Hello..

[sally]

:) hi, i am new to this forum but i have found what i have been reading so far very helpful. anyway, im sally i am planning my second visit to new york in march to celebrate my 21st birthday. we have booked tickets for the mary poppins show and are planning various activities. i have already had the pleasure and amazing experience of visiting NY in 2005 and i am very excited to turn 21 there. i am a very big shopaholic so it is the perfect place to go. i am going with my parents and boyfriend.
anyway, i was hoping some people on this forum could help me with a few questions:
the first is about currency. at the minute the exchange rate is working in our favour when changing pound to dollar but we are looking to change a relativley large bulk of money so have been looking for the best rate. the rate changes daily and varies from 1.85 to 1.91 at best. we were wondering whether we would get a better rate by waiting and changing our money over in NY?
and my other questions is if anyone knows of any sports games or events between the 20th of mrach and the 25th? my dad is interested in cars if there is anything related?
many thanks for any help anybody can offer. x sally x
:D this is me excited already!

[tdp]

Hi Sally,
I would change your money before you travel. The rate will fluctuate daily, but it has been hovering at around the rates you mention for some time now.

Wherever you change it, you will still only get the current exchange rate at that time.

Changing before you go just adds to the excitement (imagine handing over £300 - and getting over $500 back to stuff in your purse!)

Alternatively - why not change some now and some when you are in NY?

Either way - enjoy your visit (and your Birthday!)

[lofter1]

In the long run won't you get an even better exchange rate if you use a credit card?

Not that you won't need some cash ...

[BrooklynRider]

The NY Knicks (NBA Basketball) play home games at Madison Square Garden on March 20th & 22nd. (http://www.msg.com/index.jsp)

The NY Rangers (NHL Hockey) play a home game at Madison Square Garden on March 21st. (http://www.msg.com/index.jsp)

You can get tickets through Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/) or try Craigslist ( http://newyork.craigslist.org/tix/)

[ryan]

I use ATM's and credit cards when I travel. I'm not responsible enough to carry any quantity of cash.

[BrooklynRider]

But credit cards and ATM's charge currency conversion fees. American Express has cheapest fees.

[antinimby]

and my other questions is if anyone knows of any sports games or events between the 20th of mrach and the 25th? my dad is interested in cars if there is anything related?Oh my!

You will miss the annual New York International Auto Show (http://www.autoshowny.com/dates/) at the Javits Convention Center by only a mere two weeks (6th to 15th of April)!

[FrankHegly]

But credit cards and ATM's charge currency conversion fees. American Express has cheapest fees.

From looking at the exchange rates mentioned I am guessing that you aare travelling from the UK.

If you open a Nationwide account there are no foreign transaction fees and you get the best rate of exchange. So just put in your travel money in £ and withdraw as and when you need it. Its a lot safer than carrying cash.

The cards arrive (subject to approval) within 5 working days.

I work abroad but my home is in the UK so this card is the best thing to have. Don't mean to seem like I am hardselling it, but with 0% comission and NO transaction feee's you cannot go wrong.

UK bank accounts rule...minus the charges :mad:

[sally]

thanks for everyones help. ill look at the games mentioned, what a pity we miss the auto show by so little. never mind, we'll find something.
as for the currency, we are still thinking about the best option so i will let you all know. many thanks. keep the ideas coming :)