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Travel Money
Currency Buy Back

Currency buyback

What is currency buyback.

If you’ve come back from your holiday with some spare cash, take it to a Post Office branch that deals in foreign currency and we’ll buy it back from you.

If your holiday’s been cancelled and you bought your currency from us, you can get a 100% refund within 28 days of purchase with our refund guarantee .

Calculate how much you’ll get back

UAE Dirham AED
Australian Dollar AUD
Barbados Dollar BBD
Bangladesh Taka BDT
Bulgarian Lev BGN
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Bermuda Dollar BMD
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Japanese Yen JPY
Kenyan Shilling KES
Korean Won KRW
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Mexican Peso MXN
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US Dollar USD
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South African Rand ZAR
Brazilian Real BRL
Qatar Riyal QAR

You will receive:

Today’s online rate:

Rates may vary by branch. This rate is for guidance only. T&Cs apply .

How does currency buyback work?

Pop in to see us.

Find a branch that sells travel money and pop in with your leftover foreign cash.

Sell us your cash

More than 2,500 branches can buy your travel money back without seeing a purchase receipt (but smaller ones will need to).

You’re done!

Pay cash straight into your UK Bank account at the counter. You can save yourself a couple of trips in future with a Travel Money Card , allowing you to swap between currencies.

Thinking of going away again?

If you need travel money, you’ve got loads of options with Post Office.

Order online for great rates and 0% commission

Collect US dollars and euros within 2 hours

Get next-day collection on other currencies

Or choose to have your currency delivered to your home the next day

For added ease and security, get a Travel Money Card

Our Travel Money Card holds 22 currencies and can be used anywhere you see the Mastercard® sign, including with contactless

Order travel money

Ready to get your holiday cash sorted?

Need some help?

Travel money help and support.

Read our travel money FAQs or contact our team about buying currency online or in branch:

Visit our travel money support page

Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DF, (Financial Services Register No. 900412). Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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M&S Travel Money

Buy back currency service

Sell back your left over travel money with m&s bank.

Do you have left over travel money from your recent holiday? We can buy back foreign currency from you. You can exchange currency into GBP at any of our Bureaux. We will buy back currency in any denomination we sell.

Please note we will only accept New Israeli Sheqel that was purchased with M&S Bank. Proof of purchase may be required.

How do I use the currency buy back service?

Find an m&s bureaux.

Use our Bureau Finder to find your nearest M&S Bureau de Change and opening hours.

Visit us nationwide

M&S Bureaux are available in over 100 M&S stores nationwide, with some open 7 days and many open late into the evening.

Sell your leftover currency

We’ll buy back your leftover travel money at the buy back rate on the day you return it in store.

See you next time

Next time you are planning a holiday, visit one of our stores or visit our travel money hub to check our latest foreign currency exchange rates.

What you will need to bring

To complete your buy back we will need to see a valid UK photographic driving licence, passport or an EU identity card.

Travel Money Buy Back Rate

Whether it is changing euros into pounds or Norwegian Krone into pounds, we have you covered. Use our currency buy back chart to check the most up to date rate.

CHANGE4CHANGE

If you would like to donate your unused foreign currency to charity we have Change4Change collection boxes in store with all the money we collect going to Breast Cancer Now. Since 2007, we have raised over £630,000 for the charity via your Change4Change donations.

Find a bureau

Visiting the UK?

If you're visiting the UK and need some cash, simply visit an M&S Bureau de Change where you can exchange your home currency for pounds sterling.

M&S Travel Money page

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum amount that i can sell back.

Please check with your local M&S Bureau de Change who will be able to support.

Are there any currencies that I can't sell back?

Please check our currency buy back chart for up to date foreign currencies we are able to buy back.

Can I send my currency in the post?

No, please visit your local M&S Bureau de Change to complete a buyback transaction.

Can I send coins to be exchanged?

M&S Bank do not buyback coins however you can donate these in a Change4Change box located in each bureau which goes to Breast Cancer Now research.

Have a question about travel money or other travel products?

Ask our Virtual Assistant

*excludes New Israeli sheqel, Danish krone and Norwegian krone, that was not purchased with M&S Bank. Proof of purchase may be required.

Currency Buy Back

Exchange foreign currency for Pounds at your nearest Tesco Travel Money Bureau

Ever get to the end of a holiday with Euros or Dollars burning a hole in your pocket? Our in-store currency buy back means there’s no need to splash your leftover cash at the airport before you fly home.

Simply visit one of our Travel Money Bureaux today and we'll buy back your leftover currency, even if you didn't buy it from us.

How do I use the travel money buy back service?

It’s simple – find your nearest in-store Travel Money Bureau and bring us your foreign currency. As long as it’s currency we sell, we’ll be able to switch it out for UK Pounds right then and there.

What currencies does Tesco Bank buy back?

At Tesco Bank we buy back Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, and all other currencies that we sell, in most banknote values.

You can bring your unused currency to any Tesco Travel Money Bureau, no matter where you bought it in the first place.

We also buy back currency on Multi-currency Cash Passports™, which means you never need to worry about overspending.

Find your nearest Travel Money store

With Click & Collect you can order your travel money online and pick it up from selected Tesco stores or you can buy instantly from an in-store travel money bureau.

Enter a postcode or location

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Best Travel Money Provider 2023/24

Now in it’s 26th year and voted for by the public, the Personal Finance Awards celebrate the best business and products in the UK personal finance market. We’re delighted that you voted us as Best Travel Money Provider 2023/24.

Buy foreign currency online

Order online and you can collect your travel money from one of our in-store bureaux or selected customer service desks. Or we can deliver it direct to your door. Delivery charges may apply.

Important information

Tesco travel money is provided by travelex.

Tesco Travel Money ordered in store is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited. Registered No. 04621879. Tesco Travel Money ordered online or by telephone is provided by Travelex Currency Services Limited. Registered No. 03797356. Registered Office for both companies: Worldwide House, Thorpewood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.

Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Other customers have been asking:

If you've got a problem or query on your order, get in touch with us. We're here to help.

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SELL YOUR UNUSED TRAVEL MONEY

Exchange leftover holiday money back into pounds
Sell currency at any John Lewis Bureau de Change
Get a competitive rate, and we won’t charge commission

Sell your unused travel money

How does currency buy back work at John Lewis Finance?

Find your nearest bureau.

Click through to our Bureau de Change page to locate your nearest John Lewis currency exchange desk. We’re in over 30 John Lewis stores across the country.

Sell your travel money

Bring your foreign currency banknotes to a John Lewis and head straight to the Bureau desk. You’ll need to have a valid ID with you when you’re buying or selling travel money.

Exchange with a Partner

We’ll exchange your currency back into pounds - it’s that easy! We’ll pay you back in cash or deposit the money into your bank account via your debit card.

Bringing a valid ID

When you’re buying or selling currency at a Bureau de Change, you'll need to have some valid ID with you. This can be any of the following:

Full UK photocard driving licence
EU national identity photocard

Occasionally we may ask you for additional ID dependent upon the transaction. In this case we would accept recent utility bills, bank or credit card statements or other formal ID that shows your address.

Going abroad soon?

Travel money is ready to be bought in-store, or ordered online and delivered the next working day.

We’ll make sure to offer you a great exchange rate for your money, whether you’re buying or selling currency.

Currencies we buy

Bureau rates on Monday 1 July 2024, 10:10

Buy back guarantee

If your holiday is cancelled, you can return your currency for a full refund within 35 days of your purchase date. Refunds will be for the full order amount only and you’ll just need your original order receipt or order confirmation, along with the ID you used to make your purchase.

Expert quote

“It’s easy to forget about the leftover foreign banknotes after a holiday. Instead of sticking it in a drawer, you could get your money’s worth with our buy backs. Pop into our Bureau next time you’re in John Lewis, and we’ll have one of our Partners help you with the exchange.”

- Matt Richardson, Head of Foreign Currency

Frequently asked questions

Can i sell any foreign currency.

At our Bureaux we’re more than happy to buy back currency that you didn’t spend on holiday. To see if you can sell us your leftover travel money, check the list of accepted currencies on this page.

We can buy any accepted foreign currency notes in good condition, but regretfully foreign currency coins cannot be exchanged.

