 10+ cents above the commercial rate offered(for only 6 months ahead) and I have never heard of this firm.

They also say they will give better rates for large sums.

Personally I will not give them any money - even if they offered $3 for £1 - unless I was 100% certain my money was safe.(they want payment by debit card)

[MTP]

It does seem a little too good to be true and why does the rate drop after June 2007 mmmmhhh [msnscared][msneek]

I don't think I would hand over my hard earned. If they are that good at predicting the rate why are do they need to be in business at all?

[Robert5988]

The Financial Times forward rates(on 22 Sep 06) for 3 months and one year are £1 = $1.9042 & $1.9033.

[freddiehollie]

Cheers Robert will have a look. Does seem to good to be true though[msnwink]

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I've found a fantastic company - Crown Currency Exchange [/quote]

I rang Crown Currency Exchange this morning.

Apparently you just hand over your money, say, £1,000 and in April you are sent US$2,000.

I enquired about security of my money between now and April and – er – there isn’t any.
I enquired about what form of financial regulation applies to the firm(FSA etc) and – er – there isn’t any.

So basically you are giving your money to a completely unregulated firm with no safeguard whatsoever should they go bust.

Er - I don't think I will bother. "Fantastic" or not.

EDIT
They operate from John Harvey House in Hayle Cornwall and there are other 'sister' currency exchange firms operating at the same address as well as Bulgarian Plots - buy land and property in Bulgaria. Hayle is a beautiful spot and must be becoming the financial Mecca of the West Country.

[paddyc]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I've found a fantastic company - Crown Currency Exchange [/quote]

I rang Crown Currency Exchange this morning.

Apparently you just hand over your money, say, £1,000 and in April you are sent US$2,000.

I enquired about security of my money between now and April and – er – there isn’t any.
I enquired about what form of financial regulation applies to the firm(FSA etc) and – er – there isn’t any.

So basically you are giving your money to a completely unregulated firm with no safeguard whatsoever should they go bust.

Er - I don't think I will bother. "Fantastic" or not.

EDIT
They operate from John Harvey House in Hayle Cornwall and there are other 'sister' currency exchange firms operating at the same address as well as Bulgarian Plots - buy land and property in Bulgaria. Hayle is a beautiful spot and must be becoming the financial Mecca of the West Country.

[/quote]

Robert - each to their own.

This company was brought to my attention by a good friend who bought currency a few months ago and everything went through smoothly. I know of 1 other person who also bought currency with no problems.

I have "dipped my toe in the water" and ordered a couple of hundred dollars for delivery on 10th Oct. I'll keep you updated.

The procedure is that you pay by cheque or bank transfer once you have received a confirmatory email. The currency is delivered by Royal Mail special delivery on the agreed date. Is it a risk?? yes probably.

With regards to my initial post I was only passing on details of what seems to be a great rate. I would feel terrible if anybody lost out due to my recommendations. Can I suggest that if anybody is (still) considering buying from them that you at least wait until after the 10th October and I'll feed back my experiences.

Please accept my apologies for highlighting this in the first place.

[carrie]

Hi guys i bought £1000 today and got 1.854 at Bath travel seems prettty good to me

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Robert - each to their own.

This company was brought to my attention by a good friend who bought currency a few months ago and everything went through smoothly. I know of 1 other person who also bought currency with no problems.

I have "dipped my toe in the water" and ordered a couple of hundred dollars for delivery on 10th Oct. I'll keep you updated.

The procedure is that you pay by cheque or bank transfer once you have received a confirmatory email. The currency is delivered by Royal Mail special delivery on the agreed date. Is it a risk?? yes probably.

With regards to my initial post I was only passing on details of what seems to be a great rate. I would feel terrible if anybody lost out due to my recommendations. Can I suggest that if anybody is (still) considering buying from them that you at least wait until after the 10th October and I'll feed back my experiences.

