What's Going on with the Dollar rate???

[Katys Grandad]

Has anybody else noticed that the Pound has made a mini recovery over the last few weeks? Over $1.54 this afternoon.

[Madabouttigger]

I noticed but didn't want to say anything in case it was shy and went away again.....[msnwink]

[Katys Grandad]

Closing over $1.54 today - more or less a 6 month high.

[Ian Mcc]

I have been watchin it fall since booking my flights last Nov and decided that I would be happy if I got $1.50 so hoping for another wee increase and I'll be off to Tesco to get mine for Oct

[Lyn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Ian Mcc
I have been watchin it fall since booking my flights last Nov and decided that I would be happy if I got $1.50 so hoping for another wee increase and I'll be off to Tesco to get mine for Oct
[/quote]

We as also going in October and hoping to get $1.50

[KJH]

I got $1.52 at Fairfx yesterday.

[Lyn]

Just bought some at $1.522 at th co-op - special rate for seniors:D

[Katys Grandad]

Almost $1.57 this afternoon and we haven't been able to say that since February. We can't expect it to go up like this every day but the last couple of weeks or so have been very positive.

[Madabouttigger]

Lets hope this is a sign of things to come??[msnsmile2]

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Madabouttigger
Lets hope this is a sign of things to come??[msnsmile2]
[/quote]

Hope we haven't jinxed it Diane.[msnscared]

[karenk]

I'm not even looking at the dollar rate.....every time I do it plummets, especially when I'm about to transfer some money. Buy now is my tip as I'll be transfering some in a couple of weeks, so that will put the dampners on any pound v dollar recovery.

[steelo]

Hi everyone, Travelex are having a one day 1HR sale tomorrow from 16:00 to 17:00hrs, they had the Euro sale today,:D

[Madabouttigger]

Ending the week on $1.57 if it carries on like this I'll be able to afford to go back sooner rather than later..[msnwink]

[Lyn]

You seem to get a much better rate on the internet, but paying with Visa Debit seems to incur a charge, does anyone know how to buy cash/travellers cheques on the internet without incurring a charge.

[Katys Grandad]

Touched $1.59 this afternoon.

[christhear]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Lyn
You seem to get a much better rate on the internet, but paying with Visa Debit seems to incur a charge, does anyone know how to buy cash/travellers cheques on the internet without incurring a charge.[/quote]Try crown currency exchange, they only sell from 10 days in advance so you take a gamble that the rate wont go up, you can pay by cheque or internet banking

[Lyn]

Thanks Christine will look into crown currency.

[madhouse2]

www.dollars2pounds.com says £1 = US $ 1.5953 today at 8:56am :)

Here's hoping for 1.60+ [clap]

Edit: 8.59 am ..Ha ha now reads £1 = US $ 1.5955 Gone up again in the time it took to check my link worked :D

[becbecs]

Hope I don't kill the trend but its very pleasing to see the Dollar heading for $1.60. Praying on the financial expertise of some of you is this upward trend going to stay around for a little while ?

[madhouse2]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by becbecs
Hope I don't kill the trend but its very pleasing to see the Dollar heading for $1.60. Praying on the financial expertise of some of you is this upward trend going to stay around for a little while ?
[/quote]

Well I surely hope so..... I said to the missus we should hold out til the end and risk the rate will go further and get more loot. Fingers crossed otherwise I'll be get getting a roasting :D [^]

Just re-checked...£1 = US $ 1.5900 [msnscared]

[Tin Cat]

Hi
Can you tell me how they work??
The crown currency?

Thanks

[SDJ]

Went in on the $1.59 (business rate) today and got $1.55 so pleased with that. Sent dollars over 3 weeks ago at $1.48 and wish I had waited a little longer.

Sandra

[blott]

If we all knew the exact science of it all, we'd all be very wealthy by now! Best to go with something you're happy with when it's available as it goes down as well as up! [msnwink]

[Madabouttigger]

Looks to be steady at the moment, it wil be intresting to see how it ends the week. Hopefully good. [msnwink]

[madhouse2]

Shhh! Look.... [8D] £1 = US $ 1.5992

[Katys Grandad]

Ending the week at almost $1.60.

3 months ago I for one would never have predicted that.[msnsmile2]

[FraserLynn]

Great to see it on the rise again - back to a sensible level

[sammibabe]

I have just noticed (been away for a while) the first post in 2008 to this thread '1.91 how low' Bet we'd all like to see those rates again.

[orlandochris]

Currently $1.5955 - creeping closer and closer to the $1.60 mark.

[madhouse2]

Uh oh.... £1 = US $ 1.5752 [V]

[Katys Grandad]

Bad day today - down 2 cents to £1.565.

[madhouse2]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
Bad day today - down 2 cents to £1.565.
[/quote]

Indeed - £1 = US $ 1.5638 [V]

Hope it picks up again before September.

[Andrena]

I am just longing for the $2 day to come around again - some hope.

Andrena

[Lyn]

Just had email from Travelex they are having a one hour sale Tuesday 17th August between 8.30am and 9.30am

[Katys Grandad]

It's been bad week or so for the Pound - closing just under $1.55.

[Katys Grandad]

The Pound has gone above $1.60 this morning. [msnsmile] That hasn't happened for a while.

[Madabouttigger]

$1.629 [msnsmile2] hardly dare post this incase I jinx it [msnwink]

[grayster]

God bless QE2[msnsmile2]

[Katys Grandad]

Pound broke back through $1.60 today after being in a lower range for a few months. I suppose it's the prospect of higher interest rates that's causing it so you win some and you lose some.

[BIGEYE]

Is it expected to climb much higher....what's your prediction?

[Katys Grandad]

Over $1.61 this morning. It's down to a weak Dollar rather than strong Sterling but who cares.

[Madabouttigger]

Do my eyes decieve me or did we end the week on £1.62?[msnsmile2]

[Katys Grandad]

Shhhhh! (if we don't mention it it might go higher!!!!)

[Madabouttigger]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
Shhhhh! (if we don't mention it it might go higher!!!!)
[/quote]


Fingers on lips.....[msnwink]

[Katys Grandad]

Pound hit $1.64 today - highest since January 2010.[msnsmile2]

[sammibabe]

Will have to keep an eye to start maybe buying some dollars in for August. Fingers crossed for a bit more!?

[Madabouttigger]

Shhhhhh £1.64[msnwink]

[dynomike red]

where did you see that rate[msnsmile2]
Thanks
Mike

[Sharon G]

Global currency exchange rate today $1.6296
[msnsmile2]

[grayster]

Pound Sterling - United States Dollar

£1 buys
US Dollar 1.63270

[BIGEYE]

I have been dealing with Thomas Exchange Global lately as it has been easy to transfer money between banks. However, they have not delivered my currency today as they were supposed to. I gave them a call and never even got as much as an apology, they said that the money would be sent topday for delivery on Monday. Not good enough for me I'm afraid. Anybody else I should consider for online Forex single transactions of about £1000 a time, and get the best exchange rates.