Are there any currencies that cannot be exchanged?

There are a select few closed currencies such as Egyptian pounds and Indian Rupees that we unfortunately cannot buy back.

To check if we accept the currency you want to exchange, please check the list above.

Can I sell currency online?

While we can’t buy back your leftover currency online, we are more than happy to do so in person. To find your closest John Lewis Bureau use our handy locator and pay us a visit.

Can I trade one currency for another?

At John Lewis Bureaux you can’t directly trade one currency for another, but you can sell us your foreign currency first and then buy a different currency in sterling. A list of the currencies available to buy can be found on our website.

John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are both trading names of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 1 Drummond Gate, Pimlico, London SW1V 2QQ. Registered in England (Registered Company Number 233462). John Lewis plc introduce the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, whom each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC.

Foreign Currency online from both John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited registration number 04287490 (Money Service Business licence number MLR-64068), whose registered office is at Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, West London, TW8 9DF England.

For UK clients: International Payments at John Lewis Finance is provided by HiFX Europe Limited. HiFX is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, registration 462444, for the provision of payment services. HiFX is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 3517451. Registered office: Maxis 1, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RT.

For EEA clients: International Payments at John Lewis Finance is provided by XE Europe B.V.. XE Europe B.V. is authorised by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank) under the Payment Services Directive II, licence number R149006 for the provision of payment services. XE Europe B.V. is a limited company registered in The Netherlands with company no. 72587873, and registered office at Rozengracht 12,1, 1016NB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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How to compare currency buyback exchange rates

Enter your currency and amount.

Tell us how much travel money you have to sell and which currency you need to exchange .

Compare your options

Use our comparison tables to compare different firms and check their fees and charges to find the best currency buy back deal.

Choose delivery mode

If you send the money by post, you may have to pay for recorded delivery, so take the extra cost into account when making your choice.

Getting the best high street currency buy back rates

If you have euros, dollars or other currencies left over from a trip abroad, you can sell them to a currency buy-back service that will convert them into pounds.

When you sell foreign currency, you get a buy-back rate from your chosen provider, which tells you how many pounds you can get for your unwanted travel money.

For example, if the best euro buy-back rate available is 0.85, you will get 85p for every euro you sell.

But to find the right deal, you need to look beyond the best currency buy back rates.

Delivery costs, fees, and commissions also affect how much you receive, so work out what you'll get back in pounds after any expenses when you sell travel money.

Source: Money.co.uk currency buyback data for 2022

Currency buy-back FAQs

Where can you find the best travel money buy-back rate.

You can look for the best currency buy-back rates on the high street, but you could miss out if you ignore what’s available online. Use this comparison to check currency buy back rates including the best euro buy back rate from our selection of online providers.

Rates may differ due to the fluctuating nature of currency exchange, so for the latest rate, please check with the provider.

What does it cost to sell currency online?

The costs you incur when you sell travel money can vary widely. So, you need to factor in:

The exchange rate: choosing the highest foreign currency buy back rate available should help to ensure you get the best possible deal

Any delivery costs: you will usually have to pay to send your cash to the buy-back provider

Some providers do not guarantee currency buy-back rates before you send your money to them, which could affect the amount you get back.

You can use any of the providers in this comparison to sell euros or other foreign currencies and exchange them back into pounds.

Here is more information on dealing with leftover currency

Can I sell any foreign currency?

No. You can sell euros, dollars, and other common currencies, but buy back services are not available for all currencies. Check with providers to make sure you can exchange your money, then compare rates and charges to find the best deal.

Can I swap my foreign currency into another?

Yes, if the travel money provider you choose allows it, you can exchange one currency for another; you could, for example, switch euros to US dollars.

Am I guaranteed to get the rate I see online?

Not always. Check the terms and conditions when comparing rates online – some currency buy back providers only agree a rate once they receive your money, which could make a big difference to how much you receive.

Can I send coins to be exchanged?

No, only notes are accepted, and some providers only take specific denominations, so it’s also worth checking this when choosing where to exchange any unused currency.

Can I exchange multiple currencies at once?

Yes. Provided the currency exchange you've chosen accepts all of them, you can swap more than one currency at a time.

How long do I have until my foreign currency goes out of date?

This depends on the currency.

US dollars never go out of date, while other countries periodically 'expire' older bank notes.

In many cases, they will still be accepted anyway. For example, new euro notes were introduced between 2013 and 2019, but the old versions have retained their value and can be exchanged.

Turkish lira from before 2005, however, is no longer accepted by businesses including foreign currency buy back services.

About our comparisons

Who do we include in this comparison.

We include every company that gives you the option of buying euros online. Discover how our website works .

How do we make money from our comparison?

We have commercial agreements with some of the companies in this comparison. We get paid a commission if we help you take out one of their products or services. Find out more here .

You do not pay any extra and the deal you get is not affected.

Learn more about travel money

Travel money: the basics you need to know

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Below you can find a list of currencies to exchange

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What Currency do you want to buy?

How much do you want to spend, what currency do you want to sell, how much do you want to sell, buy currency, sell currency, why use a travel money comparison site.

Have you ever started researching the best rates between different travel money providers?

We know it can be overwhelming: the different suppliers, their different offers and of course, the ever-changing currency exchange rates. It's a lot of information to process and compile!

Our comparison site takes the stress out of researching and does it all for you. FInd the travel money supplier that will get you the best rate today.

✓ Compare Travel Cash is a non-biased travel money comparison site.
✓ To ensure our independence, we always use transparent, objective and verifiable criteria in our comparisons.
✓ Our mission is to show you the best rates so you can save when buying your travel money.
✓ We constantly update our exchange rates as they change for each money exchange supplier, and whilst we try to do this in almost real-time, there will be times when our data is slightly out of date (in normal circumstances, not more than 5 minute). Our travel money comparison site is designed to save you money by showing you the latest rates.
✓ We check out all the companies we list, ensuring they are reputable suppliers and pass our standards before we list them.
✓ We value your privacy. We do not sell your data - you don't even need to give us your information to use our site. Even if you choose to, it is safe with us, we will never pass it on to third parties.
✓ You won't get cheaper rates if you go directly to the supplier, at times, we may have discounts and incentives that you would not get by going direct!
✓ We do sometimes make money - but we don't make it from you. We will never add fees or commissions to the travel money rates on the site.

Frequently asked questions

It's a great idea to buy your currency online to ensure you get the best exchange rate. You can often get much better deals online compared to what you can find on the high street or the airport. In fact ccording to recent surveys, 9 out of 10 tourists find that exchanging money at airports is the most expensive option.

The best thing about buying your travel money online through a comparison site is seeing all currency prices in one place, so whether you are buying euros , buying dollars or other currencies you get the best rate for your travel money and more importantly save time!

The quickest way to get the best currency exchange rate is by using our comparison tool . We compare the latest information from all the best travel money providers in the market to show you the best currency exchange rates.

Keep an eye out for the following when searching for the best currency exchange deals so you can choose the best option for buying your holiday money:

High exchange rate - The higher the exchange rate number, the more holiday money you will get to the pound
Delivery Charges - different currency providers charge different amounts for delivering your holiday money to your door
Special offer - We will let you know if the providers are offering travel money deals

Commission is the fee that travel money providers charge for the service to exchange your money into foreign currency . The charge is usually included in the exchange rate they advertise. You will see that many foreign exchange companies advertise 0% commission, they are still charging you by including the charge in the rates.

All the travel money prices we quote include any fees and commissions, including delivery!

The simple answer is yes! Usually, the minimum order amount for foreign currency is £100, and the maximum is usually £7,500, although some providers allow you to exchange more.

Travel money is normally sent via special delivery service with Royal Mail. Travel cash orders worth more than £2,500 will be sent via a courier or multiple Royal Mail packages. This is for insurance reasons, making sure your travel money is safe.

This depends on the currency provider. Some providers offer next-day delivery, sending your travel money using Royal Mail's Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm service. There will be an extra cost for this and you can see how much when you compare the holiday money prices.

Don't forget, many foreign currency providers also allow you to pre-order currency and you can collect it in store, this means you can avoid delivery charges.