Please accept my apologies for highlighting this in the first place.[/quote]

Paddy,
No apology needed and I didn't mean to have a dig at you; although on reflection it could look that way - so an apology from me is due.

I have little doubt that you will get your money, and $1.86 is not anything special, but $2.00 is!

My main point is regardless of you, or anyone else, getting your money it is a risk dealing with an unregulated firm as you have no security.

So why take that risk?

[wrpac00]

This was posted on another forum:-

I have been posting my reservations on this on another 'crown currency' thread, but I'm glad to see others share my reservations. Just to satisfy my own curiosity, I downloaded their most recent accounts and it pretty much confirms my concerns.

1. They made a loss in their first year of trading. (Not unusual for a new company)

2. Their net worth is a grand total of just under £4,000.

They clearly are a very small company, with very limited resources. We won't know until next April how they have fared over the last 12 months. I take my hat off to anybody with the balls to start up a new business, especially when taking on the big boys in the financial markets - but to all - think carefully before entering into agreements that require you to pay 100% now in the hope that they are still in business in 6 - 12 months time.

[Robert5988]

Paul,

We agree on something!

I don't like the 'sister' companies operating side by side. It is a classic ploy to start up a new company to limit your exposure; if Crown go bust, the sister companies don't. It looks suspiciously like they are gambling on future exchange rates - with their clients money!

If exchange rates stay at their present level they are going to lose over 5% on all monies deposited with them for an April payout.

Just one point - there is no problem in 'buying forward currency' with a reputable regulated company/bank; in case anyone mis-understands your last sentence and thinks you mean with any company.

[trevlad]

seems to be a big concern there r9bert, looks like a job for the mail on sunday. i suppose they also have the benefit of interest on your money during the waiting period? but still not convinced

[Macka]

I'd like to point out that if American express were declared bankrupt, you wouldn't get a penny of your money back either if you use their amex dollar cheque card, regulated or not, and as retailers wouldn't be reimbursed, you couldn't purchase anything anywhere. Admittedly, you would think that a large company like Amex were less likely to fail than the company Paddy mentioned.

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: I'd like to point out that if American express were declared bankrupt, you wouldn't get a penny of your money back either if you use their amex dollar cheque card, regulated or not, and as retailers wouldn't be reimbursed, you couldn't purchase anything anywhere. Admittedly, you would think that a large company like Amex were less likely to fail than the company Paddy mentioned.[/quote]

Macka,
Sorry but that statement is not accurate.

It is a hugely complex area, but essentially any company registered with the FSA(Financial Services Authority – a Government agency) has to provide proof of funds etc.

In the last resort compensation is available from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This is an extract from the FSA.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:
Compensation

Occasionally, a financial services firm goes out of business and can't pay money it owes you. However, you might be able to get compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
The FSCS is the statutory fund of last resort for customers of authorised financial services firms in the UK. The FSCS can compensate consumers if an authorised firm is unable, or likely to be unable, to pay claims against it.
If you use an authorised firm, you have access to complaints procedures and the compensation scheme if things go wrong. If you use an unauthorised firm, you do not have these options.[/quote]

[wrpac00]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Macka
I'd like to point out that if American express were declared bankrupt, you wouldn't get a penny of your money back either if you use their amex dollar cheque card, regulated or not, and as retailers wouldn't be reimbursed, you couldn't purchase anything anywhere. Admittedly, you would think that a large company like Amex were less likely to fail than the company Paddy mentioned.
[/quote]

Macka,

I don't think you can compare the two, forget their size.

With American Express you give them your money and they give you the going rate in $ there and then. They have exchanged $ for £.

With Crown you give them your money (up to 9 months in advance in the examples in this post) and you don't get your $ until about 7 days before you requested them for. They are gambling on investing that money to be able to give you their generous rate but if it all goes pear shaped where are you left?????

Personally I feel very uncomfortable in giving someone £1000+ of my money and not seeing anything for 9 months or so.

