Exchange rates on QM2,...

[Linerguy]

Hey all:

 

I'm sailing eastbound on 10/20 and have a question about exchanging usd for British pounds. I know they'll do the exchange on board but, am I better off to do the exchange here in the states?

 

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

Thanks.

 

Russ

[Jim Avery]

Hi Russ:

Some recent observations changing dollars to sterling. In May/June this year went to the UK and attempted to change for sterling in the US. Was offered a horrendous rate and asked for my social security number, home address, etc. I refused this info as all I wanted was to change dollar bills to sterling. Cash transaction. The girl attendant at the change bureau said it was necessary for "security reasons". See a pattern here? Anyway, on the other side at Gatwick, changed dollars for pounds at the exact same change company's kiosk with not so much as showing passport. Go figure. Also got a $.25 better rate in the UK. changed dollars for pounds on board QM2 in 2004 and had no problem with it at all. Received a rate on board equivalent to what I had gotten in England the week before so change onboard or in the UK. Let our bureaucrats keep their "security issues" to themselves.

Look forward to your review when you return. Have a great trip.

Jim.

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi Jim

 

 

Is this something new??

 

When I was in London last year, I was never asked for my home add, SS#,and so forth. All I needed was my passport, and I got my money.

 

 

 

If it's a new procedure, I'd like to hear more about it.

[Vic The Parrot]

Oh yea ... and Russ

 

 

I did my transactions at the local post office in town.

At that time, they offered a great exchange rate.

 

 

Hope this helps

[Jim Avery]

Hi Vic:

The inquisition was on our side of the pond. All you needed in the UK was the cash. Dont know why the difference, were supposed to be allies, etc. The same money change company in the US asked for all the info. Same company in Gatwick, no questions asked. Dont know why questions should be asked, its your money, just being changed from one to the other at some expense.

All the best,

Jim.

[mufi]

Jim - We don't fingerprint you when you land either. Give us time.

 

David.

[Jim Avery]

MUFI:

Thanks for that and we are grateful. We also appreciate keeping our shoes on. Bad enough we catch our own brand of foot grunge in the airports here.

All the best,

Jim.

[2moose]

Hi Vic:

The inquisition was on our side of the pond. All you needed in the UK was the cash. Dont know why the difference, were supposed to be allies, etc. The same money change company in the US asked for all the info. Same company in Gatwick, no questions asked. Dont know why questions should be asked, its your money, just being changed from one to the other at some expense.

All the best,

Jim.

I think the reason for the "inquisition" in the USA is due to the "PATRIOTS ACT" which is dueto 911.

[Linerguy]

Many thanks for the response and your advice....

 

Not sure what my name, adress, etc., would have to do with exchanging money,...that does seem a bit over the top.

 

-Russ

[guernseyguy]

Russ,

 

If you are spending time in London and find yourself in Oxford Street, Marks & Spencer has a Bureau de Change in the basement - very good rates and no commission - its where I change money when going abroad.

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

Russ,

 

If you are spending time in London and find yourself in Oxford Street, Marks & Spencer has a Bureau de Change in the basement - good rates and no commission - its where I change money when going abroad.

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

Russ,

 

If you are spending time in London and find yourself in Oxford Street, Marks & Spencer has a Bureau de Change in the basement - good rates and no commission - its where I change money when going abroad.

 

Peter

[Linerguy]

Peter,

 

Thanks very much. I am staying near Paddington so I very well may end up on Oxford.

 

-Russ

[Linerguy]

Peter,

 

Thanks very much. I am staying near Paddington so I very well may end up on Oxford.

 

-Russ