Most do, any holiday money that you have leftover after your trip abroad can be sold using a buy-back service that will convert it back to pounds. Our comparison tool will show you the providers offering the best buy-back rates .

Every few of minutes we compare the exchange rates and latest currency deals from the best travel money providers in the UK. You can see instantly who is offering the best deals and choose a service that suits your needs best.

Also, if you've come home from a trip abroad and have leftover currency, we compare many foreign currency buy back companies, showing the best rates to convert your foreign currency back into pounds.

Hundreds of customers order travel money through our site daily and have a great experience. However, as with ordering anything online, the process is never completely risk-free and you should always take care when transfering money to any company.

We undertake comprehensive checks on all of our providers and monitor them to make sure they meet our high standards and continue to do so. Having said that, no company is guaranteed not to come into trouble and we cannot guarantee the solvency of any of the providers listed on our website. We always recommend that you conduct your own due diligence before placing an order with any company.

There are many destinations where taking some local currency is extremely useful to make sure you are covered in places where credit cards are not accepted. Many of the smaller retailers globally will not allow credit cards, so cash is the only option.

Read our blog post on taking cash on holiday .

The best time to buy any travel money is when the pound is performing strongly relative to the currency you are buying, this means it will have a higher exchange rate, so will give you more currency for your money. The amount you receive is calculated by multiplying the exchange rate by the amount of pounds you want to spend, so the higher the exchange rate, the more foreign currency you get.

Exchange rates are constantly changing but we show you the historical exchange rate performance for each of the currencies so you can have more of an idea of whether now is a good time to buy your travel money.

Exchange rates tend to be very similar wherever you are in the world to those offered in the UK, however waiting until you are away means you may be stuck with poor exchange rates, fewer options of places to offer competitive rates or even worse, you may have to pay big additional fees and commissions. By buying your travel money in the UK there are no hidden fees, charges or nasty surprises, you know exactly how much you are getting.

Once you have found the best rate, place an order on the currency suppliers’ site, and pay for your currency.Each currency supplier has different payment options, including bank transfer, debit card, with some suppliers offering payment by Apple pay and Android pay. Once your order has been confirmed your order will be prepared and your currency sent to you by registered delivery, some suppliers even offer next-day delivery.

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CompareTravelCash.co.uk is a travel money comparison service that's designed to help you save money – whilst we do our best to ensure the site is 100% up-to-date, we cannot guarantee this. We advise you to carry out your own due diligence before buying or selling travel money.

Best Travel Money Exchange Rates

This guide explains the cheapest and most expensive ways to buy travel money. It can help save you money if you are thinking about going abroad and trying to work out the best way to spend while you’re there.

Commission charges when you buy foreign currency have mostly been phased out. Now most currency operators make money on the difference between the interbank exchange rate and the rate they actually give you.

So the best way to know if you’re getting a good deal is to compare the actual exchange rate you’re getting.

For each of the currency exchange locations below we have used the euro as an example – but where you see a location giving a bad rate (versus the benchmark interbank rate) for euros, you can be pretty much guaranteed you’ll get a bad rate on any other currency at that place too.

Here are the ways to get the most for your money when buying foreign currency, ranked best to worse.

(All exchange rate figures accessed on 31 May 2023.)

1. Currency cards – BEST RATE

Currency cards are debit card-style payment cards designed to be used while you are on holiday or travelling outside the UK to pay for goods and services, usually anywhere you see the Visa or Mastercard symbol. They either come as regular debit cards with travel money functions, or as a separate card that connects to your current account.

Currency cards offer some of the best exchange rates around, and are available from, for example, Starling, Monzo, Revolut , and Curresea.

The euro rates for Monzo and Starling are based on the Mastercard rate so are the same:

£1 = €1.152 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
On the (free) Curresea Essential plan the euro rate is:
£1 = €1.152
On the (paid for) Curresea Elite and Premium Plans the euro rate is:
£1 = €1.163
Ease : Currency cards are easy to apply for and usually arrive within a few days. If your bank already offers a travel card service as part of your account you may not even need to apply for a new card. Plus you don’t need to worry about changing up loads of cash before you go away.
Safety : If you lose cash, it’s usually gone forever. If you lose your currency card you can cancel or freeze it in the app that comes with it to prevent anyone else using your holiday money.
Virtual wallet: You can add most currency travel cards to your phone’s virtual wallet, so you can still pay if you only have your phone with you.
Charges : Fees and charges to use your currency card abroad can vary significantly so it’s a good idea to compare different providers before you choose which one to go with. Be aware the card provider – typically either Visa or Mastercard – can add its own fees of 1% to 3% on top of transactions.
ATM limits : Some card providers limit how much you can withdraw from an ATM in another currency, after which point more charges will kick in.
No section 75 protection : Debit card payments and purchases are not covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. But you might be able to make a claim for a refund under a voluntary scheme called ‘chargeback’.

2. Cash point abroad

Withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad can be a good option if you use one of the cards mentioned above, or a travel credit card. They are designed for use while travelling, so give the best rates on foreign exchange, and limit the fees and charges you pay while using them abroad. It is for this reason that cash point abroad is 2nd on this list.

Currensea , for example, as well as offering one of the best exchange rates, allows free ATM withdrawals of up to £500 using its Essential Card (2% fees over), and with its Premium Card (which costs £25 a year) you can make fee free ATM withdrawals up to £500 (1% over).

Just remember – if the ATM tells you a fee applies, always choose to be charged in the local currency of the country you’re in (this also applies to card purchases).

However beware – this is important – if you just take your normal debit card or credit card abroad you can expect high fees from both your bank and the ATM you withdraw cash from every time you use it.

For example, Barclays charges a 2.99% fee for using your standard debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds.

So while you get a pretty decent exchange rate with Barclays (which uses the Visa rate), once the fee is added the real rate is much less. It works out as:

Visa rate: £1 = €1.161 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate) before charges
Barclays debit rate after 2.99% fee added £1 = €1.128
Cheap if you use the right cards: Taking money out at an ATM abroad can be one of the cheapest ways to access cash if you use a card designed for travel that has fee-free options and a good exchange rate (see out Best Rated above).
Don’t have to carry so much cash : Carrying huge wads of cash is a theft risk. Carrying a couple of cards (one for use and one for back up) is much safer.
High costs if you use the wrong card : Avoid taking your regular debit or credit card abroad as to use it you will have to pay high fees.

3. Highstreet in the UK

UK highstreets offer a number of exchange rate options, from inside department stores like John Lewis, to specialist foreign exchange rate shops like No1 Currency. The rates will vary from place to place.

At No1 Currency, for example, the online rates are below, although the website says the in store rates may differ from what is advertised.

£1 = €1.136 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €113.67

At John Lewis, on the same day the rate was a little lower.

£1 = €1.133 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €113.38

At Marks & Spencer, the rate was:

Click & Collect: £1 = €1.138 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €113.80
In-store bureau de change: £1 = €1.119
£100 = €111.90

At a TUI branch the rate was:

£1 = €1.139 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €113.90
Click and collect rates : No1 Currency for example gives you a better rate if you order online then pick up in store, rather than have your currency delivered.
Perks: For example at John Lewis you can earn points when you pay for currency with your Partnership Credit Card.
Delivery charges : No1 Currency only offers free delivery for orders of £800 or more. At John Lewis the minimum for free home delivery is over £500.
Minimum orders online: John Lewis, for example, has a £250 minimum for online orders.

4. Online with a supermarket

Most supermarkets sell travel money these days and it can be a convenient way to pick up some currency while you do your weekly shop. You can buy on the day or order online to collect.

As an added bonus, supermarkets offer a better rate on foreign currency for their loyalty card holders, pushing supermarkets up the ranking in terms of rates.

Standard rate: £1 = €1.130 (vs €1.16 interbank rate)
£100 = €113
Tesco Clubcard rate: €1.135
£100 = €113.50

Sainsbury’s

£1 = €1.131 (vs €1.16 interbank rate)
£100 = €113.17
Sainsbury’s Nectar card rate: €1.1340
£100 = €113.40
Loyalty perks and points : Loyalty card holders get better exchange rates, plus you can earn loyalty points when you pay for the currency just like any other purchase.
Convenience : Order online then pick up when you do your weekly shop.
Minimum order amounts: For example Tesco has a minimum order amount of £400 worth of currency when you buy online, and a minimum of £500 to have a free home delivery. There is no minimum order amount for Sainsbury’s but a £4.99 fee to have currency bought online delivered at home.

