Where to Exchange Currency in the UK

Find out the best places to exchange currency in the UK, including banks, online services, and travel money cards.

Where to Exchange Currency (UK Guide)

Whether you're heading abroad, returning from a trip with leftover cash or receiving money in a foreign currency, knowing where to exchange currency can make a big difference to what you get for your money. Exchange rates, fees, and convenience all vary widely depending on where and how you exchange. This guide is for UK residents looking to exchange money for travel, business, or personal finance, and it outlines the best options available today.

What Is Currency Exchange?

Currency exchange is the process of converting one national currency into another—such as pounds sterling (GBP) into euros (EUR) or US dollars (USD). In most cases, people exchange currency to:

  • Spend money abroad

  • Receive overseas payments

  • Exchange travel money back to pounds after a trip

You can do this at physical locations (like a bureau de change), online, or through your bank.

Who Needs to Exchange Currency?

You may need to exchange currency if you are:

  • Travelling abroad for business or leisure

  • Buying property or making investments overseas

  • Receiving money from friends or clients in other countries

  • Running an international ecommerce business

  • Sending money to relatives overseas

Getting the best deal depends on how much you're exchanging, how quickly you need it, and the destination.

Where to Exchange Currency in the UK

1. High Street Banks

Most major UK banks (such as Barclays, NatWest, HSBC and Lloyds) offer currency exchange services for account holders.

Pros:

  • Reliable and secure

  • Option to order online and collect in branch

Cons:

  • Rates tend to be less competitive

  • Limited currencies may be held in stock

  • May require notice to order specific currencies

2. Post Office

The Post Office is one of the UK’s most popular providers of foreign currency, offering both in-branch and online orders.

Pros:

  • Commission-free exchange

  • Convenient collection from thousands of locations

  • Better rates online than in-branch

Cons:

  • Exchange rates not always the best on the market

  • Limited to common travel currencies

3. Bureau de Change (In-Store)

Currency exchange kiosks in city centres, shopping centres or airports (e.g. Travelex, No1 Currency) are convenient but vary in value.

Pros:

  • Immediate cash

  • No account needed

Cons:

  • Airport branches often have poor rates

  • May charge commission or hidden fees

4. Online Currency Exchange Services

Specialist services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, Caxton, FairFX or CurrencyFair offer competitive exchange rates and delivery options.

Pros:

  • Excellent rates with low fees

  • Currency cards and digital wallets available

  • Home delivery or click-and-collect

Cons:

  • Must register online

  • May require 1–3 days for delivery or verification

5. Travel Money Cards

Prepaid currency cards let you load GBP and convert to other currencies at locked-in rates. Offered by Revolut, Monzo, Wise and major supermarkets.

Pros:

  • Avoids poor ATM rates abroad

  • Safer than carrying cash

  • Easy top-ups via mobile app

Cons:

  • May charge for ATM withdrawals

  • Some cards add weekend or inactivity fees

6. ATMs Abroad

Using your UK debit card to withdraw cash abroad can offer a fair rate if your provider doesn’t charge large fees.

Pros:

  • Convenient and real-time exchange rate

  • Ideal for smaller amounts

Cons:

  • Bank or card issuer may charge fees (e.g. 2–3%)

  • Foreign ATMs may also add fees

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Exchanging money at the airport: Rates at airport kiosks are often the worst available

  • Accepting “dynamic currency conversion”: When paying abroad, always choose to pay in local currency, not pounds, to avoid bad conversion rates

  • Overlooking delivery time: Ordering online? Make sure to allow time for postage

  • Not checking the exchange margin: A provider may say “zero commission” but hide the cost in a poor rate

Tips for Getting the Best Currency Exchange Rate

  • Use comparison tools like MoneySavingExpert’s TravelMoneyMax

  • Order online for better rates than in-branch

  • Consider prepaid cards if you’re exchanging large amounts

  • Always check the total cost, including delivery or withdrawal fees

  • Lock in rates when the pound is stronger if you know you’ll need currency later

FAQs

Can I exchange leftover holiday currency back to GBP?
Yes. Most banks and currency exchange providers offer buyback services—though the rates are rarely in your favour. Some offer a buyback guarantee when you first purchase the currency.

Do supermarkets offer currency exchange?
Yes. Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s often partner with currency services to offer in-store exchange with competitive rates.

Is exchanging online safe?
Yes, if you use a reputable, regulated provider. Look for FCA-authorised companies and read reviews before sending large sums.