Holidaymakers should shop around for best foreign currency deals

Giant tour operators Thomson and sister brand First Choice have launched a facility allowing customers to order foreign currency online, but holidaymakers are best advised to shop around before buying.

The two operators are hoping holidaymakers will buy their cash when they book their holiday, but clients might find they will get a better deal if they buy their foreign currency elsewhere.

Both Thomson and First choice offer commission-free currency and free home delivery for orders over £400, but their rates this week are not as favourable as some other high street outlets.

Thomas Cook, which also offers a free online currency ordering facility, has more generous exchange rates for both euros and dollars this week, as does the Post Office.

One pound buys €1.10 and $1.47 with Thomas Cook, but only €1.09 and $1.46 with Thomson and First Choice; not a lot of difference perhaps, but it could amount to the price of a round of drinks for a family of four travelling to the United States for a fortnight.

Thomson and First Choice offer free next day delivery on orders over £400 made before 3pm; Thomas Cook offers next day delivery for orders made before 12 noon, but the order must be over £500 to qualify.

Thomas Cook also has a minimum order of £200 and a maximum of £2,500. The Post Office offers free home delivery for orders over £500 but its minimum order is for £350 and its maximum £2,500.

Thomson and First Choice offer 65 different currencies as well as travellers cheques.

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