Tried & Tested
On trial: the Foreign Currency Exchange Service
Travelling this summer and looking for holiday cash? This may be the most stress-free way to order your currency
One of the great joys of going abroad is switching out your sterling for some crisp foreign notes, isn’t it? And although international banking means it’s no longer essential to have plenty of local currency on hand for your holidays, it is helpful to have at least some cash in your wallet, especially if you’re heading somewhere more remote.
Do I need foreign currency when I travel?
It’s a personal preference whether you pre-order some local currency, especially as credit and debit cards are now so welcome worldwide, but it pays to check before you travel to see if your bank has any fees for overseas transactions and what their exchange rates are like.
I travel to Sweden all the time for my holidays, and even though it’s the most cash-free country in the world, you can’t pick up antiques at their famous roadside ‘loppis’ or bric-a-brac stalls if you don’t have some Krona to hand.
How easy is it to order foreign currency?
As a general rule, airport currency exchanges, while convenient, don’t offer the best deals, so switching your cash before you leave home is wise. And ordering it from the John Lewis Foreign Currency Service couldn’t be easier. Online there are over 50 currencies available. You simply type in how much cash you want in pounds and it tells you the value of your money in the currency of your choice. Order more than £250 worth and it will be delivered to your door the next day (for free if you spend more than £500), or you can click and collect at any John Lewis or Waitrose store the next day. Note: for home deliveries, this must be the billing address for your bank account and you must be there to receive your cash.
Can I get my foreign cash immediately?
Many John Lewis stores have an on-site bureau du change with a wide range of currencies immediately available (you can pre-order other currencies to store). They have different exchange rates to those available online so it might be worth checking the site, where rates are published in real time, to get the best deal.
Is it worth getting cash for my holiday?
I found using the service a breeze and I much preferred having my cash delivered to my home rather than feeling like a walking target as I leave the Post Office with a wedge of money in my handbag. It’s one less thing I have to think about while packing for the family’s holiday and, best of all, if there’s anything I don’t spend, the John Lewis Currency Service will buy it back when I get home. Plus if my holiday is cancelled within 35 days of purchase, I can get my money refunded. Happy holidays.