[BIGEYE]

Called Thomas Exchange Global, they were extremely rude and I found it very hard to get a word in and they are very difficult to understand. They blamed the bank in not clearing the funds. The money left my account immediately, and their account is with the same bank.
I demanded a refund and they agreed saying they don't want to deal with people like me, and they would issue a refund when theychose to do so.
Anyone buying online should avoid this lot at all costs.
I am now following the advice on this forum, that is to go down the high street.

[Father]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by BIGEYE
...they don't want to deal with people like me, and they would issue a refund when they chose to do so.
[/quote]

Sounds like they don't want to deal with people like me either then.

Thanks for the heads-up.

[Albert the Frog]

Count me out as well-Customer is always right in my book (well nearly always)

[Katys Grandad]

New 15 month high today - $1.645.

[Jill]

Thank you for heads up we had been looking at them - will cross them off the list

[lynnroy]

Just checked Post offices exchange rate and its sitting at $1.60 which is pretty good. Anyone got any views on what its going to do over the next month- dunno whither to go get some pounds changed now.

[BIGEYE]

Grab it when the going is good!

[grayster]

£1 buys US Dollar 1.65660 [msnsmile]

[Katys Grandad]

Touching $1.67 today - not been there for a long time.

[BIGEYE]

Think i'll hold off on my last fx currency for this year. However, it might be just too tempting.

[Father]

Closed 1.67 yesterday. You can get 1.618 on the High Street.

[dynomike red]

The dollar has dropped today, do you think it will drop further in the light of recent events or will it not have any affect at all?
Thanks
Mike

[lynnroy]

The news yesterday said oil prices would fall due to Bin laden being killed- so does that not tend to make the dollar drop?

[SteveandJan]

I can get 1.6320 at a small exchange firm near my place of work in Liverpool Street. The economy is still very fragile, so I don't think the events of the last couple of days are going to make much difference.

[lynnroy]

Hope not SteveandJan- would like to think it will stick around the £1.60 mark for the next wee while- I ordered some cash from the Post Office this morning and got £1.62, but its down to £1.61 now. Thought I might as well get some dollars now incase it does drop!

[christhear]

Got 1.64 on Saturday - Money should be with me tomorrow morning

[Katys Grandad]

Down almost 2 cents but nothing to do with Bin Laden. Still comfortably over $1.60 though.

[BIGEYE]

I got $1.642 yesterday.
Just a tip, probably the best price on the High St can be had at one of the Cheque Centre outlets. But check the rates online first, as the Cheque Centre's rates vary between branches. If they are offering less than the online rate, get them to price match their own online rates. They will make a phone call to their nearest large branch and get the rate from there, and an authorisation code that allows them to change the rate on the till. I actually got 2c better than the online rate by doing this. If they are reluctant to do this, jump up and down, make lots of noise.

[Dads_Taxi]

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

Just a tip, probably the best price on the High St can be had at one of the Cheque Centre outlets.
[/quote]

Are you in Scotland by any chance? I had a quick look to see if there is a Cheque Centre near me, and the five nearest branches all seem to be North of Carlisle!

[BIGEYE]

Yes.

[dynomike red]

$1.59 with the Post Office today [msnsad] looks like its dropping

[lynnroy]

oooh not good!!

[lynnroy]

Down to £1.57 at Post office- wish I had changed more money now the other week!!
Whats the thoughts is it going to keep going down!!!

[BIGEYE]

On the slippery slope!

[sammibabe]

OOooooh don't know what to do - to change or not to change

[DisneyPrincess]

I just had a browse through this forum post and made me giggle to think in 2007 we were all complaining about a 1.91 exchange rate - oh to have that level of exchange again! *wishful thinking* he he

[sammibabe]

I just had a browse through this forum post and made me giggle to think in 2007 we were all complaining about a 1.91 exchange rate - oh to have that level of exchange again! *wishful thinking* he he
Have often thought that when had a read of this one; wonder if we'll ever get back there

[Robert5988]

I just had a browse through this forum post and made me giggle to think in 2007 we were all complaining about a 1.91 exchange rate - oh to have that level of exchange again! *wishful thinking* he he

On the other hand some of us can remember when the interbank exchange rate was £1 = US$ 1.05 and the tourist rate was £1.00 = US$ 1.00 (February 1985)

[Katys Grandad]

On the other hand some of us can remember when the interbank exchange rate was £1 = US$ 1.05 and the tourist rate was £1.00 = US$ 1.00 (February 1985)

Regrettably, I'm in that group.

[Sharon G]

1.60 with Global currency today!

[DisneyPrincess]

lets hope it keeps climbing!

[Sharon G]

1.6135 with GCEN at close yesterday[msnsmile2]

[BIGEYE]

Slight upturn in the trend, ordered my last lot of $$$ and got 1.60 which I am happy with.

[christhear]

Slight upturn in the trend, ordered my last lot of $$$ and got 1.60 which I am happy with.

Who was that with?

[BIGEYE]

compareholidaymoney dot com

[Katys Grandad]

$1.655 this afternoon - not been that high for a while.

[dynomike red]

Just got 1.6279 with fairFx :-)

[Katys Grandad]

We've had a bit of a decline in the rate over the last couple of weeks and it's now at $1.59 (around $1.55 at retail exchanges). No cause for panic but I'm hoping it's not the start of a downward trend.

[cash]

We've had a bit of a decline in the rate over the last couple of weeks and it's now at $1.59 (around $1.55 at retail exchanges). No cause for panic but I'm hoping it's not the start of a downward trend.

Unless you want to sell !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BIGEYE]

Wasn't it about this time two years ago when it was hovering around $1.53 and dropped below the $1.50 mark when we were over ther in October. I'm so glad I took the $1.64 on offer a few months back. [8D][8D][8D]

[Sharon G]

Closed at 1.5881 GCEN today [msnsad]

[Katys Grandad]

$1.56 today. The Pound has lost around 7% of its value against the Dollar in just a few weeks. It seems like a long time since we were around these levels.

[BIGEYE]

Got my last lot of $$$ today at $1.553 from Travel FX.

[Katys Grandad]

Briefly dropped below $1.56 today as the slow decline seems to be continuing. I suspect that you'll get a little over $1.50 at FX Bureaux at the moment.

[Robert5988]

Briefly dropped below $1.56 today as the slow decline seems to be continuing. I suspect that you'll get a little over $1.50 at FX Bureaux at the moment.

