Passengers 'should buy currency before reaching airport'

06/04/2010

By James Wilson.

Passengers travelling from UK airports such as Cardiff, Liverpool and Luton should ensure they purchase their foreign currency before they begin their journey.

According to figures from currency provider FairFX, many travellers changing money at airport bureaux de change often pay between ten and 15 per cent more than they need to.

The company reports that the Change Group bureau at Cardiff Airport was charging 4.75 per cent commission last week (April 1st), meaning £200 could purchase €190.96.

Meanwhile, the same transaction at a London post office would offer a traveller €212.

Sarah Munro, head of travel money at the Post Office, said: "With sterling still weak, particularly against the euro, holidaymakers should do their homework to avoid wasting precious pounds.

"Airports are almost always bad value. Instead buy holiday money in advance at high street bureaux de change."

Passengers have access to over 50 international routes from Cardiff Airport, its website notes.