Website of the UK government

Foreign currency

You can buy foreign currency at:

• banks
• some travel agents
• some Post Offices
• bureaux de change in airports, ferry terminals and on some ships

Commission charges can vary, so check before you buy.

Not all currency exchanges supply coins, so ask about this if you will need coins for luggage trolleys at the airport, for example. 

If you want large amounts or an unusual currency you may have to order in advance.

Check the exchange rate

The amount of currency that your British pound (or 'pound sterling') will buy depends on the exchange rate, which can vary from day to day.

Exchange rates are displayed where you change money. You can also check rates online by putting 'currency converter' or 'exchange rate' into a search engine. It is best to look on several websites and you should always check the rates are up to date.

The euro

Since 2002 the euro has replaced the old national currencies in the 16 countries of the 'euro area'. All euro notes and coins can be used in all countries in the euro area.

The euro area is:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Cyprus
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Italy
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Portugal
• Spain
• Slovakia
• Slovenia

The UK, Denmark and Sweden are not part of the euro area.

Travellers' cheques

Travellers' cheques are pre-printed cheques for a fixed amount in a single currency. They are more secure than cash, because you can cancel and replace them if they are lost or stolen.

You can buy travellers' cheques from banks and travel agents. They are usually available in:

• Canadian dollars
• US dollars
• euros
• pounds sterling
• Japanese yen

You can cash travellers' cheques in banks and use them in many shops and restaurants.

When you buy travellers' cheques you sign each one, and when you want to spend one you simply countersign it and hand it over. The payee may ask you for proof of identity.

Travellers' cheques come in fixed amounts, so a retailer may need to give you change just as if you had paid in cash.

Check commission and charges

When you buy travellers' cheques you may want to check how much commission your supplier charges and whether they will cash any unused travellers' cheques for free.

Tips for keeping your travellers' cheques secure

Remember:

• don't countersign the cheques until you want to use them
• note the serial numbers of each cheque and the local contact number of the company that issued them - and keep this information separate from the cheques
• keep your receipt

Pre-paid cards for travellers

Some companies offer pre-paid cards in a choice of currencies as an alternative to travellers' cheques. You can pre-load them and use them abroad at cash machines or shops.

Pre-paid cards can be a good way of sticking to a budget, but check the charges and costs involved before you travel.

Using credit or debit cards abroad

As long as your card carries an international card scheme brand (such as Visa or Mastercard), you can use it in shops and cash machines around the world.

Keep your cards safe

Before you go:

• note your card company's 24-hour telephone number
• make sure your card company has your up-to-date contact details, including your mobile number

While travelling:

• don't let your card out of your sight
• don't give your PIN to anyone, ever
• shield your PIN when typing it into a keypad

After your trip:

• check receipts against your card statement and call your card company immediately if you are worried about a transaction

Credit and debit card charges

Your card company will usually charge you for using your card overseas.

Before you go:

• check what your card company charges for cash withdrawals and overseas purchases

While travelling:

• check the exchange rate and local charges for getting currency against your card company's charges - it is often cheaper to use your debit card in a local cash machine than to buy currency from a local bank or bureau de change

To download the UK payments association (APACS) detailed guide to 'Using your plastic abroad', follow the link below.

• Download 'Using your plastic abroad' (APACS) (PDF, 108K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Protection on credit card purchases

If you use a UK-issued credit card to pay for something that costs between £100 and £30,000, you are protected under the Consumer Credit Act if the goods are faulty or are not delivered. This applies abroad as well as in the UK. Some debit cards offer similar protection. You should check the details with your card company.

The UK payments association (APACS) has a website guide to 'Choosing and using a credit card'.

• 'Choosing and using a credit card' (APACS) Opens new window