Bureau de change’s can now be found in banks, travel agents, airports, train stations, as well as some supermarkets. Many have their own terms and conditions and will charge a commission fee, usually between one and two percent, when you exchange pounds for the currency you need. But rates from one exchange to another will change. The more you shop around the more likely it is that you’ll get a good deal.
In the past traveller’s cheques were the safest, and most convenient way of taking money abroad. But the single currency in Europe and the prevalent acceptance of debit and credit cards across the world mean that travellers can use a combination of payment methods (Visa and MasterCard have outlets around the world and are widely accepted, but it is always a good idea to take more than one in case one gets damaged).
Traveller’s cheques are still used by travellers going to the US where dollar cheques (or checks) can be used to pay for goods without needing them to be changed for cash beforehand. Cheques are also handy for their security qualities, if you lose them they can be stopped and replacements can be issued.
Generally credit and debit cards work out much cheaper to use than either foreign currency or traveller’s cheques. Some lenders won’t charge you for using your card abroad but before setting off its always prudent to check with your card company.
Most travellers will always prefer to carry cash and will think nothing of walking around foreign parts with their wallets stuffed full of notes, obviously this could be a personal security risk and it is unwise to put all your joeys in one kangaroo because, as previously mentioned, taking a mixture of payment methods with you when you go abroad is probably the safest option.