5. Post office

The Post Office is a handy one-stop-shop for lots of holiday related things, from travel insurance to international driving permits, and including travel money. While the Post Office doesn’t offer the best rates on the market, it does have several other advantages that could make it a good option, especially if you are in a hurry.

£1 = €1.116 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €111
Rate increases : Order online for the best rates on every currency. The more you buy, the better the rate.
Fast pick up service : You can pick up euros and US dollars from your nearest branch in as little as 2 hours, from selected branches. Order by 2pm (1pm Saturday) to collect the same day, from 2 hours later. Order after 2pm (1pm Saturday) to collect the next working day, from 11am. Or you can choose delivery to your home.
Refund policy : Will refund 100% of the holiday money you bought if your trip abroad is cancelled
Queuing : With a number of Post Offices closing, and banks shutting branches that force Post Offices to do more services with less, queues to get you travel money in person can be long.
Limited currencies: Post Office in my experience don’t carry that much currency and only in a few of the most common types. Beware buying last minute – if you try to just pop in on the day to buy your currency without pre-ordering you may find they have run out, or don’t stock it.
Buying limits : The minimum you can buy online of a currency is £400 worth, and the maximum is £2,500.

6. At the airport

The only times I have bought currency at the airport it has been out of desperation and from a lack of forward planning – and I have always regretted it. It is typically one of the most expensive (i.e. worst exchange rate) places to buy foreign currency.

But if you’re in a panic because you forgot to get out any cash before your trip, it is at least convenient to be able to grab some foreign currency before your flight.

Two of the most common foreign exchange kiosks you’ll find at UK and global airports are Travelex and Eurochange. The rates below are for their online services – rates in the airport are likely to be worse.

Travelex (online)

£1 = €1.130 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)

Eurochange (online)

£1 = €1.131 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €113.10
Location : If in the rush to get away you forgot to pick up any currency, airport foreign exchange kiosks offer a last minute lifeline.
Availability of currencies: Because of their location, currency kiosks in international airports tend to be well stocked in multiple currencies, even the less common ones.
Switching currency : If you are visiting multiple countries on a trip but don’t want to carry large amounts of currency, changing up just what you need at each airport you pass through is an option.
Expense : You will never get the best foreign exchange rate at an airport.
Lack of comparison : Even if there is more than one currency store at the airport, they all tend to offer the same rates. Once you’re there you have no other options, you have to take what you can get.

7. Online with a bank

Buying travel money from your local bank might seem like the obvious choice, but surprisingly the rates on offer are likely among the worst you’ll get anywhere in the UK. However the limits on how much you can purchase can be higher (though you won’t get a better rate the more you buy so why bother?)

£1 = €1.105 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €110.51
£1 = €1.106 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)
£100 = €110.67
High purchase limits : At Barclays, for example, you can order up to £5,000 per person within a 90-day period, and a maximum of £2,500 from that amount can be sent for home delivery to a single residential address.
Fee free deliveries : HSBC, for example, offers fee-free deliveries on your travel money to HSBC Full and Cash Service branches or to your home. Other banks may charge.
Limited to customers : You may find you have to be a customer. For example, you’ll need a Barclays debit card or Barclaycard to place your order for currency online there.
Expensive : Among the worst rates for currency exchange you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

8. Bureau de change abroad – WORST RATE

Bureau de changes abroad are typically in tourist hotspots. And what do we know about tourist hotspots? Rife for pickpockets and overinflated prices. This is the attitude you should take to foreign currency shops in these locations.

One example that proves the ‘expensive option’ point is Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange, situated in the busy Plaza de Callao in central Madrid, Spain.

Ria’s exchange rate on 31 May 2023 was:

£1.00 = €0.99 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate)

Convenient : If you really need cash while you’re abroad, maybe because you’re in a place where your cards are not widely accepted, a local bureau de change may be a lifeline – just expect to pay heavily for that life raft.

Cost, cost, cost: Buying foreign currency from a currency shop or kiosk in a tourist hotspot (where you are most likely to find them) is an extremely expensive way of getting your hands on cash. Avoid if at all possible.
Theft risk : Pickpockets may hang around bureau de change just like they hang around ATMs, because they know you have just withdrawn what is probably a large amount of money. Secure your cash hidden away before you leave the kiosk.

Is it still worth getting travel cash ahead of your holidays?

Yes. Absolutely. Cards aren’t accepted everywhere, as I found to my detriment when I arrived in Buenos Aires and tried to take out local currency on my credit card at the foreign exchange desk at the airport.

“Absolutely not possible”, I was told. A combination of a lack of provision to buy currency on credit card there, and the Argentinian peso being just too volatile for credit card providers to let you buy it on their service.

All I had in hard currency was US$100 in Argetininian pesos I had changed in the airport at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, where I had just come from, and a US$100 bill. Luckily I’d pre-paid my Buenos Aires hotel in advance, and I could easily find restaurants that would accept my credit card. But taxis only took cash, so I spent a lot of time walking – thinking about how I should have brought more pesos with me.

We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to travel money.

Yes, in most cases. Cash withdrawal fees will probably apply of around 3%, just like they would at home for taking cash out on a credit card, and these will be on top of any currency conversion fees.

Be aware though – in countries with a highly fluctuating exchange rate, like Argentina, you may not be able to buy foreign cash with your credit card (not even at the bureau de change at the airport, for example). You still may be able to pay for goods and services with your credit cards, but check how widely they are accepted before you travel.

Yes, on the whole. When buying travel money online, like with buying anything online, you’re best off sticking to well known brands, whether that be banks, supermarkets, or currency exchange stores.

A large institution or well known brand is less likely to go bust, and that is important because foreign exchange is not a regulated service. This means your cash is not protected if the company you tried to get your foreign currency from closes suddenly.

Yes. Most places that sell you travel money will buy it back from you. But just like when you’re swapping your pounds for foreign currency, when you swap it back you should compare the exchange rates on offer. As a general rule, a location that offers a good rate one way, offers a good rate the other way.

Travel money providers – from the currency shops and bureau de change, to the banks and supermarkets, anywhere basically that sells currency – make money by giving you slightly less than the central banks give them for the foreign money you want to buy.

For example, if a currency provider tells you they will give you €1.131 for every pound you give them, but the central bank rate for euros is €1.157 per pound, the difference is €0.026, which they pocket. This may not sound much, but multiplied over millions of transactions a year, it adds up.

Compare, compare, compare the single unit price – which means the £1 for a €1 rate, or whichever currency you choose, versus the interbank rate, which you can get by just Googling “1 GBP in EUR”.

Places that sell currency, online or in a shop, have to show you the exchange rate for that day. While it’s probably not practical to go traipsing around comparing shops, it’s easy enough to do so online. If you run up against minimum purchase amounts online, still go with the company providing the best rate but visit their location in person.

Also try not to get yourself in a position where you’re desperate to buy foreign currency, either at home or abroad. This means having enough cash on you in remote locations, and tourist hotspots, and before you travel (to avoid the airport currency shops).

Laura Miller has been a financial journalist for more than 10 years, and was on staff at the Telegraph before going freelance in 2019. Her experience includes hosting podcasts and panels, and she writes for the Times and Sunday Times, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and the Sun, as well as trade titles. She now lives by the sea in Aberystwyth, west Wales.

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Currency buyback

Don’t waste your leftover holiday money, sell back currency with Sainsbury’s Bank. Bring your foreign currency to one of our instore bureaux when you get home and turn your spare cash into pounds. + Nectar members get better rates on leftover holiday money.

Sell travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank.

How to sell your currency back to us

Selling travel money is easy with Sainsbury’s Bank. Here’s how:

Head into a bureau

Visit one of our bureaux to sell currency. Many Sainsbury’s stores have a bureau, and they all offer currency buyback.

Swap currency on your Travel Money Card

Our Travel Money Card lets you transfer your holiday money into different currencies. You can also transfer foreign currency into Pounds to spend in the UK.

