Save on Travel Expenses: AAA Cash Packs for British Pounds

[ChefLoriG]

Who knew AAA had this type of perk! I was trying to figure out the best way to get British pounds without losing my shirt in transaction fees. You can go to AAA and buy "cash packs" of pounds, so you can have cash with you when you arrive. If you are a member, there is no fee, if you aren't I think it's about $3, cheaper than trading at the hotel!! They come in $100 and $250 "packs". They also have visa cards you can buy pounds or euros on, and carry that around instead, but there is a fee for that kind of card. They will also buy back your pounds when you get back, remember what they will buy them back at, might be cheaper to do that at the airport, although there is a fee for that.

 

[legacypc46]

Thanks Lori. Sounds like a cheaper option than hitting the ATM when the plane lands.

(Lordy, I am starting to get seriously excited. Due to some mail problems, I just finally got my 'box' today. Feels good to have the tickets in hand!)

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

What a Sterling idea!

 

[ChefLoriG]

Euroalways on top of things KG!

 

[PamperedDor]

Euroalways on top of things KG!

Cute comeback -

BUT England doesn't use Euros! LOL

My niece was just there for her spring break from college (she is actually doing a college semester in Barcelona) and said it was actually best to use CC's - transaction fees were low and exchange rate was very good -

Now - DH is going to Ireland on the 14th with my 2 little ones and that exchange is HORRIBLE!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Euroalways on top of things KG!

Let's not Pound the subject to death. I'd have to ruble you the wrong way.

 

[cmdtrgd]

I've gone to Europe a couple of times and the best way to do money transactions is to just use your Credit Card for purchases. Yes, you'll need some cash, but not as much as you think.

 

[legacypc46]

I agree, for regular purchases, credit card is best over there. Most of my purchases though are going to be of the liquid kind.

 

[sfdavis918]

Sometimes I make myself laugh. When I first saw the title of the thread I thought someone was trying to do a fundraiser for the country of England! Being around these two little munchkins is really taking a toll on my brain!!

 

[PamperedDor]

I agree, for regular purchases, credit card is best over there. Most of my purchases though are going to be of the liquid kind.

Oh tons of pints for you then!!

Just remember - unlike here in the US - you don't actually tip the bartendars - they will of course accept one but its not a custom over there as it is here - We still do (being in the restaurant business)

 

[jkinak]

Credit CardsJust a quick tip from a banker who used to run the foreign exchange branch-let your credit card company know you will be traveling-a quick call to customer service may prevent future headaches. You don't want the bank to suspect fraud and then try to contact you-since you won't be home to answer their call!!

Also, most credit cards charge a "conversion fee" for foreign transactions, check ahead of time to avoid excessive fees.

We always advised travelers to have more than one form of "cash" with them so it may not be a bad idea to grab a 100 pounds before you go for incidentals.

Have a great trip!!!