$1.45 at the Post Office today; that is over 7% commission - disgraceful. Citibank were giving £1.53.


I tend to use my Santander Debit card these days as it gives the best rate - no charges or commission.

[Katys Grandad]

Below $1.55 this morning - bit of a slippery slope at the moment.

[Katys Grandad]

Down over 1% so far today - $1.533.

Hasn't been this low for over a year and down 13 cents since last month alone.

[Tonish]

From This is Money

"In a survey of City analysts by Hargreaves Lansdowne, forecasts for the pound at the end of 2011 ranged from €1.05 to €1.35, with the majority predicting the pound would rise above €1.25.
Versus the dollar, forecasts ranged from $1.40 to $1.80, with 36% predicting the pound will make progress above US$1.60 and an equal proportion expecting sterling to slip back below US$1.50. The remaining 27% predict sterling will stay in the $1.50-$1.60 range"


So clearly no-one has much of a clue. My bet is the Fed will do some more QE in the next two months and the dollar will go to 1.45 by the end of the year.

[BIGEYE]

$1.43 by end of October.

[Snapper]

Surely if the Fed implements some QE the value of the dollar will fall? So there will be more dollars to the pound?

Unless, of course, the BoE follows suit straight away with a bit of QE of their own.

[Katys Grandad]

I don't pretend to understand all this stuff but the explanation on the financial TV stations today is that, despite their own own problems, the US Dollar is still seen as a relatively safe haven in difficult times so is in demand.

[sammibabe]

From This is Money

"In a survey of City analysts by Hargreaves Lansdowne, forecasts for the pound at the end of 2011 ranged from €1.05 to €1.35, with the majority predicting the pound would rise above €1.25.
Versus the dollar, forecasts ranged from $1.40 to $1.80, with 36% predicting the pound will make progress above US$1.60 and an equal proportion expecting sterling to slip back below US$1.50. The remaining 27% predict sterling will stay in the $1.50-$1.60 range"


So clearly no-one has much of a clue. My bet is the Fed will do some more QE in the next two months and the dollar will go to 1.45 by the end of the year.

I was reading this thinking that it covers all the bases and then read 'so clearly no-one has much of a clue'! Bit like when the forecast is 50% chance of rain - they're right whichever way it goes

[Tonish]

Surely if the Fed implements some QE the value of the dollar will fall? So there will be more dollars to the pound?

So the theory goes! However since every single theory has turned out to be baloney, I thought taking a contrary position had at least as much chance of working in my favour.

[BIGEYE]

Surely if the Fed implements some QE the value of the dollar will fall? So there will be more dollars to the pound?

Unless, of course, the BoE follows suit straight away with a bit of QE of their own.

I don't think QE is quite the same as printing extra dollars.

[steph_goodrum]

Surely if the Fed implements some QE the value of the dollar will fall? So there will be more dollars to the pound?

Unless, of course, the BoE follows suit straight away with a bit of QE of their own.

There was talk today of UK implementing QE in around Nov by printing an extra £50Billion or so and I was trying to work out if that would make the pound go higher or lower. When the US did this last year didn't thedollar get stronger for a while?

[Snapper]

I don't pretend to understand all this stuff but the explanation on the financial TV stations today is that, despite their own own problems, the US Dollar is still seen as a relatively safe haven in difficult times so is in demand.
Me neither KG.

I think the counter explanation usually goes that a bit of QE should stimulate the economy, create growth and so make the currency stronger.

Flip a coin and take your pick hey?

[Katys Grandad]

Flip a coin and take your pick hey?

Indeed. The only thing I'm certain of is that there isn't a thing I can do about it!

[cash]

There was talk today of UK implementing QE in around Nov by printing an extra £50Billion or so and I was trying to work out if that would make the pound go higher or lower. When the US did this last year didn't thedollar get stronger for a while?

What i want to know is when they print this extra money where the hell does it come from ???????

[steph_goodrum]

What i want to know is when they print this extra money where the hell does it come from ???????

I'd love to know too , if only we could do the same when there is "too much month for the money":)

[Snapper]

What i want to know is when they print this extra money where the hell does it come from ???????
And it's a good question.

This is how I understand it, but I'm no expert on this and could be wrong.

The answer is a bit involved and needs a bit of background ... so grab a coffee ...

In the UK the Bank of England is responsible for the money supply. Basically the number of pounds that are out there circulating around. The money in your pocket, and the money in your bank account.

The government has a bank account which they use to pay for their goods and services. Think of it that each month this account gets topped up with all the tax revenues (VAT, income tax, etc.) and then the money is spent on paying the salaries of civil servants, buying new PCs, building hospitals, feeding criminals or it's just given away through the benefits and social security system.

At the moment in the UK our government spends something like £80 billion a year more than they take ... the so called structural defecit. As an aside, don't confuse this with the national debt, which is something like £800 billion ... and will get £80 billion a year more until the defecit is sorted out. Once the defecit is dealt with, as a country we'll still be almost a trillion pounds in debt, but at least we won't be getting in any deeper!

When the government wants to borrow money they issue bonds. To anyone non-financial, this is just another term for the government taking out a loan. These bonds are bought by investors (usually referred to at gilts), or banks, or other countries, or pension funds, or anyone else who will buy them. The trouble is that as the government issues more and more bonds to borrow more and more money, the price they have to pay for that borrowing (the interest rate) creeps up.

All this money is kept well accounted for by the treasury and the Bank of England. When the government issues bonds they don't actually create any new money. They get more money in their account, an asset, but at the same time they also have a loan they have to repay, a liability, and the two net out to zero.

When the situation gets dire enough to warrant some new money being printed, here's how I *think* it works, although I'm not 100% sure.

It's more or less the same process in that the government issues some bonds. These bonds are bought by the Bank of England rather than other investors. So the goverment gets the money and the Bank of England gets an I.O.U. To the Bank of England, these bonds (the I.O.U.) are an asset as effectively the UK government now owes them the money. But the Bank of England then cancels these bonds by simply increasing the number of pounds that are in circulation. The Bank of England effectively owes (in theory) one pound to each and every person who holds a pound coin (take a note out of your pocket and you should somewhere see the phrase 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of ...') They remove that asset (the government bongs) from their balance sheet but at the same time they have to remove some liability as well to keep everything in balance. To remove some liability they 'print' the same number of pounds (it's done electronically, nothing physically gets printed) so that there are more pounds in circulation. Because there are now more pounds, each one becomes worth just a little bit less. Effectively the Bank of England devalues all of our pounds by just a tiny little bit in order to create enough leftover to net off against that government debt that they have just bought.