Currency buyback FAQs

What is the exchange rate for buying back currency.

The exchange rate for currency buyback changes daily and is dependent on the market. We buy back currency at the rate on the day you return it, not the rate when it was bought.

Can coins be exchanged?

We don’t buy back coins. If you don’t want to keep hold of your foreign coins, we have a coin collection box at all our bureaux . The proceeds are donated to the Royal British Legion.

Which currencies can I sell back?

We buy back all the currencies we sell, including Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Polish Zloty, Turkish Lira, UAE Dirham, Swiss Francs and many more. See the full list of foreign currencies we buy back.

What is the minimum amount I can sell back?

The minimum amount we’ll buy back is the lowest denomination of notes from each currency we sell. For example, we buy back 10 Turkish Lira notes which are worth around 25p, and we also buy back US$100 bills, which are worth about £80. We can accept any currency note as long as it’s in good condition.

What is the maximum amount I can sell back?

The maximum amount of foreign currency we can buy back is up to a value of £25,000. This limit is in place to prevent money laundering, but the average amount returned is much lower – in the region of £145.

Can I send currency to sell back in the post?

We don’t offer currency buy back via post due to the risk of money going missing. You’ll need to visit one of our bureaux to sell back currency. We have many across the UK. Find your nearest store .

Do I need to have bought the currency at a Sainsbury’s Bank bureau to sell it back?

No, you don’t need to have purchased your currency with us to return it at one of our bureaux. We buy back currency no matter where it was purchased, as long as it’s a currency we accept and in good condition.

Can you pay the money back into my bank account?

We only exchange foreign currencies for cash. When you sell back currency to us, you’ll receive your money in notes and coins in Pounds.

Do I get any benefits for being a Nectar member?

Yes, you do. If you tell us your Nectar card number when you bring your lefover holiday money, we'll give you a better exchange rate*. Not a Nectar member? Sign up today .

Currency Converter

Find out the exchange rate for buying with our currency converter .

Buy currency

Buy foreign currency at Sainsbury’s Bank. We offer over 50 foreign currencies which you can buy online or instore. Get ready for your next holiday and buy currency today.

Make spending money abroad easier than ever with our prepaid Travel Money Card . Simply load money to spend securely on your holidays. Use contactless, chip and pin, swipe or withdraw from ATMs for your convenience.

Terms and conditions

+ We buy back most foreign currency notes in the denomination we sell. Rates vary daily.

*Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.© You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction. No cash alternative is available. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

**Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.© You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction. No cash alternative is available. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

Order your holiday money with complete confidence

Get the best travel money exchange rates delivered straight to your home, or through our quick and easy click-and-collect service.

Home Delivery

Enjoy a stress-free holiday! With our wide selection of currencies, everything from Euros to US dollars or Swiss Francs to Mexican Pesos, and our reliable Royal Mail delivery directly to your doorstep, you’ll never have to worry about holiday money again.

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CurrencyMax makes it effortless to order currency for your next holiday online and collect locally. Whether you need Euros for your upcoming mini-break, or you’re looking for the best rate on the US dollar, we make it effortless to access the currency you want.

Sell Back Leftover

Got cash left over from your last adventure? Not a problem. Sell it back to us at a competitive rate. It’s easier than ever to ensure you get the most out of your money with CurrencyMax.

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With more than 12 years of industry experience and a reputation for high-quality service, CurrencyMAX is your top choice for currency exchange online. We offer excellent competitive rates, a simple exchange process and delivery directly to your door. Whether you need South Korean Won or Saudi Riyals, we’re your top choice for quick holiday money without the stress and expense of finding a currency exchange shop.

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Huge range of holiday currencies covered

Our comprehensive coverage of more than 30 different currencies means we’re the one-stop location to get all of your international currency. Whether you’re planning a tour of the Americas or hitting a cruise for your next adventure, our currency exchange services cover everything you need in one place. See our complete list of currencies here now.

Whether you’re looking for Holiday Travel Money, Commercial Foreign Exchange Services or secure Global Money transfers we have the service you need at the price you want.

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When should you start vacation planning?

When should you travel or plan to take a vacation, your timeline to booking the best travel deals, you’re paying too much for travel. my family’s foolproof way to spend less on summer vacations.

With the right strategy and a few credit card trips, we've knocked hundreds, if not thousands, off our travel costs.

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Kaz Weida is an educator and freelance journalist who covers insurance, taxes, banking, and a wide array of personal finance topics. In addition to CNET, Kaz contributes to Yahoo Finance, ConsumerAffairs, and Popular Mechanics.

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Most budget-friendly travel advice glamorizes staycations or more affordable destinations. But with the right plan in place, you don’t have to make tradeoffs to afford a big vacation. As seasoned travelers, my family of four knows exactly how to snatch the best deals on airfare and accommodations.

From a monthlong trip hopping trains across Europe to all-inclusive resorts in an island paradise, we’ve done it all thanks to my notoriously meticulous planning and semineurotic persistence.

What’s our secret? It’s all about timing. Knowing when to book and the best times to visit -- plus timing credit card purchases to save even more. Read on to learn how we manage to see the world on a budget, and how you can use our vacation planning timeline to help you do the same.

For a significant trip, it’s best to lay the groundwork about a year in advance. Shorter stateside jaunts can be planned in as little as six months, but you’ll get the best deals on popular international destinations if you plan a year in advance.

This is especially true if you’re taking a cruise, going to a popular amusement park during the holidays, attending an international festival or celebration, or visiting a national park during peak season. And destination weddings may require bookings up to 18 months or more in advance.

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Part of travel planning involves plenty of research about the destination. I try to figure out when peak tourism season is in that part of the world, then stagger my visit a month before or after. In the travel world, this is usually referred to as “ shoulder season .”

Why stick to the shoulder?

Not only will you avoid crowds and seasonal surge pricing, but you’ll also enjoy lower airfares and cheaper hotel rooms. But pay attention to other factors when planning a trip, especially if you’re not familiar with your destination. You won’t get much value from your vacation if bad weather strands you in the hotel or holiday closures spoil all your plans.

This is the timeline I follow to find the best deals and book vacations for our family of four. Your mileage may vary on this advice depending on the destination.

12 months before

About a year before a potential vacation, I scout the location to determine the best season to visit. I’ll also calculate costs and build a budget. In some cases, I’ll start a sinking fund where I squirrel away a set amount in savings every month to cover travel.

If you have your heart set on a certain themed accommodation or a specific experience like a safari or cruise, consider booking now. Depending on the cancellation policy, you may still be able to pivot if plans change.

Want to use credit card rewards to save more? Sometimes, I’ll ditch my usual credit card for a card with travel perks so I can start earning points a year or more in advance. This lets us earn travel rewards for our family’s normal living expenses .

9 months before

If you’re going abroad, pull out your passport and check the expiration date. Planning for passport delays has been a seriously smart financial move for our family since kids’ passports expire more quickly than adults’.

Costs for expedited passports can add up, especially if you have to travel to a passport center that services urgent travel requests. You can learn more about passport eligibility and renewal timelines on the US Department of State website .

Now is also a good time to make sure you have a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee . These fees -- which usually cost 3% of any transaction made in a foreign currency -- can add up quickly.

If you want to get through airport lines a lot quicker with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry , you should also start gathering the documents you need. The TSA PreCheck suggests applying at least 60 days before you plan to travel, but the process for Global Entry can take much longer, up to six months. Some of the best travel credit cards ‘ can sometimes include an application fee credit for these programs.

6 months before

Now is when the rubber meets the road for booking a hotel or other accommodation, especially for international destinations or for a large group. In general, you’ll find the best balance between room availability and rate by booking during this window.

If you’re flying internationally or during the holidays, it’s also time to think about securing your airline ticket. The sweet spot between the best fare and enduring a flight with three layovers can usually be found anywhere from four to six months before peak travel dates.

Even when we’re traveling domestically, I start setting alerts for flights so I can watch for patterns in airfare costs. Generally, airfare will be cheaper when you fly Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

4 months before

Still tracking deals for domestic flights? Set a hard deadline for purchasing tickets and put it on the calendar so you don’t forget. And if you’re traveling but leaving pets behind, now is when I call to book boarding because our preferred kennel fills up fast.