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Macka,

I don't think you can compare the two, forget their size.

With American Express you give them your money and they give you the going rate in $ there and then. They have exchanged $ for £.
[/quote]

Paul,
Before things go off at a tangent, Macka was specifically referring to the the AMEX dollar cheque card

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:you wouldn't get a penny of your money back either if you use their amex dollar cheque card, regulated or not, and as retailers wouldn't be reimbursed, you couldn't purchase anything anywhere. [/quote]

i.e. you have given them your £££s but you haven't actually received any $$$$s.
In the unlikely even of AMEX going bust your dollar cheque card would be not be accepted, but that is not the same as not getting a penny of your money back.

[paddyc]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by paddyc
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I've found a fantastic company - Crown Currency Exchange [/quote]

I rang Crown Currency Exchange this morning.

Apparently you just hand over your money, say, £1,000 and in April you are sent US$2,000.

I enquired about security of my money between now and April and – er – there isn’t any.
I enquired about what form of financial regulation applies to the firm(FSA etc) and – er – there isn’t any.

So basically you are giving your money to a completely unregulated firm with no safeguard whatsoever should they go bust.

Er - I don't think I will bother. "Fantastic" or not.

EDIT
They operate from John Harvey House in Hayle Cornwall and there are other 'sister' currency exchange firms operating at the same address as well as Bulgarian Plots - buy land and property in Bulgaria. Hayle is a beautiful spot and must be becoming the financial Mecca of the West Country.

[/quote]

Robert - each to their own.

This company was brought to my attention by a good friend who bought currency a few months ago and everything went through smoothly. I know of 1 other person who also bought currency with no problems.

I have "dipped my toe in the water" and ordered a couple of hundred dollars for delivery on 10th Oct. I'll keep you updated.

The procedure is that you pay by cheque or bank transfer once you have received a confirmatory email. The currency is delivered by Royal Mail special delivery on the agreed date. Is it a risk?? yes probably.

With regards to my initial post I was only passing on details of what seems to be a great rate. I would feel terrible if anybody lost out due to my recommendations. Can I suggest that if anybody is (still) considering buying from them that you at least wait until after the 10th October and I'll feed back my experiences.

Please accept my apologies for highlighting this in the first place.
[/quote]


I meant to post this before going away, however my currency duly arrived on the 10th Oct as promised by Crown. The rate actually looked quite good as M&S were $1.804 the week before I left.

I would urge anybody reading this though to look at the previous posts and comments from Robert5988 which do highlight that potentially it could be an issue getting currency from Crown - particularly if you are just putting money up front with no real security.

I very much value this site and the information/tips on it and wouldn't want to be responsible for somebody losing out.

[Madabouttigger]

$1.84 at M & S Today! Hope it stays that way for my trip next week.

[Katys Grandad]

$1.932 this morning whcih is the highest level for some time. Still a long way to the elusive $2/£1 though.

[freddiehollie]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
$1.932 this morning whcih is the highest level for some time. Still a long way to the elusive $2/£1 though.
[/quote]

Where was that price from, please. We just bought some from M&S for $1.852 thought that was good. We would get more @ $1.9 though[msnwink]

[roger]

I bought some Dollars yesterday at 1.91 from XE trade - not bad at all!

[ShirleyD]

XE.com are showing 1.93174, I would expect to get over 1.9 at business rates, which are always higher than tourist rates

[Lynne S]

Some of our spending money & villa money will be winging it's way via XE this weekend, what a great rate[msnsmile2]

[tezz7628]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by roger
I bought some Dollars yesterday at 1.91 from XE trade - not bad at all!
[/quote]

how does it work?

[Fourdents]

Yes, I would like to know how it works too.

Linda

[MTP]

It works very well, but you need a US Dollar account to deposit the funds into to use it.

