Learn a country's official exchange rate before you go; check with a large bank or the business section of a newspaper. You'll usually get a better rate in the country itself, but take the equivalent of £100 with you - order it from your bank or exchange it in the airport - for immediate costs such as tipping, phone calls and taxi fares.
In your host country, hotels, shops and independent bureau de change generally offer the worst rates; airports and downtown banks, the best although in some countries officially tolerated black markets offer the best of all. Travellers' cheques often get better rates than cash. If there is a difference of more than 5 per cent between the buy and sell rates, you are probably paying too much.
You must show your passport during transactions, and you may be required to show your receipts when you exchange your currency back into sterling. Coins are usually not exchangeable.
Be aware of bank hours and holidays in the country you're visiting. Banks at train stations and airports often have longer opening hours.
The exchange rate on a credit card and Eurocheque withdrawal is based upon the rate in effect when the charge clears in Britain, not when you make the transaction.
A pocket calculator is handy for converting prices when you shop.
Euro to Dollars