At that point the theory is that the government spends this money on the salaries of civil servants, new hospitals, train lines and some Post-It notes for the stationery cupboard. The folks building the new hospital treat themselves to a night out for a slap up meal or perhaps even a new car. All this spending gets taxed and so the government's tax receipts increase. This creates growth within the economy and everyone's a winner.

Except for everyone who has just had all their pounds devalued just that little bit. While we don't notice any difference here in the UK (a pound is still a pound, right) that same pound is now worth just a tiny bit less elsewhere in the world. In theory at least. As pointed out above by KG ... the practice doesn't always go the same way as the theory.

I'll now caveat all the above by saying that it's a while since I last did any of this so I invite corrections to anything written.

[Snapper]

I'd love to know too , if only we could do the same when there is "too much month for the money":)
[msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]
Indeed so Steph! I think we'd all like to be able to do our own bit of quantitative easing every now and then. Sadly this is not a game we're allowed to play. [msnsad]

[Madabouttigger]

I see we have crept up slightly this week to £1.58 at close of business today, lets hope this continues, but somehow I doubt it.

[Madabouttigger]

Starting off quite promissing this week at £1.60, fingers crossed.

[DisneyPrincess]

There hasnt been much significant movement for a long time really has there?

[Katys Grandad]

Largely unnoticed, but the Pound had a very good week closing yesterday over $1.61. I think that's the highest in 2012.

You should get around £1.56 in retail exchanges.

[gail and david roberts]

thanks Katy Grandad , need to send some cash over next week ,lets hope its keeps going up[clap]

[Lyn]

I always send money over using XE and have been looking for weeks in the hope I could get $1.60 it is $1.58 today.

[Pookie]

I wish i had a crystal ball, I am watching it closely and if goes on increasing I think I may bite and forward purchase to lock the rate in.

I hope it is possible to still do this.

Lynne

[Tonish]

Largely unnoticed, but the Pound had a very good week closing yesterday over $1.61. I think that's the highest in 2012.

You should get around £1.56 in retail exchanges.

And of course it happens the week before I have to swap a fairly chunky amount of USD for GBP. It's always the way. Murphy's Law.

[Katys Grandad]

Over $1.62 today.

[Lyn]

I transfered some money today at $1.60, this is a sure sign that the rate will go up[msnwink]

[Andrena]

I too got a good rate today 1.6008, let us hope that it keeps going up.

Andrena

[gail and david roberts]

I transfered some money today at $1.60, this is a sure sign that the rate will go up[msnwink]

who did you use to transfer your cash , I need to do it next week , I use moneycorp and always get a less rate then I have seen online

[Andrena]

We have been using xetrade.com for a few years now and find their rates are always very good. No charges either the rate stated is the one that goes. We find that other than over a weekend the money arrives within 24 hours and often quicker.

Andrena

[Lyn]

We have been using xetrade.com for a few years now and find their rates are always very good. No charges either the rate stated is the one that goes. We find that other than over a weekend the money arrives within 24 hours and often quicker.

Andrena


Yes we use XEtrade as well always been very pleased with the service and we can send small amounts if we want and it still costs us nothing.

[wrpac00]

I did a trade on xetrade at 11:15 on Friday was in my BOA account by COP Friday, difficult to beat that.

[gail and david roberts]

I have just sent my holiday cash over at 9:30am with Money corp got $1.5955 , fee £15 ,
and its now in my USA bank [clap]roll on next week when I can spend it ;)

[cook22uk]

I have just sent my holiday cash over at 9:30am with Money corp got $1.5955 , fee £15 ,
and its now in my USA bank [clap]roll on next week when I can spend it ;)

If you use xe.com or HIFX there is no fee.

[gail and david roberts]

cook22uk
I know I'm just a little scared to use them
I have used money corp from day one ,I have set up a account with xe.com , but near used it [msnscared]
think I need to man up and give it ago next time ;)

[Mr G]

Gail, I used Moneycorp when we first started but have used xe.com for years now, much better and no extra charges by them or Bank. I also find the money can be in your US account the same day.

Go on give it a go!

[gail and david roberts]

Thanks Graham , I will next time , what I need to do is send a small amount first and then I will feel a little better , once I know how easy it is :D

[SteveandJan]

HIFX now charge a fee of £9.00. I use www.thomasexchange.co.uk but I work in London so they are near me. Transfer is £12.00 but their rates are really good and the guy I deal with usually gives me a slightly better rate than advertised. That rate is good with Money corp Gail!

[Katys Grandad]

Had a bit of a slide over the past week or so. It briefly fell below $1.58 earlier today.

[Andrena]

Can't praise xe.com highly enough. Excellent rates and very fast and free transfers. As someone else said the money is often in your account same day and certainly by the next day at least. Used them for several years now since Bank of Scotland stopped their £5 transfers and wish we had known about them before that.

Andrena

[Michelle]

Yesterday evening when I checked XE.com,s rate for trading it was 1.5562 so sliding down again by the look of it.

[Lyn]

I check it most days and is really sliding down again at the moment.

[Katys Grandad]

Below £1.57 this morning which is 5% lower than it was just a couple of weeks ago.

No doubt related to all this Euro turmoil although I can't claim to understand it or why.

[syrup]

I use a FairFX card which is supposed to be one of the best rates and it's down to 154.45 this morning.

I do hope they sort this Euro mess out soon, it's been going long enough!

[Dads_Taxi]

I feel personally responsible for this downward trend - it happens every time I go to Florida!!

I've watched it slide downwards for the last fortnight. I wish I'd topped up my FairFX card a month ago. Don't worry, we'll be home on June 10th, it will pick up again then.

I wonder if I'm related to Eeyore?

300

[Snapper]

I feel like that sometimes about the stock market. Everything I touch seems to nosedive faster than Tom Daley.

I've often wondered if this anti-midas-touch isn't a big investment opportunity. I could pick some shares and buy them. Then tell all my friends. They could short the bejesus out of them, and then when they drop like a stone we could all close out and divvy up the profits.

[syrup]

I feel like that sometimes about the stock market. Everything I touch seems to nosedive faster than Tom Daley.

We must be related :-)

I've always worked on the assumption of $1.50 to £1 and looked on anything higher as a bonus. About four years ago I was lucky enough to get $2 to £1.


Keith

[steph_goodrum]

I've been told it's to do with the crisis in Greece and because they may be forced out of the Eurozone

[Tonish]

I feel like that sometimes about the stock market. Everything I touch seems to nosedive faster than Tom Daley.

I've often wondered if this anti-midas-touch isn't a big investment opportunity. I could pick some shares and buy them. Then tell all my friends. They could short the bejesus out of them, and then when they drop like a stone we could all close out and divvy up the profits.