[tezz7628]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MTP
It works very well, but you need a US Dollar account to deposit the funds into to use it.
[/quote]

stage one ticked

no hang on a minute, are you saying a us bank account e.g. any bodies name, or are you saying it's got to be your own account

[Jo]

Well you could put it in mine if you like;)

[trevlad]

you also cabt just 'do it'. you will have to register with x e trade or who ever you choose. also its not just online stuff you need to sign and return and give proof etc. re monry laundering.

still worth doing but well in advance of when you need it

[ShirleyCottam]

It is a bit time consuming to register, but one you have an account it is so easy. I have just moved some money over to my US account while the rate is good.[msnsmile2]

[trevlad]

your right shirley i think the rates and ease are excellent when youre up and running

[Budboy]

186.9 at Thomas Cook today by being a vip customer. or just going to there site and printing a page

[lamina]

Travelex offering $1.8733 at the moment

[Kazzie]

$1.93 with HIFX, which is similar set up as Xetrade, once you have set up your account it is very straight forward.

Karen

[MTP]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MTP
It works very well, but you need a US Dollar account to deposit the funds into to use it.
[/quote]

stage one ticked

no hang on a minute, are you saying a us bank account e.g. any bodies name, or are you saying it's got to be your own account
[/quote]

No, the account you are paying into doesn't need to be your own and you can also do transactions on behalf of third parties, but to open an account, add bank accounts, add third parties to your XE Trade account then you do need to print out forms and fax them for confirmation.

We have used XE Trade for making payments to USA, Canada, Holland, China, Taiwan all successfully. It is a little nerve wracking sending the money off into the ether, but so far it has worked for us. The XE Trade customer support team are also quite proficient (both by e-mail and phone), in my experience.

To give a comparison I have just done a quote with both XE Trade and M&S for exchanging £1000 into US Dollars:

XE - Rate 1.90683500 Amount: 1906.84 Delivered into our US Account
M&S - Rate 1.867 Amount: 1867.00 Delivered cash to your chosen address free of charge (if over £500 - but would be a little worrying for large sums of money - apparently they have a delivery success rate of 98%, but it doesn't state how they quantified success).

For the casual tourist $40-ish dollars isn't too big a deal, but then again it is a good meal out for the family.

With online banking you can use XE Trade without incurring any bank fees, except if they need to wire the funds and then it is usually about £5.00. Once you have it all up and running then it works well and when adding a new bank account I usually send a nominal sum initially, to confirm that all the details are working, before sending a large sum.

[carrie]

hi dont know if any of you have a Bath Travel agents near you but i just got 1.898 when i exchanged £1000 today..not bad
Carrie

[ShirleyD]

Carrie, that is probably because the rate today is up to 1.944

[becbecs]

The Dollar rate does seem to be creeping up slowly. Which is good as we have to buy some in the next 2 weeks [clap][clap]

[wrpac00]

Closed at $1.952.[msnsmile2]

[carrie]

silly question but does the dollar rate etc change during the day or is it just one rate for the whole day, also Paul mentioned that it closed at 1.95, when i checked later with M&S etc it wasnt that high.
is there a secrewt place toi buy dollars.
when i bought yesterday from bath travel they were prepared to gove me a little more if i bought more

[brizzle]

M&S always give a rate a few cents under the actual rate I assume to make money on it even though it is 'comission free'.

It does change during the day and is currently dipping a bit below yesterdays closing figure.
If it continues I think I will pop over to M&S today and get the rate which will be based on last nights closing rate.

You can keep up a 'dollar watch' at http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?from=GBP&to=USD&amt=1&t=1d

[carrie]

thanks, another daft question, looking at the link you posted, are you able to buy at that price everywhere i looked today shows it as being still in the 1.87 ish

[brizzle]

I don't think you can get the actual rate as companies doing the exchange normally exchange just under to make it worthwhile (I assume).

XE and a few others seem to be the best you can get but M&S is a good mainstream alternative and definitely better than using a Travel Agent.