This is also the best time to secure any special stays, such as a luxury Airbnb or other short-term rental . Options dwindle dramatically at three months out and if I delay, I’ll face having to stay farther away from the destination than we’d prefer.

3 months before

It’s last call for booking a seat on a domestic flight. After this point, you’re likely to pay a premium to get a spot. If you’ve been waiting to accumulate credit card rewards, don’t put it off any longer. Some in-demand flights will start to fill up six to eight weeks before the travel date. Your best chance of getting seats together is booking economy .

Three months before travel, I flesh out an itinerary with input from the whole family. This includes activities, museums, sightseeing, restaurants and any specific day trips we want to take.

Dining hotspots fill up fast, so if you’re eager to grab a coveted table at a buzzworthy local eatery, grab a reservation now.

If you didn’t earn enough credit card rewards to cover a flight, now is also a good time to consider redeeming your rewards for a gift card. The redemption rate will likely be less than if you use points to book a flight, but using a gift card for a restaurant or activity can still help you save on your trip.

2 months before

So you’ve booked airfare and accommodations. What’s left to do? Start scouting deals on activities, starting with any CityPass that might get you a discount on multiple bucket list items.

These passes can really pay off but you have to read the fine print. We’ve saved hundreds visiting amusement parks, aquariums, museums and more by carefully scheduling our activities to maximize the discounts.

6 weeks before

Planning to rent a car? This is always a careful calculus between how walkable a destination is, public transportation and our ambitious itinerary. But if I am going to spring for a set of wheels on vacation, now is when I start shopping.

While it’s tempting to get the standard vehicle at the lowest rate, I always consider whether we’ll need a car with clearance for difficult terrain or a luxury car for a longer day trip. Our recent trip to rural Vermont during mud season made me grateful I upgraded to an all-wheel drive car.

You can avoid the upsell for car insurance at the rental counter if you book your rental car using a credit card that includes coverage against damage and theft. It comes in two forms -- secondary and primary. If it’s secondary coverage, your personal insurance will still be necessary as it’ll payout first if needed. Primary insurance is rare and coveted as it pays out before your own personal insurance.

1 month before

Check your health records and stop by your local clinic or pharmacy to get any immunizations you might need. One of the most costly mistakes we’ve made on vacation is to get sick and spend all the time exploring the four walls of a hotel or Airbnb room.

If I have any big ticket items like hiking boots, electronics for the flight or swimsuits to buy, I’ll usually scoop them up now because it gives me plenty of time to return or resize as needed before we leave.

Don’t forget to check your credit card offers as you’re shopping for your supplies. Getting a few bucks back as a statement credit for a purchase you already planned can add a little extra spending money to your budget.

1-2 weeks before

Because most of the major components of the trip are already planned and paid for, I’m usually focused on making packing lists, doing laundry and securing our home in the week or two before departure.

However, it’s wise to do one last check and confirm any bookings you’ve made. Occasionally, I’ll discover I scheduled an activity or a dining experience for the wrong day. With a week or two notice I may not be able to reschedule but I can usually cancel without financial penalty.

If we’re saving money on eating out by staying at an Airbnb or a hotel room with a kitchen, I’ll make a menu and a shopping list ahead of time so we don’t end up at the grocery store straight off the flight feeling hungry and overwhelmed.

A few days before…

With careful planning, you’ll arrive and realize you’re ready to relax without the fear of missing out or having bills hanging over your head.

However, if the point of your vacation is simply to soak up sunshine or solitude, you may want to leave most of your vacation to chance and happy circumstance.

As I discovered on a recent trip to Maui when I resisted scheduling every spare minute, sometimes the best vacations happen when you’re not expecting anything, and those moments are worth their weight in gold.

Money blog: 'Bleak' new security measure seen in Tesco store

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering below.

Monday 1 July 2024 19:00, UK

Energy price cap falls

Energy price cap falls today - here's what you need to know
Thinking about switching? These are the cheapest energy tariffs available right now
Are prepayment prices the cheapest way now?
Will energy prices return to levels seen before COVID?

Essential reads

'Bleak' new security measure seen in Tesco
New Wotsits and Monster Munch flavours as part of lower salt push - but that's not all you're getting less of
Money Problem : 'I hired a car via EasyJet but they are directing my complaint to someone else - what can I do?'
How to split housework fairly with your partner
Best of the Money blog - an archive

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Olive oil has become the latest staple to undergo "bleak" anti-theft measures.

The cooking product was spotted encased in netting and tagged with an alarm in an unspecified Tesco store, leading one customer to ask: "What has the world come to?"

It is just the latest product to be subject to supermarket security measures that have surprised customers, after an out-of-hours smoke machine was introduced in another Tesco store last month.

Neither security features are part of a universal policy and have been implemented only in individual stores, Sky News understands.

"All 'anti-shoplifting' measures are theatre," said one shopper on X, beneath a photo of the olive oil.

"This is so bleak," said another, while a third joked the oil "has to wear fishnets now".

We revealed earlier this year that there had been a 110.5% increase in the price of olive oil since January 2021.

High temperatures and droughts in Spain, the world's leading producer and exporter, have dented the harvest - a problem only worsened by global inflationary pressures.

Separately, a bacterial disease called Xylella Fastidiosa has attacked and killed century-old olive trees, severely diminishing yields in southern Europe.

And heightened prices have led organised criminal gangs to steal the "liquid gold".

Read more on what's behind exploding olive oil prices here...

We feature a lot of data on the changing prices of houses in the UK, but how do they compare to the rest of the world?

New data shows the UK ranked 37th for house price growth out of 56 countries analysed by Knight Frank for the Global House Price Index.

At 1.6% up over the year to the end of March, the UK underperformed (with the global average at 3.6%) but outstripped its European neighbours.

Only 11 countries saw prices fall, eight of which were European, with France (-5.2%) and Germany (-3.9%) feeling the effects of slower economic growth and high recent inflation.

Across all 56 markets, 82% saw annual price growth in the first quarter of the year - the strongest showing since the last quarter of 2022.

"Many markets are suffering from a lack of properties to sell as well as slow new-build delivery, leading to relatively healthy demand pushing prices to new highs," said Liam Bailey, Knight Frank's global head of research.

"In the longer term, however, only lower debt costs will sustain price growth."

With a 52% price increase, Turkey was at the top of the table by a huge margin - 36 percentage points - but there's more to this figure than meets the eye.

Consumer Price Index inflation in Turkey has risen 50% in the year to March, meaning in real terms house prices have actually fallen by 9.9%.

Recently we reported on how Barcelona had cracked down on tourism by planning to abolish short-term holiday lets .

The Spanish city has now gone further in its war on overtourism by banning the display and sale of "offensive" souvenirs.

It says sexist and homophobic messages on some souvenirs are tarnishing Barcelona's image.

The ERC's deputy spokesperson Jordi Coronas said the ban included products such as "penises with the Barcelona brand, T-shirts with sexist or homophobic comments, or simply comments that, when displayed on these products, devalue Barcelona".

Ahead of our Q&A, switching service Uswitch provided us with a list of what it considers the cheapest energy tariffs on the market right now.

It's worth reading the advice from Which? in our Q&A below (see 15.02 post) before deciding to switch from a standard variable tariff (that's what most households are on) - but if you're aware of the risks, then cheaper energy is available...

A big thanks to all those who submitted a question for our Q&A on the day the energy price cap fell - and sorry if we didn't get to yours.

A big thanks also to Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor, and Kate Mulvany, a principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, for tackling 10 of your questions so thoroughly.

Scroll down to read through their answers.

Does the UK have a secure enough energy supply in your view and what would it take for blackouts to occur this or any other winter?

Kate Mulvany, a principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, says..

The outlook for the upcoming winter appears promising, with strong gas reserves across Europe providing a healthy buffer to seasonal demand.

While a very cold winter would increase the need for gas for heating across Europe, the UK's ability to secure gas and electricity from multiple sources keeps the risk of disruption to the flow of energy relatively low.

Quite a few things would need to go wrong at the same time for there to be an increased risk of a widespread blackout.