Structured equity derivatives is my bread and butter, we could definitely structure something like that for you! But like you, on a personal basis, every single share I have had since 2008 has gone against me. As a point of interest, the FX guys in my place are talking about 1.40 ish by the end of the year. But they've been wrong every year as well, so I wouldn't pay too much attention to them.

[Katys Grandad]

The decline seems to be continuing - $1.54 this morning. You might now be getting under $1.50 at retail exchanges.

[SteveandJan]

An exchange I use in London are still offering 1.5210

[syrup]

FairFX are quoting $1.5225 at the moment for their card and $1.5341 for cash. I am going in December, do you think it's advisable to buy now? Is it only going to go one way?



Thanks

Keith

[Katys Grandad]

FairFX are quoting $1.5225 at the moment for their card and $1.5341 for cash. I am going in December, do you think it's advisable to buy now? Is it only going to go one way?



Thanks

Keith

Not bad rates on those - most of the Travel Agent FX kiosks are just about hanging onto $1.50 today. As to where it's going - I've given up trying to understand or predict it but I suppose if you're content with where it is at any given time then you should probably buy and accept that it could then go either way before you travel.

[syrup]

Not bad rates on those - most of the Travel Agent FX kiosks are just about hanging onto $1.50 today. As to where it's going - I've given up trying to understand or predict it but I suppose if you're content with where it is at any given time then you should probably buy and accept that it could then go either way before you travel.

I've bitten the bullet and ordered cash today. As I said in an earlier post I've always worked on $1.50 to £1 and anything else as a bonus. I've gone for cash as it's a slightly better rate and I did have a problem getting cash out of an ATM using their card last time.



Keith

[Katys Grandad]

I've bitten the bullet and ordered cash today. As I said in an earlier post I've always worked on $1.50 to £1 and anything else as a bonus. I've gone for cash as it's a slightly better rate and I did have a problem getting cash out of an ATM using their card last time.


Good decision so far - down to $1.53 this morning. M&S and Thomas Cook now offering below $1.50 - not been there for quite a while.

[syrup]

Good decision so far - down to $1.53 this morning. M&S and Thomas Cook now offering below $1.50 - not been there for quite a while.

Hopefully I've done the right thing, if not everybody can thank me for the rise in the Dollar :-)

[Katys Grandad]

Nothing dramatic but the Pound has been making steady progress against the Dollar over recent weeks. This morning it's getting close to $1.60 which is the highest since May.

[syrup]

Nothing dramatic but the Pound has been making steady progress against the Dollar over recent weeks. This morning it's getting close to $1.60 which is the highest since May.

You can thank me for that. If I hadn't bought when I did it would have gone down but as I did it's gone up. $1.56 on Fair FX this morning.:(



Keith

[Katys Grandad]

I'm very familiar with that scenario. I really must learn to do the exact opposite of what my instincts are telling me.

Since I posted it's already gone in the downward direction!

[Pookie]

[QUOTE=Katys Grandad;700369]I'm very familiar with that scenario. I really must learn to do the exact opposite of what my instincts are telling me.[QUOTE]

I agree I always dither and never get it right.

Lynne

[Philomena]

Well - we've just booked to go end-November so the rate is bound to plunge now!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BIGEYE]

I got 1.56 yesterday, a rate I'm happy with as I just can't see the >1.60 for some time.

[Pookie]

I think the time is right to pre purchase sone $.

Of course the election may have a profound affect on the $ but in which direction is anyone's guess.

Lynne

[BIGEYE]

I will be over there for the election, so need to get my $$$'s beforehand.

[E. Cosgrove]

Just got $1.59 with currencies direct, so it's bound to rise over the weekend.

[syrup]

That is a good rate. I've always worked on $1.50 to £ and considered anything extra as a bonus.:)


Keith

[steph_goodrum]

It was 1.59 in some London currency shops this morning.

[SDJ]

It was $1.62 this afternoon[clap]

[Pookie]

Which way will it go, next week I wonder?
I know it will rise slightly on Monday morning as is the norm on the currency markets.

But will it continue to fall against sterling.
Why is it falling at present I wonder?

Not that I am complaining.

However Sterling is falling against the Euro.

Lynne

[steph_goodrum]

Which way will it go, next week I wonder?
I know it will rise slightly on Monday morning as is the norm on the currency markets.

But will it continue to fall against sterling.
Why is it falling at present I wonder?

Not that I am complaining.

However Sterling is falling against the Euro.

Lynne

I believe it is not so much the strong pound (as evidenced against the Euro) more a weaker Dollar due to Election uncertainties which always seem to arise.

[E. Cosgrove]

It was $1.62 this afternoon[clap]
It was £1.6224 on the markets when I asked for a rate, I got 1.59 on £5000 I suppose if I had changed more I would have got a higher rate but that will keep me going for a while[msnwink]

[freddiehollie]

We got $1.59 earlier today which I'm happy with.

If it goes up over the next few days/weeks I'll get some more.

We prefer to get it over a number of months then as it goes up/down It will even out. Ready for our next trip.

[Tonish]

I believe it is not so much the strong pound (as evidenced against the Euro) more a weaker Dollar due to Election uncertainties which always seem to arise.

Nobody has the faintest clue where it's going or why. At a macro level, you can make certain assumptions about what will make sterling stronger or the dollar weaker, but there are so many factors involved it's pretty much anyone's guess. I am paid in dollars, but live in the UK, so it's of particular importance to me, and I talk to the traders all the time. All I can say is that if Ihad taken the opposite view to their predictions over the past few years, I would be considerably better off. I decided a year or two ago to ignore them completely and it has been better for my health, although not necessarily for my pocket.

[julie.link]

Got $1.57 at Asda today but
$1.59 on credit card for esta purchase. Flying tomorrow so will see what we get generally over the next week. In the right direction at the moment.

[kitch50]

I got $1.58 from Thomas Cook yesterday which I thought was quite good....

[steph_goodrum]

Nobody has the faintest clue where it's going or why. At a macro level, you can make certain assumptions about what will make sterling stronger or the dollar weaker, but there are so many factors involved it's pretty much anyone's guess. I am paid in dollars, but live in the UK, so it's of particular importance to me, and I talk to the traders all the time. All I can say is that if had taken the opposite view to their predictions over the past few years, I would be considerably better off. I decided a year or two ago to ignore them completely and it has been better for my health, although not necessarily for my pocket.

