Where to change currency for arrival in Southampton?

[kendon]

We will be doing a one way transatlantic from NY to Southampton, and flying back the same day. I'm sure We'll need cash upon arrival for tips and other misc. things at the airport. Is it best to bring some local currency prior to embarkation? Any info is appreciated.

[Underwatr]

Few good options, if you're taking a Cunard transfer directly to the airport.

 

Wells Fargo has a currency service (Internet, mail/FedEx delivery) that's reasonably priced but there's a minimum buy of a couple hundred dollars.

 

If you're taking a private transfer ask the driver to stop at an ATM.

 

If you only need 50 Pounds or so you might not do too badly exchanging it at the desk. You'll pay a poor exchange rate but if all you need is tip money it shouldn't cost very much.

 

I don't tend to use services at the airport that would lead to a tip.

Edited June 18, 2015 by Underwatr

[kendon]

We are using Cunard transfers to the airport. It may be best to get on the ship in New York with English currency in the event the plane is delayed or any other unforeseen thing may happen to delay our departure. $100 worth may be more than enough in that case.

 

Thank you for your advice.

[Thaxted]

We are using Cunard transfers to the airport. It may be best to get on the ship in New York with English currency in the event the plane is delayed or any other unforeseen thing may happen to delay our departure. $100 worth may be more than enough in that case.

 

Thank you for your advice.

 

If you're going to be in Manhattan before you sail, there are some currency exchange bureaus that will give you a much better deal than will Cunard. Of course, rates do vary, sometimes enormously. I've used the Omnex Group on West 33rd Street several times to buy pounds sterling, but there are other places worth considering.

[kendon]

I live on Long Island and there is an American Express near enough for currency exchange. I'm thinking that it may be wise to have the cash in advance. Thanks all!

[tv24]

ATM, ATM, ATM. If your first stop after the Cunard transfer is the airport, go to the ATM at the airport and make a withdrawal in pounds. If you are flying on to the continent, wait until you arrive in whatever country and go to the ATM at that airport. ATMs almost always give you the best exchange rate, lowest withdrawal fees, and lowest exchange fees. Plus convenience.

[tv24]

Ooops, Kendon. I now see that your plan is to take the Cunard transfer to the airport and then to fly directly back to the States. Therefore I recommend that you simply use your credit card to make any purchases you need at the airport (food, newspapers, duty free, etc.). I doubt if you will need any UK Pounds. And I foresee no need for tips. Have a great crossing.

[Keith1010]

Speak with your local bank.

 

Most banks can get you the currency.

 

If you are not talking about a lot of money then in the scheme of things the added exchange rate you will pay is relatively small.

 

Keith

[fantasy51]

TV24, the advice a friend used is NOT to use the ATMs at airports unless you absolutely need to. He had a prepaid card and a scam ensued at an airport ATM. His bank refunded the money but warned that airport ATMs are often targeted.

[kendon]

Speak with your local bank.

 

Most banks can get you the currency.

 

If you are not talking about a lot of money then in the scheme of things the added exchange rate you will pay is relatively small.

 

Keith

 

I am extremely well traveled and have exchanged currency in many countries, however it's not so easy in the U.S. The local banks need at least two days notice believe it or not. American Express has an office (fairly local) that will exchange on the spot.

 

All of your comments have been very helpful.

[Keith1010]

I am extremely well traveled and have exchanged currency in many countries, however it's not so easy in the U.S. The local banks need at least two days notice believe it or not. American Express has an office (fairly local) that will exchange on the spot.

 

All of your comments have been very helpful.

 

Kendon, for me it's really easy.

 

We know about our pleasure travel months ahead.

 

A few weeks before we go I go to the local bank in the morning and do the exchange. In other words, I say how much of one or more currencies I want, the money is deducted from my account and although the quoted turn around time is two business days I always get a call from them the next day that the money is there. Even if it wasn't then I would go the following day.

 

I do this in cases where I need the money upon arrival to a country and don't have time to use an ATM.

 

For me, it's really easy and no big deal to go to the bank twice.

 

Keith

[balf]

We will be doing a one way transatlantic from NY to Southampton, and flying back the same day. I'm sure We'll need cash upon arrival for tips and other misc. things at the airport. Is it best to bring some local currency prior to embarkation? Any info is appreciated.