[brendawilliams]

Well the dollar hit a new high yesterday at 1.95 to the £. I have read in the media that it could go to $2.00 to the £ but I have heard that before so it could just be hype.

Good news if you are buying or are intending to go to Florida soon.

[brizzle]

Well, looking good for anyone visiting the US any time soon

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6158897.stm

[Lynne S]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by brizzle
Well, looking good for anyone visiting the US any time soon

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6158897.stm
[/quote]

Hey Neil, that's us
[msnwink][msnwink][msnwink]

[luckylady]

I am waiting to transfer money, I will wait until the very last minute in the hope it will go to $2.00 to the £
[msnwink]

[Lynne S]

Fingers crossed here Barbara[msnwink]

[wrpac00]

I track the rate on here http://www.fxstreet.com/rates-charts/currency-rates/

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by luckylady
I am waiting to transfer money, I will wait until the very last minute in the hope it will go to $2.00 to the £
[msnwink]
[/quote]

Or fall back to $1.85?

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by luckylady
I am waiting to transfer money, I will wait until the very last minute in the hope it will go to $2.00 to the £
[msnwink]
[/quote]

We are going to do some in next couple of days, I personally think it will go the other way i.e. down, I can't see it making 2 but I hope I AM WRONG[msnscared]

[Katys Grandad]

There is a strange mentality with buying currency. If we had been offered a rate of $1.90 6 months ago we would have grabbed it with both hands. Now it's at $1.95 we don't see it as a great rate and all hold back, hoping for more. My guess is that if it went to $2/£1, we'd still wait for better. I think it's called simple GREED.

The end result is that most of us miss out on the best rates.

[Clare R]

Phil (Katy's Grandad) you have hit the nail on the head, everyone is chasing the odd cent here and there. For those of us who are villa owners of course our properties in the States are now worth less than they were last week - people seem to forget that.

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
There is a strange mentality with buying currency. If we had been offered a rate of $1.90 6 months ago we would have grabbed it with both hands. Now it's at $1.95 we don't see it as a great rate and all hold back, hoping for more. My guess is that if it went to $2/£1, we'd still wait for better. I think it's called simple GREED.

The end result is that most of us miss out on the best rates.

[/quote]
:(

Phil/Claire I totally disagree with it being greed or chasing the odd cent here and there. When you are changing CONSIDERABLE sums of money a "couple of cents" per £ makes a vast difference[V]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
There is a strange mentality with buying currency. If we had been offered a rate of $1.90 6 months ago we would have grabbed it with both hands. Now it's at $1.95 we don't see it as a great rate and all hold back, hoping for more. My guess is that if it went to $2/£1, we'd still wait for better. I think it's called simple GREED.

The end result is that most of us miss out on the best rates.

[/quote]
:(

Phil I totally disagree with it being greed when you are changing large sums a couple of cents per £ makes a difference
[/quote]

The point I was trying to make was so many people seem to hold on for a better rate and it all too often results in them missing out. Nobody knows where the rate is going (and I trade currencies on the FX markets regularly where even fractions of a cent either way makes a big diffeeence).

The 'couple of cents' principle you refer to works in the downward direction as well!!

[Pat M]

we changed money in august when we went to our villa, and the difference from the previous feb gave us another $450 which we spent on the villa, when you change a large amount it does make a difference, pat

[Cruella DeVilla]

I understand that Phil, we are quite wise to it all and don't generally lose out, we always have an agreed rate which we will wait to and go for it, if it goes up so be it but also if it goes down as you say we have not lost out.

All down to personal choice I guess. [msnsmile2]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Pat M
we changed money in august when we went to our villa, and the difference from the previous feb gave us another $450 which we spent on the villa, when you change a large amount it does make a difference, pat
[/quote]

Of course that's true Pat and I'm glad you got a good rate then. However, what would the difference have been if you had changed your money today? A lot more that $450 I suspect. On the other hand, you could have received less if the rate had gone the other way.