I'm just going by the explanations I have heard for the current shift, which given no other explanations being offered and historical recollection of when we have travelled election times before I remember has happened , makesa bit of sense to me. I don't watch it enough of the time to know properly which is why I said "I believe" rather than "it is"

[Tonish]

I'm just going by the explanations I have heard for the current shift, which given no other explanations being offered and historical recollection of when we have travelled election times before I remember has happened , makesa bit of sense to me. I don't watch it enough of the time to know properly which is why I said "I believe" rather than "it is"

Absolutely no criticism intended, I assure you. Sorry if I gave that impression (late night posts should be discouraged). You're probably correct about the extra level of uncertainty around election time. My point is, there are so many theories and each taken on its own makes sense, but the way in which all the different pressure factors interact and how that feeds through to the actual rate means that any definitive prediction is just as likely to be wrong as right, regardless of who makes it. In fact, in my experience, the more qualified the predictor, the less likely they have been to get it right.

[steph_goodrum]

Absolutely no criticism intended, I assure you. Sorry if I gave that impression (late night posts should be discouraged). You're probably correct about the extra level of uncertainty around election time. My point is, there are so many theories and each taken on its own makes sense, but the way in which all the different pressure factors interact and how that feeds through to the actual rate means that any definitive prediction is just as likely to be wrong as right, regardless of who makes it. In fact, in my experience, the more qualified the predictor, the less likely they have been to get it right.

I didn't take it as criticism and didn't want to try and sound as if I know more than I do which isn't a lot but now and again bits seem reasonably logical. We just see when the rate hits a decent one and get some dollars for next trip (hopefully it will go in the right way for tomorrow but have probably jinxed that now.:)

[Katys Grandad]

The fall in the value of the Pound against the Dollar over the past few weeks doesn't seem to be turning around. It's down around 10c (over 7%) since the start of 2013 and you'll just about get $1.50 at retail forex outlets today. The predictions aren't too promising either.

$1.50 is always a bit of a watershed for me so I have all my fingers crossed at the moment!!

[steph_goodrum]

The fall in the value of the Pound against the Dollar over the past few weeks doesn't seem to be turning around. It's down around 10c (over 7%) since the start of 2013 and you'll just about get $1.50 at retail forex outlets today. The predictions aren't too promising either.

$1.50 is always a bit of a watershed for me so I have all my fingers crossed at the moment!!

Must admit we always try to get a minimum of 1.5 as well (obviousl if we can get higher we are happy and usually try to stock up when it's reasonably high.

[Jill]

Ah, but several reports I have heard have been stating how it is good news that the value of the pound has gone down as exports will be cheaper! Funny but we never hear anything about the costs of imports, including oil which is sold in dollars, costing considerably more - or perhaps we do not import anything so it does not matter!!!!!

[gpullan]

Been watching it for quite a few weeks now and beginning to wish i'd stocked up at 1.58 a few weeks back :(

Think i am going to risk it and wait as we're not going until October. Fingers crossed and if it hits 1.57 again i'm buying!!

[Pookie]

I read last night the pound is at a low against the Euro & Dollar due to our poor economy as people are not speanding.

Like others I wish we had locked in the rate.

Lynne

[E. Cosgrove]

I changed at $1.59 back in December, feeling quite relieved now as its not often we get it right!

[Katys Grandad]

I changed at $1.59 back in December, feeling quite relieved now as its not often we get it right!

You certainly got that one right - you'd do well to get $1.48 if you were buying this morning.

[gail and david roberts]

sorry to say I need to send some money in the next couple of days ,
so would you sort it today or hold off until next week hoping it will stop going down and pick up a little

[Pookie]

Whatever I suggest it will do the opposite, but it does sometimes pickup on Friday afternoon, then drops Monday morning with the big boys picking up their profits.

The Dow etc all closed down yesterday, this could be an indicator of an upward move!!! Maybe.

Lynne

[gail and david roberts]

Thanks Lynne , well I will wait until tomorrow and see what happens at the end of the Day it need to go so will just have to send it [msnsad]

[Katys Grandad]

sorry to say I need to send some money in the next couple of days ,
so would you sort it today or hold off until next week hoping it will stop going down and pick up a little

I would say that, depending on the amount involved, a couple of days probably isn't going to see a dramatic move either way (that's jinxed it now). While this recent fall is quite troubling, it's been slow gradual decline so there might not be a great difference over a short period like a couple of days.

All IMHO of course!!!

[Pookie]

"U.S. stocks fell on Thursday and were on track for their biggest two-day decline since November as weak data suggested expectations for economic growth were overly optimistic".

Just read the above on Business news, could this mean Sterling will strengthen over the coming weeks?

Lynne

[Katys Grandad]

This slow and painful decline continues. I enquired at my usual source this moring and was offered $1.465.

Still some way off the point where I hold back from booking but we could do with a couple of up days just to break the pattern.

[steph_goodrum]

This slow and painful decline continues. I enquired at my usual source this moring and was offered $1.465.

Still some way off the point where I hold back from booking but we could do with a couple of up days just to break the pattern.

It usually seemsto be a bit lower at the weekend, I guess to allow for transactions over the weekend when the rate doesnt change weve found.

[Katys Grandad]

It usually seemsto be a bit lower at the weekend, I guess to allow for transactions over the weekend when the rate doesnt change weve found.

That's interesting - I've never noticed that before so I'll be looking out for it in future. Down 1.35c today and the commercial rate dipped below $1.50 for a while. I suspect that's mostly due to more fundamental factors but I haven't really got a clue about all this stuff other than I know I don't like it!

[steph_goodrum]

That's interesting - I've never noticed that before so I'll be looking out for it in future. Down 1.35c today and the commercial rate dipped below $1.50 for a while. I suspect that's mostly due to more fundamental factors but I haven't really got a clue about all this stuff other than I know I don't like it!

Me too, especially as we didnt top up our holiday fund when it was 1.6 in Jan, kept thinking it wouldnt move too much. C'est la vie. It was one of the currency exchange bureaus who mentioned to me it often was slightly lower before the weekend and a few times when I have checked over a week it appears to have been that way.

[Pookie]

More bad news for the Dollar.

