changing euros to sterling

How much do you call substantial ?

10k 100K 1m

???

At 19:45:22 on 24/10/2006, Hooray Henry delighted uk.finance by announcing:

Can you get a credit card from the bank and use it in Euroland?

around 20k

Speak to your French bank about the most cost-effectively way of transfer. Your main cost will be foreign exchange, so see what they can offer for

20000?. They should offer something better than retail conversion rate of 2-3% above interbank. Or you can open an account with foreign exchange specialist such as or

Alec

get some quotes from currency brokers.

e.g.

HIFX Custom House TTT Moneycorp

charges vary but often are hidden in the exchange rate.

i doubt if there is any point in moving the money into a uk based euro account.

In message , Hooray Henry writes

It wont be 'based' in UK but in the country that your UK bank maintains its Euro denominated accounts. Accounts can only be based in the country in which their currency is denominated, although it may appear otherwise. I would use the word 'fronted' rather than 'based'

Go for a bank that maintains good euro links, which means any of the old style clearing banks, especially the likes of HSBC, plus the likes of Citibank. I am not up to date with what Abbey can offer but their banco santander owners might offer something, but I cant see how an ex building society cold help you much, but you never know.

Were you going to offer some of your expert advice, or were you just being nosey?

Many thanks to everyone else who replied.

Sorry I fell asleep.

There are several companies who claim to give you a good rate such as:

The problem I see is that you have to give all your money to some strange company you have probably never heard of and hope they dont run off to Brazil with your money.

I would check the rates, but for 20k might be tempted to stick to my own bank, or at least a bank covered by the FSA.

P.S. Can you let us know what you find out as I need to do the same in a few weeks time. (But different currencies).

Thank you.

The transaction may not take place during the next few weeks, however I will tell all in due course.