However, short-term blackouts would still be possible - as indeed at any time of year - due to storms or other weather incidents, as well as through localised network issues.

It's worth mentioning that ministers have claimed the UK faces blackouts without new gas-fired power stations...

The bigger risk for homes in the UK is the pressure on energy bills. Although electricity and gas supplies appear healthy, affordability remains a concern, as seen in recent winters - particularly 2022-23.

Edward Morgan:

What's the best deal currently on the market in your view and does it come with any risks?

Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor, says...

As we said in one of our previous answers, there isn't a "one size fits all" for the best deals out there as it will all depend on individual circumstances.

However, there are some tariffs available that are cheaper than the current price cap and might be worth considering.

When Which? last checked, Ecotricity and Ovo both had fixed deals available for cheaper than the July price cap.

However, Ecotricity's deal requires a smart meter - or you to agree to have one fitted - and Ovo's is only available if you also buy annual boiler cover, so you'll need to weigh up if this is right for you. Both also come with exit fees if you want to leave early.

Tracker tariffs change in price relative to the price cap every three months when the price cap is reset to offer slightly cheaper rates than you'd be paying otherwise, and could be worth considering. They're currently available from E.ON Next , Scottish Power and Fuse Energy .

Consumers can use switching services - like Which? Switch Energy - to keep an eye on the best fixed deals available and compare deals to see what's cheapest for them.

We'd always recommend checking the exit fees on fixed deals so you're not tied into a tariff if something better becomes available.

Why doesn't the government de-link the price of fossil fuel-generated electricity from that generated from renewable sources? Surely cheaper energy would be the result?

The current government has explored various methods to decouple wholesale gas and electricity prices through a programme called the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA).

However, each option identified presented potential drawbacks for customers, as well as benefits.

For example, one proposed solution was to set different prices for electricity generated by renewable sources compared to that generated by more carbon-intensive methods, such as burning gas.

A significant challenge is that the country cannot yet generate all its electricity from renewable sources 24/7.

During shortfalls, such as on a winter evening with low wind, non-variable renewable generation methods would still need to be used, meaning customers would still see the impacts of gas prices in those of electricity.

If I do not qualify for pension credit but receive housing benefit on top of my state pension, will I qualify for extra heating allowance/cold weather payment?

For the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment and Winter Heating payment, you should receive any discounts automatically if you're eligible.

For the Warm Home Discount, each energy supplier also has its own eligibility criteria, which are approved by the energy regulator Ofgem, so you should check with your provider to see whether you meet its requirements.

If you were born before 25 September 1957, it's also likely you'll be able to get Winter Fuel Payments of between £100 and £300 for winter 2023-24.

The payments are to help pay for your gas or electric heating in winter. You should get this automatically and should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if you think you're eligible but haven't received anything.

Energy companies are obliged to help you if you tell them you are struggling to pay and will not disconnect you if you miss a bill payment.

If you are struggling with your bills, let your provider know and explain that you want to establish a payment plan that you can afford.

Discuss your options with them, as they may include a review of your payments, a reduction in your payments or a payment break, more time to pay, and access to hardship funds.

Will energy prices ever return to levels seen before COVID - if not, why not?

Kate Mulvany, a principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, says...

At this point in time, we are not expecting a return to pre-COVID prices.

This is primarily due to the significant rise in the wholesale prices of electricity and gas following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The cost of the fuel - the wholesale cost or the commodity cost - is the largest part of the energy bill.

Although some non-wholesale components of energy bills may decrease, the main factor driving prices is the cost of commodities.

The UK's heavy reliance on imported electricity and natural gas exacerbates this issue.

Therefore, increasing investment in domestic renewable and low-carbon energy sources is crucial to reduce this dependency.

Additionally, implementing measures to decouple electricity and gas prices in the wholesale market could help lower bills.

Why does Ofgem allow the price cap to be so high when we know how high the profits of energy companies are which in turn causes so much hardship for UK families?

The price cap limits the unit rates and standing charge levels that suppliers can charge domestic customers across many circumstances.

Some parts of the energy price cap are directly regulated by Ofgem, while others, such as wholesale energy costs, reflect market conditions.

The price cap includes various elements such as wholesale energy costs, network costs (the cost of moving gas and electricity around the country), operating costs, environmental and social policy costs, and the allowable profit for suppliers.

The role of energy suppliers is to purchase electricity from generators and sell it to customers, managing customer service, billing and other retail functions.

Ofgem's formula for the price cap includes an allowance for suppliers to make a profit, which is overall a relatively small percentage of the total price cap amount.

Headlines about energy companies' profits can refer to companies involved throughout the energy industry, not just suppliers.

For example, companies that extract and transport gas or which generate electricity might not have prices directly regulated by Ofgem.

There is global competition for energy, and so attempts for the UK to control wholesale costs might have an impact on security of supply.

Since the cap limits unit rates and standing charge levels, but not the total bill, there has been increasing support for a social tariff, which would offer discounted deals to vulnerable households.

Social tariffs for energy are not a new policy; they have been implemented before and are currently used in other sectors, such as telecommunications and broadband.

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How Timeshare Presentations Earn Me Cheap Travel

Craig Joseph is a NerdWallet lead writer and credit cards expert. He has degrees in geology from West Virginia University and oceanography from Oregon State University and has published in academic journals, newspapers and blogs. Craig is passionate about personal finance and wants to enhance the financial literacy of everyone he meets. He'll probably also try to convince you why rocks are cool.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

The most avid travel hackers often shoot me a skeptical glare when I utter the words “ timeshare presentation ” as a way to get discounted hotel stays and piles of points to use toward future travel.

The deal is pretty simple: receive a heavily discounted hotel or resort stay and other perks in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation — better known as a sales pitch.

The last email offer I received was in March 2023 from Hilton Grand Vacations. It dangled a three-night stay in Las Vegas plus 50,000 Hilton Honors points in exchange for $149 and sitting through a 90-minute talk.

Having attended four timeshare presentations over the last decade, I find that the discounted hotel stay and extra perks — like hotel points and discounted spa treatments or amusement park tickets — are worth my time. All you have to do is attend the presentation and say “no” (sometimes several times) if the timeshare is not right for you.

Here’s how to get nearly free vacations with timeshare presentations.

Determine the value of the promotion, then negotiate

I've successfully negotiated the terms of a timeshare presentation in the past, so I called Hilton to see if it could sweeten the deal with upgrades like more travel rewards points or food and beverage credits.

After reviewing the terms of my promotion — and with some very polite back and forth — I requested an increase to 100,000 points and a waiver on the additional resort fees of $34 per night. After a long wait, the sales representative’s supervisor approved the deal if I accepted it on the spot, which I did.

According to NerdWallet’s valuation , Hilton points are generally worth about 0.5 cent each , giving the 100,000 points an approximate value of $500. The nightly room rate over my travel dates was $249, plus $34 per night in resort fees. That gives this deal a value of over $1,300 in exchange for 90-minutes of my time and the $149 I paid for the package.

Understand the restrictions and limitations

Certain hotels require attending the presentation with a spouse, while others may have specific income requirements. Ask about blackout dates, package expiration dates and any other hidden fees (like those pesky resort fees).

For Hilton, I had to verbally confirm my income was above a certain threshold and attest that I hadn’t participated in another Hilton-based timeshare presentation over the past six months.

Once I purchased the package, Hilton gave me 12 months to use it. After my reservation in Las Vegas was booked, Hilton assigned a set date and time for the timeshare presentation. If you miss it, the company can charge the full cash rate for the stay and revoke any perks offered.

Also be aware that you won't earn hotel points or elite night credits with the host brand for the promotional stay.

Know what to expect at the sales pitch

The pitch usually starts with an introduction to your salesperson and a general video or presentation about the company’s timeshare program. You’ll then be whisked away to an office, where the salesperson asks about your finances and travel habits. You’ll be introduced to a rubric of costs to stay at different tiers of properties — costs that may fluctuate seasonally or during periods of high demand.

Many timeshare companies, even Disney , have transitioned to a points-based system, where you buy points used to make reservations after you’re an “owner,” but be aware these points are independent of the chain’s loyalty program.