My only point is that if you constantly hold out for a higher rate, eventually you will miss out. We all decide when we buy/sell using our own judgement (or perhaps, luck) and only know what the highs and lows are in hindsight.

[wrpac00]

I think on Xetrade you can set a trigger i.e. if it hits $1.96 it will buy automatically the amount you have stipulated.

They are saying on the FT website it is the highest for 14 years!!!!

[ShirleyD]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by carrie
thanks, another daft question, looking at the link you posted, are you able to buy at that price everywhere i looked today shows it as being still in the 1.87 ish
[/quote]
As an owner, I tend to send money over in large quantities which is why I am able to use a trade company such as Moneycorp or XE. All companies, including these sell at a rate slightly lower than the mid rate advertised 1.96240 as I write so they make their money by selling at a slightly lower rate. Travel companies tend to deal in much smaller amounts, hence the rate being even lower as their costs would be greater with a high number of small transactions.

[luckylady]

The pound traded as high as $1.9588 against the dollar this morning its highest level against the greenback since its ejection from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism in September 1992.

The forecast is will touch 2 to 1 sometime next week,but it's a gamble that's what it is all about
That's the risk we take if we hold on,It's human nature to want the best deal
I will wait until Monday then I will have to deal [msnsmile2]

[becbecs]

We will be buying our $ next week at what ever the rate is. If 2 - 1 then great we have an extra few $ to spend if not who cares. [msnwink]

[brendawilliams]

I have just bought some dollars as the rate has gone up another 2 cents today and nearly topped $1.97 to the £. I managed to get 1.9431 which is pretty good. I use HIFX and you can watch the currency movements and just buy with a phone call. There is no other charges, they remit directly to the bank nominated within 3 days.

Blott, it was daylight robbery whoever sold your mum dollars at $1.69 as the rate has been good for quite a while now well into the 1.80s. Whatever the rate, the sharks don't go away [msnmad]

[luckylady]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by becbecs
We will be buying our $ next week at what ever the rate is. If 2 - 1 then great we have an extra few $ to spend if not who cares. [msnwink]
[/quote]

You took the words right out of my mouth
[msnsmile2]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by luckylady
I am waiting to transfer money, I will wait until the very last minute in the hope it will go to $2.00 to the £
[msnwink]
[/quote]

[Kazzie]

Brenda, I presume that you did not notice that Blott posted about the rate her mum got on 28th April, not recently[msnwink]

Karen

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by brendawilliams
I have just bought some dollars as the rate has gone up another 2 cents today and nearly topped $1.97 to the £. I managed to get 1.9431 which is pretty good. I use HIFX and you can watch the currency movements and just buy with a phone call. There is no other charges, they remit directly to the bank nominated within 3 days.

Blott, it was daylight robbery whoever sold your mum dollars at $1.69 as the rate has been good for quite a while now well into the 1.80s. Whatever the rate, the sharks don't go away [msnmad][/quote]

[blott]

More up to date news... Mum got 1.8757 on currency at the PO this morning. :)

[becbecs]

Travelex is currently standing at $1.9092 12.12pm today

[Cruella DeVilla]

1.87. I would not be happy with that at the mo, is that the going rate on the HIgh Street?

[blott]

Since she was only changing £300, it's hardly a disaster rate for her CDV and is nearly 30 cents more than she got in April 2006.

[ShirleyD]

XE is showing the rate as 1.98060 right now, that has crept up another 2 cents since I checked this morning...quite exciting isn't it :D

[luckylady]

$2 to the £1 by Monday
That poses another problem to I buy or wait may go higher towards the end of next week
:D

[Southsider]

I changed a lump sum today with HIFX and got $1.93

So.........knowing my luck it will be $2.00 on Monday Barbara!!!!!!!!!

