Who Should Read This?
- Holidaymakers heading abroad this summer
- Frequent travellers looking to stretch their money further
- Anyone frustrated by poor rates at airports or high street bureaux
Why You Should Read This
- Learn how exchange rates really work and where hidden costs creep in
- Discover smarter ways to buy travel currency
- Avoid common mistakes that cost UK travellers money every year
What You’ll Take Away
- Clear, actionable tips to help you get more for your pounds
- Peace of mind knowing how to avoid hidden fees and poor rates
- An understanding of why working with a specialist like Indigo FX can save you time, money, and hassle
Don’t Let Poor Exchange Rates Ruin Your Holiday Budget
We’ve all been there – you’re about to head off on holiday, you stop by the airport bureau and walk away with less foreign currency than you expected. Worse still, you’re hit with hidden fees or poor exchange rates that cut into your spending money.
We think there’s a better way.
As a UK-based foreign exchange and international payments specialist, we’ve been helping individuals and businesses get more from their money since 2012 – moving over £1 billion across borders with access to 60+ currencies in more than 150 countries.
Whether you’re heading to Europe, the US, or further afield, here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best value for your travel money.
1. Plan Ahead – Don’t Leave It Last Minute
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is leaving currency exchange until the day they fly. Airport bureaux often offer poor rates and high fees because they know travellers have limited options.
Tip: Monitor exchange rates in the weeks before your trip and aim to lock in your rate at a favourable time.
2. Know the Real Exchange Rate
The exchange rate you see on Google is the interbank rate – the rate banks use to trade between themselves. Most providers add a margin on top, which can vary widely.
What to watch for: Some providers advertise “zero commission” but hide hefty markups in the rate itself.
Avoid Buying Currency on Your Debit or Credit Card
Using your bank card to buy currency or make overseas payments often comes with additional charges, especially from UK banks. These include:
- Foreign transaction fees
- Non-sterling purchase fees
- Poor exchange rates
Solution: Work with an FX specialist to secure your currency in advance, either as a lump sum or in smaller amounts when the rates are best.
4. Consider Pre-Booking Your Currency
If you’ve booked your holiday months in advance, you’ve likely locked in your flights and hotels – so why leave your exchange rate to chance?
Pre-booking lets you fix your exchange rate ahead of time, avoiding potential drops and giving you peace of mind. Plan around rate trends and secure your travel money when it’s most favourable.
5. Use a Trusted Currency Specialist
At Indigo FX, we understand that every traveller is different. Whether you’re booking a weekend city break or a round-the-world trip, we tailor our solutions to you.
Why choose Indigo FX for your travel money?
- Competitive, transparent rates
- Fast, secure transfers in over 60 currencies
- Personalised support from our expert UK-based team
- No hidden fees
If you’re planning to travel soon, now’s the time to make your pounds work harder.
Don’t settle for poor rates and hidden costs. Speak to our team today and discover a smarter, stress-free way to sort your travel money.
Have a question or want to discuss how Indigo FX can help you? Get in contact with us.