Maximise your travel money

Why plan your currency in advance?

The simplest way to push your travel money to the max is by putting in a little bit of extra planning. In the time running up to your holiday, keep an eye on the daily exchange rates and you’ll get an idea of a good time to buy your currency.

If you need a little helping hand, our Travel Rate Tracker is a great way to keep informed of currency movements—and if you sign up to our free email service, we’ll even watch the exchange rates for you and send you an email when the rate reaches your chosen level.

Remember! When you’re shopping around and comparing travel money deals, look at the total cost of the currency you want to purchase and not just at the rate. That way, you’ll be sure to take into account any additional charges or promotional discounts that may apply and really be able to compare deals.

Lock in exchange rates with a prepaid currency card

It may seem small, but the difference between getting 1.5 or 1.6 US dollars to your pound means an extra $100 in your pocket when you’re spending £1,000.

To make sure that you lock in our best rate purchasing cash, our Travel Money Card is a great option. You can lock in the rate from when you first load up your card and use the same one throughout your trip, meaning you’ll know exactly how much money you have to spend.

How to make your money go further when travelling​

1. Take both cash and card

Aim to take a mixture of cash and a prepaid travel money card, such as the Travelex Money Card. These foreign currency cards enable you to lock in your exchange rate at the time of loading and are separate from your bank account.

Try to avoid exchanging currency in your hotel—they often offer the worst rates. If you do leave it to the last minute or until after your arrival, look for a reputable bureau, like Travelex, to change your money.

Tip: Our Click & Collect service lets you pre-order cash online and collect it at the airport.

If you only have large notes, try to break one when you arrive. Having smaller notes and coins will prove useful for small spends like bus journeys or taxi driver tips.

1. Avoid ATM and card fees abroad

Be mindful of hidden credit or debit card charges that you may be faced with by using your card abroad. Our Travelex Money Card is free from fees on overseas purchases or cash withdrawals**.

1. Take advantage of Travelex’s Buy Back Promise

Don’t lose out when exchanging your leftover currency. Travelex’s Buy Back Promise will buy back your leftover travel money from you at the original transaction rate.

For a fee of just £4.99, we will buy leftover foreign currency up to a maximum of £250. Any value above this limit will be completed using the applicable rate on the rate board. Buy Back Promise is only redeemable on the currency and country in which it was purchased.

1. Travel during off-peak currency windows

Be rate-wise whilst abroad. Exchange rates can change daily, and so it’s always worth keeping an eye on them whilst you’re abroad. Otherwise, you may find that you’re losing out or spending more than you think by using the wrong rate of exchange.

1. Do your homework

Before you travel, find out the little things like how much you’re expected to tip for services or whether it’s acceptable to barter for prices.

Be aware of any restrictions that may apply to your currency. Some countries only permit you to take a small amount of currency in or out of the country, whilst other countries such as Morocco use a closed currency and don’t allow you to take any at all.

1. Join Travelex Plus for exclusive travel money deals

Our Travelex Plus membership gives you access to better rates, promotions, and 0% commission on in-store rates. It’s perfect for frequent flyers or families heading abroad together.

Join for free and get:

• Discounted exchange rates
• Early access to special offers
• Loyalty benefits

1. Track your budget with the Travelex Money App

Stay in control while you travel. The Travelex Money App lets you:

• Manage your Travelex Money Card in real time
• Top up currencies on the go
• Check transactions instantly
• Freeze your card if it’s lost or stolen

Make the most of your travel money with Travelex

Whether you’re jetting off on a family holiday, backpacking through Europe, or flying for business, Travelex makes it easy to get the most from your money.

Get competitive exchange rates on your foreign currency when you order online, or spend like a local with a Travelex Money Card. With 40+ years in the industry and a presence in 20+ countries, Travelex is a name you can trust.

** Travelex will not charge UK cardholders for ATM withdrawals, but some operators may impose a fee. Travelex doesn’t charge UK cardholders any fees for making purchases using their Travelex Money Card.

^Buy Back Promise terms and conditions apply.