[Fourdents]

Tricia
I am waiting maybe it will rise to that $2 figure before I leave for Fl in a couple of weeks time.:)

[brendawilliams]

The rate has gone up yet again today and you may yet achieve the $2 figure before you leave Tricia.

[freddiehollie]

Got $1.920 on high street earlier today. Can't complain at that [msnsmile2]
If it keeps going will get some more [msnwink] but its still a good rate.
So were not going to complain. [msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[glasgowmary]

where did you get that rate ? as i need some and it would be good to get that rate !![8D]

[freddiehollie]

Eurochange on high street. Thomas Cook were $1.913. M&S were $1.913. All good rates;)

[glasgowmary]

thanks mike , don ' t think we have eurochange in glasgow , still the others are good too .roll on christmas

[lamina]

just a word of warning on the Travelex price,($1.909) this is an online price . i'm a bit annoyed as this is the only price you can find with them even going through the bhx website,tried to phone but kept being put on hold , the actual amount on offer at b'ham airport is $1.80.
eventually bought online through M & S and got $1.913

[freddiehollie]

Great price's though. [msnwink] As already been mentioned earlier on this thread, not that long ago we were praying for it to get to $1.75 or something like that.
Roll on $2.00!!:D:D

[luckylady]

Sterling broke through resistance close to 1.9550 against the dollar and strengthened to highs of 1.9690 in US trading, a fresh 14-year peak for the UK currency. Sterling continued to gain ground on Friday with a move to near 1.9750 before a retreat to 1.9670. Following the convincing break of 1.9550, markets will be looking to target the 2.00 level by Monday /Tuesday although the main feature is likely to be a sustained increase in volatility

The long range forcast is even better but its all a gamble ,but still great fun
Let see what happens this week [msnwink]

[walden64]

At the minute on XE the mid price is 1.97738 [msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[Pat M]

just spoke to M&S in newcastle upon tyne and they have no dollars till wed it will be my luck for them to drop by then pat

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
Since she was only changing £300, it's hardly a disaster rate for her CDV and is nearly 30 cents more than she got in April 2006.
[/quote]

Every cent counts;) 1.87 just seems low to everywhere else in the current climate, still someone has to make a profit out of it all I guess[msneek]

[tezz7628]

just been online to m&s and one question was what is the date of your holiday

by any chance if holiday in january and you order now could you receive in january with todays rates

[Cruella DeVilla]

What if it is higher by then though Tezz:D:D

[tezz7628]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Pat M
just spoke to M&S in newcastle upon tyne and they have no dollars till wed it will be my luck for them to drop by then pat
[/quote]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
just been online to m&s and one question was what is the date of your holiday

by any chance if holiday in january and you order now could you receive in january with todays rates
[/quote]


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
What if it is higher by then though Tezz:D:D
[/quote]

not neccessarily in jan but was thinking it would cover the above situation

so why the question of when your holiday is?

[freddiehollie]

I think its if you are due to go within a day or two of ordering.
We always put an earlier day to our actual date. Just to be on the safe side[msnwink]

[brizzle]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Pat M
just spoke to M&S in newcastle upon tyne and they have no dollars till wed it will be my luck for them to drop by then pat
[/quote]

Hmm, curious...my Mum tried to get some in Bristol M&S today and was told the same thing...

I told her she should have just got travellers cheques instead but she gave me the money and I ordered from my bank at the same rate.

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
just been online to m&s and one question was what is the date of your holiday

by any chance if holiday in january and you order now could you receive in january with todays rates
[/quote]

Hi Tezz

You can do that using currency derivatives such as options. For small amounts options aren't really an option.(pun intended).

I use spread bets to hedge rates - sometimes it works but sometimes it doesn't. To be honest, it all a bit of a gamble but just holding on for a higher rates all the time has never worked for me in many years of hobby currency trading.