Sterling has fallen to a two-and-a-half-year low against the dollar after manufacturing figures for February revealed a fall in output.
The closely watched Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index showed a slump in activity to 47.9 - well below the 50 level which separates growth from contraction.
It was the first time since last November the sector's activity shrunk, and followed 50.2 in January.
The value of the pound slipped following the data, and fell below \$1.50 on Friday afternoon - its lowest since the middle of 2010.
Sterling has only been beneath the \$1.50 mark for four of the 200 years since the US Declaration of Independence.
The last time it was at this level was briefly during the 2010 election and coalition-building process, and before that the 2008/09 recession.
Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said the manufacturing data increased the chance that Britain will slip back into recession.
"The return to contraction of the manufacturing sector is a big surprise and represents a major set-back to hopes that the UK economy can return to growth in the first quarter and may avoid a triple-dip recession," he said.
"The data so far this year point to manufacturing output falling by as much as 0.5%, meaning a strong rebound is needed in March to prevent the sector from acting as a drag on the economy as a whole in the first quarter."
The struggling sector contributed to the UK's worse-than-expected 0.3% decline in output in the fourth quarter of last year, and a negative reading for the first quarter of 2013 would see the UK enter a triple-dip recession.
Nawaz Ali, a market analyst with Western Union, said the manufacturing data could increase pressure on the Bank of England (BoE) to launch a new round of asset purchasing - or quantitative easing - as early as next week.
"The data is a major setback for sterling and the size of the manufacturing decline indicates that there is still a chance the British economy may suffer an unprecedented triple-dip recession," he said.
"The data also adds to growing concerns that not only could the BoE re-start monetary printing in March, the central bank's new flexible inflation strategy puts it in a position to launch a prolonged period of asset purchases, similar to what the US have done and what the Bank of Japan is planning to do."
More quantitative easing is likely to hit sterling further because it increases its supply and drives the currency's exchange value lower.
So far this year, sterling - which was also hit by Moody's downgrade of the UK's credit rating - has lost 7.5% against the dollar.

Jeeps a downward trend, not good.

Lynne

[syrup]

This will obviously have a knock-on effect to everything else like villa rental, car hire, flights and theme park tickets, so could push the the cost of a trip to Florida a lot higher. :(

[jimiansville]

I was going to transfer some money out to my bank account through XE.com but it's sitting at around $1.46 just now. Think I'll wait until next week and see if there is a slight improvement.

[Philomena]

I was collecting some currency today for our trip to Egypt and noticed that the dollar rate was only 1.445, and that was provided you were changing at least £750! Not good at the moment but hopefully it will get better.

[seanchai]

I got $500 dollars to put in with the kids christmas - $1.57 (just before christmas ) after that fiasco with the tripple A drop the dollar has also dropped yesterday to $1.47...10 cents is a fair bit of money if yer planning on taking thousands of dollars ....i will hold of a bit and hope it climbes a bit higher again before i go for our holiday money to be changed .....can i ask if people on here prefer travelers cheques or do they use one of those cards that you put money into before you go ? We always went to europe and we never carried huge wads of cash anyway so never had the need for cheques or cards .

[Philomena]

We take cash as a rule. A word of warning about the currency card - a couple of years ago we found one of these under a table round the lake in Celebration. I rang the emergency number on the back of the card when we got back to the Villa - the chap took all the details and then told me to cut up the card. I explained that I would prefer if they got in touch with the owner of the card and gave them my contact details so that we could take it too them. He wasn't happy about doing this, but I insisted, he reluctantly agreed but I was sure it was just to shut me up and get me off the phone. I never heard anything else about it! My point to him was that this card could have held all this persons holiday money on it and that it could ruin their holiday if they had lost this near the beginning of their stay. He really wasn't interested!!!!

Just something for you to think about as cards are very easy to loose or misplace (or is that just me it happens to?). No - it can't be just me. Not long before this I was walking past one of the Banks in Celebration and someone had used the ATM and forgot to take their card! Took that one into the Bank so they could contact the Customer.

[Katys Grandad]

This will obviously have a knock-on effect to everything else like villa rental, car hire, flights and theme park tickets, so could push the the cost of a trip to Florida a lot higher. :(

I think it already has Keith because it's around 10% lower than it was last summer. Flight prices in particular seem to have soared recently.

I'm sure most long term US visitors have seen these levels before and, thankfully, they haven't lasted too long in the past. I'm prepared to take the rough with the smooth because I've benefited from some good rates over the years (you only have to go back to the start of this thread to see where it's been). My big concern is that it will drop further and that these rates will become the long-term norm. In that event, the whole picture might change for me and I'd have to consider whether it still represented good value for money. I suppose only time will tell on that.

I'm back in Florida in a few weeks and can live with this but if it dropped below $1.40 for any length of time, I don't see myself making any new bookings at that level.

[Katys Grandad]

It usually seemsto be a bit lower at the weekend, I guess to allow for transactions over the weekend when the rate doesnt change weve found.

Sure enough, down again today and fell below $1.49 for a while. You might have something there!

[Tonish]

It looks like it's on a one way move to about $1.35, although my predictions have always been rubbish. But I get paid in dollars so forgive me for wishful thinking!

[Katys Grandad]

Better week closing over $1.51. Funny how that 1.5 seems a lot better than 1.49.

[Pookie]

Better week closing over $1.51. Funny how that 1.5 seems a lot better than 1.49.

Oh so true :), at least it is heading in the right direction.

But it will drop on Monday morning always does.

Lynne

[seanchai]

monday past .....$1.36c for £1. I wish i had bought all my dollars i need before christmas $1.57 -£1....its a hell of a drop for anyone buying a couple of thousand dollars .Lets just hope the pound picks up a bit stronger in the next month or two .

[Katys Grandad]

monday past .....$1.36c for £1.

Is that a typo? We all know that the rate has dropped a long way over recent months but I'd expect to get around $1.45 even when it was at it low point a few days ago.

[SteveandJan]

I got $1.50 yesterday at an exchange in the City of London

[seanchai]

This is not a typo ...but maybe a mistake posted on the bureau de change at the post office in Livingston...i certainly hope it is a mistake . .

[Katys Grandad]

This is not a typo ...but maybe a mistake posted on the bureau de change at the post office in Livingston...i certainly hope it is a mistake . .

I've only ever bought dollars once from the Post Office and the rate was awful but, as you say, that looks like an error. I'd see $1.45 as about right last Monday.

[Lyn]

I think that rate is possibly right for the post office. Mark & Spencer always offer a better rate $1.4669 at the moment.

[andy_d]

Yes never buy dollars from the Post Office, I sussed that one out years ago!

[seanchai]

Good to hear about the post office ...we usually change our euros there (but admittedly not done so for some years now) .....does anyone have a certain place where they get a good rate or is it just shop around and hope for the best ???(the dollars i got before christmas was at barrhead travel so i will give them a phone and see what their rate is ) If i see it at $1.50 i will jump at the chance to get my(our) spending money ....as i said i got $1.57 before christmas and only bought $500 for the kids to put by ...hoping it might encourage them to save for their holiday in florida in June .

[vickk]

Martyn Lewis website has a best rate checking tool

[seanchai]

Thanks Vickk ...i will check that one out .

[Katys Grandad]

Martyn Lewis website has a best rate checking tool

I use that and find it very handy.

Interestingly, Martin Lewis consistently advises people not to exchange large amounts of cash which he sees as giving poor value compared to a few specific credit credit/debit cards he lists. I think that's good advice but I know others base their choice on different criteria.

