One sure thing I learned from trips to Hungary in recent years was how significantly better the exchange rate was by taking sterling with me and exchanging it to forints in Budapest.

So when I visited Poland earlier this month, I decided to try the same tactic. Needless to say I was delighted to be offered 4.82 zlotys to my pound instead of the 4.42 on-line in the UK a couple of days before departure. An almost 10% better deal.

I have no experience of the more ‘popular’ countries since then but my next experience will be with my first JY holiday to China in October. I shall certainly be trying the same tactic again.

Of course, if you follow this tip, do be careful with security of your wodge of cash while travelling. Well, of course you would. But worth emphasising. I sealed mine in an envelope and kept it in my carry-on, shoulder bag. When flying to Budapest earlier in the season, I had warmer clothes on travelling so the envelope was safely zipped up in an inner pocket of my anorak.

Otherwise, I have found the best deal was with my local American Express Travel Services bureau. And if you’re a subscriber to Martin Lewis’s excellent (free) weekly email, also check out ’s currency and travel pages and forums.

Mike,

I can confirm what you are saying about Budapest, much better rate than here and exchange booths all over the city.

Not sure its as good in countries that use the Euro.

Mick

Jaya

Following on from advice from Mick about carrying cash whilst travelling, make sure you do not leave any cash or important documents like passports in the carry on luggage but keep it with you at all the times. I have heard of stories of cash and passports being stolen from the plane by fellow passengers. It happened to one of my ex-boss's daughter while she was on a back packing holiday and on her way to Australia. She had left the cash and passport in the back pack. I always keep mine in the bag which goes across my body and is with me at all times!

Jaya

I would not wish to disagree with your warnings, Jaya, based on third-party anecdotes though! Perhaps I should clarify my own view a little.

I referred to using a “shoulder-bag” for this last short trip to Poland. In fact, it is a laptop bag with a zipped compartment beneath the full-size overall flap which covers it and clicks into a catch thingie. Not a students’-type bag with a pull-together strung top! Given its size, it was down by my feet, so I “had it with me at all times”.

But better still, on a longer journey, I would have a proper, full-size carry-on case in which my cash-stuffed envelope would be placed in an opaque pocket zipped up inside the double-zipped-up case!

I defy anyone to attempt to raid my easily-identifiable case which would require careful removal from the fully-loaded cabin-locker above, always within my vision. Admittedly, I might attempt to doze on a long-haul flight but I still defy anyone to take such a risk of burgling my baggage, but a risk I am prepared to take of someone doing.

Mike ( – not Mick, please!! 🙂 )

Regards

Jaya

Sorry Mike for calling your Mick! Just make sure you do not fall into a deep sleep whilst on a long haul flight!

Regards

Jaya

Not much danger of that, Jaya. Very rarely do I nod off for long, let alone a deep sleep. Maybe to do with age too?

I do take your warning seriously you know; one would be foolish not to. But while I still think theft from a proper case stored in an overhead locker unlikely (back-packs being eminently more vulnerable), maybe I should rethink my flying attire and get one of those multi-pocket affairs with deep, zipped pockets all over the place! I guess anywhere is vulnerable to a skilled and determined villain.

What kind of bag “goes across your body”, Jaya? And do you have a carry-on case as well? Not all airlines will allow both these days without extra charge.

Jaya

If you are a member of the AA (thats automobile association not alcoholics anonymous), they offer very good rates online. When i checked the other day i couldn't find anywhere to beat them on American dollars, not sure on other currencys but would imagine its the same.