Compare Currency Exchange
Exchange rates vary significantly between providers — and where you buy your travel money can make a real difference to how much you get. Online currency providers typically offer better rates than high street banks and airport bureaux. Compare the leading UK options here.
Compare providers
Travelex
- Order online for next-day home delivery
- Best rates on in-store collection
- Travelex Money Card available
Tesco Bank
- Competitive exchange rates
- 0% commission on currency
- Click and collect from over 500 Tesco stores
- Order via Tesco app
Torfx
- Fast, reliable transfers online or by phone
- No transfer fees
- International money transfers and currency exchange
Post Office
- Next-day delivery or branch collection
- Over 60 currencies available
- Euros and US dollars available in 2 hours at many branches
Prices and availability correct at time of last update. Always check directly with the provider.
Provider details, prices and availability are correct at the time of writing and subject to change without notice. Always verify current terms and pricing directly with the provider before purchasing.
Tips for getting the best exchange rate
Shop around — rates vary widely
Banks, travel agents, specialist providers, and airport bureaux all offer different rates. Online providers and specialist currency companies almost always beat the high street.
Avoid the airport
Airport bureaux de change offer some of the worst rates available. Buy your currency before you travel.
Watch out for dynamic currency conversion
If a card terminal abroad offers to charge you in pounds, say no. Always pay in the local currency and let your card provider handle the conversion.
Check fees as well as rates
A slightly lower exchange rate with no fees may be better value than a higher rate with a commission charge. Compare the total cost.
Compare the total
A better headline rate can be wiped out by delivery fees or minimums. Always compare how much currency you actually receive for your money.
Large transfers
For large sums (overseas property purchase, business payments), currency brokers like TorFX and Currencies Direct offer better rates than high-street banks.
Common questions
What's the cheapest way to get foreign currency?
Online specialist providers and travel money cards generally offer the best rates. Ordering in advance and avoiding dynamic currency conversion at point of sale will save you the most.
Is it better to exchange money before or after I travel?
Generally, ordering currency online before you travel gives better rates than buying at the airport or in a foreign bank. Airport exchange desks carry some of the worst rates available. Order in advance and collect or have it delivered.
What is the mid-market rate?
The mid-market rate (or interbank rate) is the midpoint between the buy and sell price on global currency markets. It's the rate you see on Google — but no consumer provider offers it. The gap between the mid-market rate and what you're quoted is effectively the provider's margin.
How do I avoid hidden fees when exchanging currency?
Check for delivery charges, minimum order fees, and card surcharges in addition to the headline exchange rate. Some providers advertise a great rate but add fees at checkout. Always compare the total amount you will receive, not just the rate.
What is a forward contract for currency?
A forward contract lets you lock in today's exchange rate for a future payment — useful if you need to send a large sum abroad and want to protect against the rate moving against you. TorFX and Currencies Direct both offer forward contracts.
Should I use a travel card or cash?
A mix works best — a travel card for larger purchases and card payments, and some local cash for smaller transactions and places that don't accept cards.
When is the best time to buy currency?
Rates fluctuate daily. Monitor the rate a few weeks before your trip and exchange when it looks favourable. Avoiding last-minute airport purchases always saves money.