Travel money

Exchange rates can change every day. This is because they depend on lots of different things, like world events, economic stability, politics and interest rates. These things can make exchange rates go up or down.​
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At Post Office, we update our exchange rates every morning. Sometimes we also update them throughout the day. The exchange rate we show is always up-to-date when you make your purchase.

There’s not a lot of jargon in travel money but there are a few important terms it’s helpful to know.​
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Sell rate: This is the exchange rate that Post Office (or any other provider) will use when selling you currency. This rate is always displayed before you make your purchase. Remember, the higher the rate, the more you’ll get for your money.​
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Buy rate: This is the rate that Post Office (or any other provider) will use when buying back your leftover currency. The lower the rate the better for you when exchanging currency back into Sterling Pounds.​
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Commission: This is a fee that some providers charge when you buy travel money. Post Office doesn’t charge a commission when you buy travel money, except when you load pounds sterling onto your Travel Money Card.

There aren’t too many fees to worry about when you buy travel money from Post Office. But sometimes, a few charges may apply. Details of when fees would apply are listed below:​

Buying cash or travel money​ ​

• Delivery fee: For lower value orders of cash currency or cash and card combined, you may need to pay a delivery fee. This will always be clearly shown before you buy ​

​Travel Money Card​

• Load fee: If you load pounds sterling on to your card rather than a foreign currency, you’ll pay a 1.5% commission (minimum £3, maximum £50)
• Cash withdrawal fee: If you use your card to withdraw cash at an ATM (including Post Office branches), you’ll be charged a cash withdrawal fee. For example, it's £1.50 per transaction in the UK but this fee varies depending on the destination. You can find more information on your card’s terms or conditions or on our website. Some ATMs may also charge their own fee, which should be displayed on the ATM screen​
• ​Cross border fee: If you use your card in a country where the local currency isn’t supported by the card, you’ll be charged a 3% cross-border fee 
• ​Dormancy fee: If you have money left on your card 12 months after it expires, you’ll be charged a £2 each month until the balance is zero or you request a refund

There are a few situations where you might not be able to use cash or a Travel Money Card. Here’s what to keep in mind:​

Cash​

Almost everywhere will accept cash as a way to pay.​

​Most countries prefer their own currency. But the US dollar, for example, is also widely accepted across parts of Asia and the Caribbean.​

​Some places, like Sweden, Denmark and parts of Asia are moving towards being cashless. This means it might be harder to use cash in these countries.​

Travel Money Card​

Your Travel Money Card might not work in places where payments with it can't be authorised immediately, such as:​

• Cruise ships ​
• Planes ​
• Toll roads​

Transactions on board will usually be declined as they cannot authorise the payment immediately.​

You cannot use the card for:​

• All UK gambling Transactions​
• Any online gambling, including sports betting, online casinos, and lotteries​
• Money transfers​
• Adult service websites​
• Recurring payments such as direct debits and subscriptions​
• Business purchases such as stock and merchandise (not including business related travel)​

We also don't recommend using your card for:​

• Car hire deposits ​
• Hotel check-in deposits​

These involve large initial deposits that tie up the funds you've loaded and stop you spending them on other things.

Yes, you can. Start with cash or card, select your currency and how much to spend, then click the button to proceed. On the next page you can add extra cash or, if you don't already have one, a Travel Money Card in the same or a different currency.

Your cash and card will always be delivered separately.

You get a better rate the more travel money you buy. When buying one currency, you can split your travel money across cash and card and still benefit from our best rates. If you buy £500 in cash currency and £500 on a card you'll get our best rate for buying over £1,000 in travel money combined.​

​Cash and card combined rates are only available online. It's not possible to order cash through the app at the moment.​

You can buy one currency at a time on your Travel Money Card but if you want to add multiple currencies in cash you can do so. The maximum is £2,500 for cash and £5,000 for Travel Money Card.​

Orders that combine both cash currency and Travel Money Card are charged as one transaction.​

You’ll need an account to order both cash currency and a Travel Money Card together. This makes it easier to complete combined orders and manage your card once you receive it.

You have the same delivery options for buying cash and card together as you do when buying them individually. Your cash and card will always be delivered separately.​

Cash

Free same-day collection (selected branches)​ Ordering euros or US dollars? Place your order by 2pm Monday - Friday or 1pm on Saturday for same-day collection. Orders placed after the cut off will be ready for collection by 11am the next working day.

​Free next day click and collect in branch​ Order by 3pm Monday - Saturday for next working day collection. Orders placed after the cut off will be ready for collection in two working days.​

Next-day home delivery Spend £500 or more on both cash and card to get free cash home delivery. Orders below £500 will be charged £4.99 for home delivery. Orders are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery™ by 1pm. If you place your order before 3pm, it should be delivered by 1pm the next working day, guaranteed. Someone will need to sign for the order.​

Card​

If you order a Travel Money Card online it will be delivered to your billing address free of charge, within 2-3 working days. You don't need to be home or sign for it.