 

 

Change a few dollars into Sterling at the pursers desk for as you say, tips etc.

 

In the terminal building simply use a credit/debit card which is accepted everywhere there.

 

In UK we have many ways of getting foreign currency on the High Street, TAs, the Post Offices. Visiting a bank twice to get a little currency, bizarre.

 

David.

[nfcu]

Does the QM2 still have the two currency exchange machines near the Purser's Desk on board? That's where we always got our Pounds Sterling, Euros, and even Norwegian Krone.

[kendon]

Kendon, for me it's really easy.

 

We know about our pleasure travel months ahead.

 

A few weeks before we go I go to the local bank in the morning and do the exchange. In other words, I say how much of one or more currencies I want, the money is deducted from my account and although the quoted turn around time is two business days I always get a call from them the next day that the money is there. Even if it wasn't then I would go the following day.

 

I do this in cases where I need the money upon arrival to a country and don't have time to use an ATM.

 

For me, it's really easy and no big deal to go to the bank twice.

 

Keith

 

That's what I'll do. Since my cruise isn't until August, I'll go to my local bank. Thanks!

Edited June 19, 2015 by kendon

[Keith1010]

You are very welcome.

 

Keith

[BlueRiband]

Does the QM2 still have the two currency exchange machines near the Purser's Desk on board? That's where we always got our Pounds Sterling, Euros, and even Norwegian Krone.

 

No, they're been gone for a few years now along with the USD ATM that was once in the casino.

 

Best to get GBP before you leave and not have to worry about having pocket money upon arrival. Since you are going straight to the airport a stop at an ATM isn't going to help you with tips or small purchases upon arrival in Southampton. And the car may charge you extra for making the ATM stop.

[kendon]

blueriband...excellent points. Thank you for the response. Big difference from the European back packing days! I wasn't so concerned then about being prepared. I've slept on many airport benches and trains waiting for the black market exchanges to open up. I've come a long way ;)!

Edited June 21, 2015 by kendon

[BlueRiband]

blueriband...excellent points. Thank you for the response. Big difference from the European back packing days! I wasn't so concerned then about being prepared. I've slept on many airport benches and trains waiting for the black market exchanges to open up. I've come a long way ;)!

 

I never leave for a trip without having enough local currency for a meal and a taxi ride, and I chose to get it before the day of departure. Just another piece of preparation and one less thing to worry about before I get on a plane or ship.

 

Having local currency in your pocket is also a great way to limit souvenir spending. When I run out of local cash I'm done shopping.

[AWillie]

If you are downtown Southampton the Bank of Scotland usually give the best ATM rate. Not all ATM are equal!

[BlueRiband]

The ATMs that I encountered in the UK were all of the type where your card is "swallowed" and then "spit back". I always worried if the machine would "eat" my card. In the US the "dip" readers are more prevalent

[pris993]

Ooops, Kendon. I now see that your plan is to take the Cunard transfer to the airport and then to fly directly back to the States. Therefore I recommend that you simply use your credit card to make any purchases you need at the airport (food, newspapers, duty free, etc.). I doubt if you will need any UK Pounds. And I foresee no need for tips. Have a great crossing.

 

When we got off the Queen Victoria a few years back, we had a private car transfer to the airport, we had some euro's left not much, plus US$... we stayed one night at an airport hotel, went to the airport to check on our departure for the following am and to get something to eat... we don't use ATMs, don't use credit cards anywhere else but at hotels or major estalishments... found shops at the airport more then willing to take our remaining euros plus US$... worked out very well for us.

 

Now if I was planning on going into London would have gotten English lb sterling before leaving the USA.

[luckymal]

We will be doing a one way transatlantic from NY to Southampton, and flying back the same day. I'm sure We'll need cash upon arrival for tips and other misc. things at the airport. Is it best to bring some local currency prior to embarkation? Any info is appreciated.

If money is for tipping on ship U S Dollar fine, If for a meal at the airport they should accept Credit Cards, for general tipping at the airport I would give the Dollar, these people have ways of getting then changed into the £ Pound.

Hope you enjoy the Transatlantic Voyage,;):D