[vickk]

Martyn Lewis site says that Travelex are having a flash sale on the Dollar tomorrow between 11 am and 1 pm. link on the site

[Pookie]

The Dollar closed at 1.5213 today. Heading in the right direction.

Lynne

[seanchai]

Glad to hear the dollar rate is on the up .Less than three months to go now so i will be looking for a good rate ...although martyn lewis said its best not to change large amounts in the one go .....but i wonder what, to him, is a large amount ?
I know i have seen some exchanges where the rate is better if you change more than £1000 to $$$$ at the one time

[Pookie]

This was the close today

GBP/USD 1.5331 +0.0095 +0.6252% 1.5199 - 1.5364

Lynne

[Andrena]

It might improve now that we have our AAA back again.

Andrena

[SDJ]

I had to send a few dollars over to our account today and although the rate had gone up I only got $147.96 with Hifx.

[steph_goodrum]

I had to send a few dollars over to our account today and although the rate had gone up I only got $147.96 with Hifx.

Had an email from Fairfx last night saying they are offering 1.50 over the weekend. Handy as I need to top up my spending money.

[Katys Grandad]

Had an email from Fairfx last night saying they are offering 1.50 over the weekend. Handy as I need to top up my spending money.

That looks a pretty good at the moment but I don't have that card. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of it?

[Pookie]

That is not bad against the close last night but I wonder if potentially the Dollar will weaken over the coming weeks and that is why they are offering this rate.

Will the Dollar be affected if North Korea escalates?

Lynne

[syrup]

That looks a pretty good at the moment but I don't have that card. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of it?

I have had one for a few years now and find their rates highly competitive. If you have access to a computer while abroad you can top it up so it means you don't have to put too much on to start with. You can withdraw cash from ATM's for a small charge or even withdraw your cash when you get home for a small charge. You can get either dollar , euro or combined. I think it's £9 to purchase one, but if you do a search you can usually find a link for it for free.

[Philomena]

Thanks for the info about the rate Steph - just ordered a card online which was FOC provided you loaded £500. I am thinking it might be a good way to transfer funds to my MC - if I load it up here at a good rate they can have a card over there and withdraw it as it is only $2 fee per withdrawal at the ATM. Food for thought I think!!!

[steph_goodrum]

No problem Philomena. Ive used mine for a few years now and renewed recently and they didn't charge or have a minimum reload.

I wonder if the pound will strengthen a bit now Briatin has it's triple A rating back again?

[Katys Grandad]

I have had one for a few years now and find their rates highly competitive. If you have access to a computer while abroad you can top it up so it means you don't have to put too much on to start with. You can withdraw cash from ATM's for a small charge or even withdraw your cash when you get home for a small charge. You can get either dollar , euro or combined. I think it's £9 to purchase one, but if you do a search you can usually find a link for it for free.

Thanks Keith. Martin Lewis' site has a link for a free card and will add a few pounds to your account if you deposit £750.

[Katys Grandad]

A bit of good economic news has sent the rate to over $1.54 this morning.

Highest for nearly 3 months.

[Pookie]

Good news & if our newspapers were less doom & gloom in this country we would probably be in an even better position.

Lynne

[Katys Grandad]

Finishing the week at almost $1.55. Rare good news in 2013 but very welcome.

[Andrena]

No thanks to Ed Balls, who as been so negative. Why does he have to talk down everything, it certainly doesn't help.

Andrena

[seanchai]

the highest in our neck of the woods (scotland) was $1.51 for a £1....can't complain at that ....(the post office was $1.48)
We got ($757 for £500 and 36 pence ).

[mary and colin]

We managed to get $1.52 on Friday from XE we were pleased with that.
Lets hope it stays going the right way.

Mary

[kerrigan]

I also got 1.52 from XE.com on Friday!
Hazel.

[Pookie]

This was today's close definitely heading in the right direction,

GBP/USD 1.5535 +0.0041 +0.2624% 1.5473 - 1.5567

lynne

[DisneyFunVilla]

Unless you're from the US looking to visit the UK!

[Pookie]

Well true but for most of us it is going in the right direction. :)

[jan111]

I got 1.53 from Moneycorp this morning,being delivered Friday ready for Tuesday :D

[Pookie]

I wonder if it will keep going up........ now what are those lottery numbers :)

[Jill]

Got 1.54 at ICE on Waterloo Station with the coupon printed from the internet.

[Katys Grandad]

There's been a slow decline over the last week or so.

Today's close below $1.52 for the first time in a little while. That probably means under $1.50 at retail exchanges.

[seanchai]

$1.45 in central scotland today ...i will hold out for at least $1.50 ...but we can only hold out so long of course .Does anyone know the rate of exchange over in florida ...is it any better waiting until we get out to the states ?

[Katys Grandad]

$1.45 seems a a bit low to me as the exchange rate is around $1.51. Have you looked around a for better deal elsewhere in the UK?

[steph_goodrum]

$1.45 seems a a bit low to me as the exchange rate is around $1.51. Have you looked around a for better deal elsewhere in the UK?
I noticed in our post office at the weekend it was 1.46

[Katys Grandad]

If you use the tool on the well known Martin Lewis website, you'll see rates of around $1.49 for delivery. A couple of weeks ago you would have got nearer $1.53.

You won't see better in the US - unless the rate rises of course!

[Clare R]

Places to consider are Cash shops - often have a sideline as Pawn Shops. I passed one in Bristol today offering $1.473. We actually used this place about a year ago and we were offered a very good rate if we were prepared to take $100 bills which we did.

Well, worth considering places that perhaps you would not normally enter.

[Sandra M]

We always use Thomas Exchange Global for our cash, they often have the best rate but they are based in London (ok if you work in London)

Sandra

[seanchai]

Yep...i have shopped around , the post office was the lowest at $1.44 but yesterday i noticed one of the "cash shops"(pawn shops ) had a rate of $1.47......it looks like we will have to settle for that if it does not go any higher within our area .

[SteveandJan]

We use Thomas Global Exchange in London as just around the corner from work

[Andrena]

We have noticed that thePost Office is the worst rate. Near us there s a Western Union, Cheque Convertorand a Post Office next door to each other and it is amazing to see the pathetic rate that the PO s giving compared to the others.

Andrena

[Philomena]

You get a better rate with the Post Office if you order online - they will either deliver to your home or you can arrange to pick it up at your local PO,

[Jill]

ICE Exchange at Waterloo Station also gives a great rate if you go only line and print out a voucher. We got slightly more from them on the same day than the rate advertised by Thomas Cook Global Exchange.

[tony2000]

Exchanged some money at ICE Waterloo yesterday, $1.50 to the pound with a voucher, but $1.46 without a voucher. Makes a big difference, paid for train fare and lunch anyway !