change my money to dollars in the UK or wait until I get to New York

[turkishann]

I dont know whether to change my money here or wait until I arrive, does anybody know what the rate is for converting over in the states and do they charge commission :)

many thanks:)

[brianac]

Don't know about the rate in the US.

I changed mine in the UK. Half in Currency and half in Travellers Cheques.
I've done this twice and have never cashed any of the Travellers Cheques.
Don'k know if it was cheap there or I was just mean.

Perhaps one of the NY members can enlighten you regarding the rate there.

Are you there for a week ?

[turkishann]

I'm sure your not mean! lol

yes we are there for a week :)

[pricedout]

I'd exchange at least a few hundred dollars worth at home in the UK. When I travel internationally I now use atm and credit cards for most transactions (check with your bank, some have a certain number of ATM foreign transactions that can be done without fee monthly). Only use ATM machines at banks, the ones you find in convenience stores, public places, etc. often only allow you to withdraw $200, most banks allow up to $600 per transaction. The exchange rate will be roughly the same as the official rate. Some NY banks aren't too friendly about exchanging for non-clients, and some only do foreign exchanges at very limited locations (Citibank is the worst) and you don't want to be stuck at a foreign exchange counter at the airport or Times Square.

[alonzo-ny]

Id change before you get here coz you likely to get taken for a ride with places here willing to take you for a ride given your lack of any other option. Also I bank with RBS and there rates are great to withdraw from a cash machine here.

[lofter1]

Back in the day when the dollar was good I used to find that when traveling abroad it was best to use a Credit Card -- by the time the charges arrived the deal was even better.

Doesn't that work the other way around now for foreign visitors to our side?

[kidda]

We always take cash changed in England. Marks & Spencer. But you can get money from banks there and they usually have very good rates. Always buy things above say $50 using your credit card for good rates too. Save the bucks for food and drinkies!
Shaun

[brianac]

As I said previously. I took a mixture ($2000) of Travellers Cheques and Cash. I invested in a money belt which was worn beneath my clothes. So I carried about $50 for casual use in my pocket, some extra cash and credit cards, in the belt and the balance in the hotel safe. I bought a Camera, and paid for Metro Card, Circle Line, Top of the Rock, and all gifts all by Credit Card.

Best buy by far was the 7 day Unlimited Ride Metro Card. Use it on Subway or the Bus. When you consider all rides are 2 dollars if you only make 2 rides a day for a week $28. I made 8 rides on my first day.

Metro Card $24

http://www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm

[turkishann]

thanks everyone, I will change my speding money over here, I have found a good site that gives a better rate than Marks and Spencer

http://www.travelex.co.uk/uk/

I will pay the hotel bill on my credit card, do you get good rates speding on your credit card :confused::confused:

[brianac]

The rate on credit card transactions can not be worked out till the item appears on your statement. The bank will then convert from dollars to pounds at the rate on that day.

Important thing to remember. In New york all prices quoted or displayed, do not include tax. This will be added at the point of payment.

[turkishann]

The rate on credit card transactions can not be worked out till the item appears on your statement. The bank will then convert from dollars to pounds at the rate on that day.

Important thing to remember. In New york all prices quoted or displayed, do not include tax. This will be added at the point of payment.

thanks for that Brian we booked our hotel through Thomson Holidays here in the UK and they have assured us the the full price they have quoted on booking includes tax (I have kept the email) would hate to get stung with the tax on top when I thought I had paid it :eek:

[highlander447]

Hi just add you may want to apply for a Nationwide CC as they don't add any charge for using the card abroad, no conversion fee etc, also with their debit card you can withdraw at ATM's for no extra charge