Once the salesperson estimates the cost required to live your best timeshare life, they’ll take you on a tour of a model property. You’ll then return to the office and be introduced to the “closer” — the person who ran the numbers and tries to pressure you into signing.

The sales professionals will tug at your emotions with aspirational travel fantasies while making you feel like family. Remember, they are incentivized by commissions to make you buy a timeshare through signing a contract that can last the rest of your life.

Timing the pitch using my phone allowed me to politely tell the salesperson their time was up once the required duration under the promotion elapsed (usually 90 to 120 minutes).

Be in the 'no'

Timeshares are big business, with $10.6 billion in domestic sales in 2023, according to a 2024 study by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), a trade association for the timeshare industry. For comparison, that’s similar to the annual revenue of Major League Baseball in 2023.

Hospitality companies wouldn’t offer these lucrative promotions unless enough people were buying what they’re selling.

Jason Gamel, president and CEO of ARDA, says that approximately 2 in 10 people decide to buy after a sales presentation. And that purchase, of course, comes with a financial commitment. The average purchase transaction was $24,170 in 2023, according to the ARDA study, with average annual interest rates near 15%.

This amount covers the initial cost to join the timeshare and the financing of the balance but does not include ongoing costs such as membership dues, maintenance fees or other required resort operation expenses.

If you’re not in the market for a timeshare, no sales pitch should persuade you to get one. Before the pitch, think (or talk) through the process of saying “no,” and if you have a spouse who'll be attending, include them in the conversation.

Later, if you change your mind and decide to sign a contract, a state’s rescission laws could allow the contract to be canceled within a certain window after signing — usually between five and 10 business days.

“I think that’s important because it does help people evaluate whether they’re making the right decision for them, and it gives them a very easy way to say no after everything is said and done," says Gamel.

Simply pack up and go

Despite skepticism from my travel-hacking cohorts, timeshare promotions allow me to save money on travel now and earn rewards to use for free travel in the future. The process won’t be for everyone, but if you’re willing to sacrifice a couple of hours and know the power of saying “no,” it could do the same for you.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Citibank's application

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

$200 Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

on Wells Fargo's website

2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

$200 Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

1x-3x Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.

20,000 Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

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The Best Time to Book a Flight for Domestic, International, and Summer Travel

Here are our best tips for booking travel in 2024 and beyond.

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel

When to book flights for international travel, when to book flights for holiday 2024 travel, when to book flights for summer 2025 travel.

Buying plane tickets is something of an art form. Ideally, you want to secure your spot months in advance to avoid the inevitable price spike as your travel dates get closer. But sometimes the best time to book a flight also depends on the destination and whether it's domestic or abroad. The trends are always changing, but experts say the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is 28 days, or 60 days for international flights.

Flights generally open for booking about a year ahead of time, and the airfare will change often between then and takeoff. Although you can book just a couple of weeks before the departure date in some cases, prices are likely to be astronomical. In other cases, when you want to go somewhere popular or during a big travel weekend, flights could fill up faster than normal. Our advice: Track flight prices on Google Flights or Hopper as early as possible so you can keep an eye on cost fluctuations. Read on for more advice about when to book flights from the pros.

According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks report , you should aim to book 28 days before your domestic flight. "Doing so can save travelers up to 24 percent compared to those who wait until the last minute, from zero to six days out," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson tells Travel + Leisure.

For domestic trips, pricing is elevated when tickets are first released, about a year before the flight. Those prices will slowly creep downward, all the way to their lowest point in the prime booking window, after which you'll likely see a huge increase in cost for last-minute travel.

Meet the Expert

Christie Hudson is a travel expert at top booking site Expedia.

You're better off booking earlier rather than later for international travel, but the Expedia report says ideally no more than four months before your desired departure date. The sweet spot is around 60 days. "This is a big change from 2022 data, which showed the cheapest fares were secured when travelers booked four to six months out." Hudson says. "2023 data revealed that people who booked that far in advance actually paid more on average." The report says the least expensive day of the week to book is Sunday and the most expensive is Friday, for both domestic and international travel.

The real trick to finding good deals on international airfare is to avoid booking your travel for peak times, which include summer and major holidays (don't forget — that includes holidays in your destination, too).

Around the winter holidays is the priciest time to travel, says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "Your best bet is to remember the Goldilocks zones: look to book between three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel."

Hudson advises that at the very latest, your holiday travel should be booked by mid-October. "But the biggest holiday travel savings actually come from choosing the right dates," she says. "Avoiding the busiest days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday before Christmas will yield major savings."

Katy Nastro is a travel expert at Going, a website that finds flight deals to more than 900 destinations around the world.

Track flights and book your holiday tickets as soon as you find a decent deal, but make sure to book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel (generally speaking, that means don't book basic economy). That way, if prices drop between the time of booking and your travel dates, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the cheaper fare. The only downside is you'll still have some remaining credit, but you can then use it to treat yourself to a future flight. Just don't let that credit expire.

Summer is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which means it can be tough to find a good deal on airfare. Ideally, you should book flights for summer travel as soon as possible, preferably at least six months in advance.

"The best time to book for peak season is … the opposite season," Nastro says. "While most of us are scrambling to focus on our winter holiday plans, we should also keep our eyes open for some great summer fares."

She notes that the booking window for peak season ranges between three and seven months for domestic flights and four to 10 months for international trips. "And if you do book something, keep that flight alert on," says Nastro. "If it drops again, depending on your ticket type, you can call to rebook and get a refund or travel credit back with the difference. Most airlines don't charge for change fees on main economy tickets, meaning you won't be spending more to save."

Moscow Oblast, Russia GPS

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COMMENTS

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Sell your travel money at great rates. We're constantly monitoring the market's exchange rates to bring you great sell-back rates on over 50 currencies, including euros, dollars, Turkish lira, Japanese yen and more. When you place an order to sell back currency, you'll get that day's exchange rate. We'll hold your rate for two days ...
Travel Money Comparison: Find the Best Currency Exchange Rates
We compare the tourist exchange rates from all the UK's top travel money providers to help you save time and money when you buy or sell foreign currency online. ... we cannot guarantee this. We advise you to carry out your own due diligence before buying or selling travel money. @2024 Comparison Technology Ltd, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent ...
Best Travel Money Exchange Rates Compared
So while you get a pretty decent exchange rate with Barclays (which uses the Visa rate), once the fee is added the real rate is much less. It works out as: Visa rate: £1 = €1.161 (vs €1.16 inter bank rate) before charges. Barclays debit rate after 2.99% fee added £1 = €1.128. Pros.
Currency Buyback: Sell Travel Money
Don't waste your leftover holiday money, sell back currency with Sainsbury's Bank. Bring your foreign currency to one of our instore bureaux when you get home and turn your spare cash into pounds.+ Nectar members get better rates on leftover holiday money. Sell travel money with Sainsbury's Bank.
CurrencyMax
Get the best travel money exchange rates delivered straight to your home, or through our quick and easy click-and-collect service. ... Buy Travel Money; Sell Travel Money; Select a currency Amount in pounds (£) Exchange rate 1 GBP = 1.1568 EUR ...
travelmoneyfinder
Scan the QR image with your smartphone & access travel money rates on the move! travelmoneyfinder takes every care to ensure the accuracy of the exchange rates we publish. However we do recommend that users of this site confirm rates, any commission chargeable, minimum amounts, delivery charges, debit / credit card charges etc. that may be ...
Travel Money
Secure the best rates on your foreign currency with our Click & Collect option. Buy online and pick up your travel money in as little as 60 seconds from any of our 240+ branches located across the UK. Pre-Paid Travel Money Card. Load up to 22 currencies onto our Pre-Paid Travel Money Card and enjoy hassle-free spending when travelling abroad.
How to Get the Best Exchange Rates When You Travel
On a day when currency markets suggest $100 should buy you €93, a currency exchange desk might hand you just €81, while a more modern method would net you a rate closer to €92, assuming you ...
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You're Paying Too Much for Travel. My Family's Foolproof Way to Spend
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The nightly room rate over my travel dates was $249, plus $34 per night in resort fees. That gives this deal a value of over $1,300 in exchange for 90-minutes of my time and the $149 I paid for ...
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