The currency used in England is the Pound Sterling. Occupying in-close-proximity-to-each-other commercial spaces, forex shops in these popular places make it easy for people to check rates around.īefore jumping to the list of recommended money changers below, it’s good to know these notes. You can easily identify them with the signs that say “ Bureau de Change” or “ Money Exchange”. Those good currency exchange offices have their locations near Leicester Square and Buckingham Palace Road. Save the card for huge purchases such as hotels and car hire and reserve your cash for smaller wins – transport, attractions, or meals out.Being a reputable and dynamic global financial center, London is home to a myriad of money changers and many of them are well known for offering the best exchange rates in Europe. But the best option depends on your situation. Mix it up! Many travellers only use their credit card while some only think about cash.Research and arm yourself with the best card for travel for big savings. The right card makes all the difference – Having a card is convenient but it can take a hit to the bank account if you have the wrong card.Be particularly wary of hidden bank fees for overseas card usage. Look out for hidden fees – The bane of our (financial) existence, hidden fees will often make a huge difference to the cost of your holiday.Try to get as close to the market rate as possible. Check your exchange rate – Google and XE.com are the standard market exchange rate but you’ll notice how wildly bank and currency exchanges can vary their rates.Ask for a mix of denominations – Make it easy on the British vendors and try to get a mix of £20 and £10 notes.Not only this – nobody likes to tuck wads of notes into their socks and toiletries for safekeeping on longer journeys. Only carry what you need – It can be expensive to change GBPs back into AUDs so only take what you think you will spend.If you like a good deal – or even just a reasonable one – avoid these at all costs. Avoid the airports! Currency exchange bureaus at the airport charge epic fees.So here are a few practical tips to help you get your money’s worth: Sadly, many waste their money on unnecessary foreign currency conversion. Millions of travellers head to the UK each year. Keep it for the next trip! Aside from the United Kingdom, the pound sterling is also used in British Overseas Territories, the South Sandwich Islands, the British Antarctic Territory, and Tristan de Cunha.Give those greenbacks to a friend heading to the States and make their day!.For larger amounts, use a money changer in the city to convert your GBP back to AUD.You can change your currency at an exchange office at the airport but keep in mind, you will get terrible exchange rates and fees.The Commonwealth Bank of Australia also collects foreign currency and gives every cent to UNICEF.Australian international airports also have collection points where you can deposit your remaining currency as a donation to charity.Many airlines distribute envelopes for you to deposit your remaining currency as a donation to various organisations (for example, Qantas has its Change for Good program with UNICEF).Here are some ways to dispose of those last few quid: Returning from the UK with stacks of British banknotes is hardly an ideal situation but there’s no need to consider it a loss. The standard English banknotes are accepted throughout the UK. Most banks will swap out Scottish and Irish notes for English notes without a fee. While businesses are not obligated to accept Scottish and Irish notes, it’s a rare occasion when they will refuse them. While both Scotland and Northern Ireland use the pound sterling, they actually have different banknotes to those issued in England and Wales.Įven though these notes are not considered official legal tender in England or Wales, they’re typically interchangeable there. The reverse side typically has a British landmark or historic figure, or national symbol. Queen Elizabeth II is featured on every British currency. New plastic, waterproof sterling notes and new coins have been circulated since 2016 but if you still have pounds in the older styles, many banks will swap them for the flashy new versions.Įach British note has its own distinct colour that makes them easily distinguishable from one another.

Exchange dollars to pounds london