[lamina]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
just been online to m&s and one question was what is the date of your holiday

by any chance if holiday in january and you order now could you receive in january with todays rates
[/quote]

don't know for sure, but i've ordered mine @$1.913 the invoice said to expect package by royal mail special delivery before 1pm within 2 working days

[joanneoliver]

Wow! We've just transferred money using our bank, First Direct, and got 1.962 and their £21 charge. We we're stunned!

[Cruella DeVilla]

That's great Joanne I made it to $1.95 as we fly in a couple of days and need a wad for Xmas:Dalthough, only £10 charge but with thousands of dollars it's swallowed up along the way[xmas2]

[tezz7628]

just been downtown this afternoon to look at exchange rate most of them giving 1.87, 1.88

with thomas cook giving 1.82 said to him "that's a bit low", then he said "best i can do is 1.87"

then went across to m&s looked for customer service but the sign over the counter said "try it on"

i thought that rather apt for the previous place i had visited [msnwink] [msnmad] [}:)]

our m&s doesn't do foreign exchange so don't know what to do at moment

[becbecs]

Travelex isn't looking too bad $1.92 plus you can collect them from the Airport you will be departing from.

[freddiehollie]

tezz,
Go online to M&S web site if ordered before 1pm (i think) your dollars are delivered following working day by Royal Mail[msnsmile2]. Even better if you use an M&S card NO CHARGES:D Very good rates as well $1.91 at moment

[lamina]

i can recommend the M & S website, i ordered £1000 of dollars @$1.913 on sunday afternoon about 1:30 pm, they were delivered this morning at 10 am. also no charges ( probably on amount ).

[tezz7628]

It is important that <span style="color:red">you are present to sign</span id="red"> and accept delivery for your order. We cannot accept any responsibility for fraudulent acts committed by a third party.

If the main card holder's billing address is to a location with a centralised reception or any kind of multiple occupancy building, be aware that Royal Mail will deliver to the reception or other delivery point only and not to the cardholder. Therefore, <span style="color:red">anyone at the reception</span id="red"> can sign for and take receipt of the delivery.

took the above from the terms and conditions of m&s money

can the money be delivered to anyone at the card holders address

[Kazzie]

There really shouldnt be a problem with delivery to a home address. Somebody does has to sign for them though, they wont just leave them in your porch or whatever. Unlike what Royal Mail did with the deeds to my house[msnmad], just left them in the porch without even a note to say they had done so![msnmad][msnmad][msnmad]

Karen

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
It is important that <span style="color:red">you are present to sign</span id="red"> and accept delivery for your order. We cannot accept any responsibility for fraudulent acts committed by a third party.

If the main card holder's billing address is to a location with a centralised reception or any kind of multiple occupancy building, be aware that Royal Mail will deliver to the reception or other delivery point only and not to the cardholder. Therefore, <span style="color:red">anyone at the reception</span id="red"> can sign for and take receipt of the delivery.

took the above from the terms and conditions of m&s money

can the money be delivered to anyone at the card holders address

[/quote]

[tezz7628]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Kazzie
There really shouldnt be a problem with delivery to a home address. Somebody does has to sign for them though, they wont just leave them in your porch or whatever. Unlike what Royal Mail did with the deeds to my house[msnmad], just left them in the porch without even a note to say they had done so![msnmad][msnmad][msnmad]

Karen

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
It is important that <span style="color:red">you are present to sign</span id="red"> and accept delivery for your order. We cannot accept any responsibility for fraudulent acts committed by a third party.

If the main card holder's billing address is to a location with a centralised reception or any kind of multiple occupancy building, be aware that Royal Mail will deliver to the reception or other delivery point only and not to the cardholder. Therefore, <span style="color:red">anyone at the reception</span id="red"> can sign for and take receipt of the delivery.

took the above from the terms and conditions of m&s money

can the money be delivered to anyone at the card holders address

[/quote]
[/quote]

what i was trying to find out was who signs
the first one looks like it has to be the card holder who ordered the money, the second looks like they're not bothered who signs