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Best places to exchange currency in Cheltenham

You've got a few options if you want to exchange currency in Cheltenham. Whether you’re buying travel money in cash, looking for secure ways to cut the costs of making ATM withdrawals abroad, or sending money to someone overseas, we’ve got options for you.

You might decide to pop into a physical currency exchange store in Cheltenham - but many customers will find it more convenient to pick up a low cost travel card instead, for on the go payments, cash withdrawals and easy to convert currencies with great exchange rates.

Wise travel card - A low cost alternative to exchange shops

Order and get your Wise travel card in Cheltenham for convenient spending and withdrawals during your trip.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup or margin when converting your money to any currency you need. This may work out cheaper than most currency exchange shops in Cheltenham.

5 best places to exchange money in Cheltenham

The best place to exchange currency in Cheltenham does depend a lot on where in the city you are, and which currencies you need. You'll need to do a bit of your own research - but to start you off, we've detailed 5 of the top rated exchange services in Cheltenham, according to Google.

eurochange Cheltenham - High Street

• Phone : 01242 335906
• Website : https://www.eurochange.co.uk/branches/cheltenham/high-street?
• Address : 200 High St, Cheltenham GL50 3HD, UK
• Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Post Office Travel Money

• Phone : 0345 722 3344
• Website : https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-money/foreign-currency?campaignid=gmb%7Efx%7Enil%7Ebp%7Epromo%7E19052023%7E
• Address : 66 Tennyson Rd, Cheltenham GL51 7BY, UK
• Monday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Friday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money

• Phone : 01242 571840
• Website : https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/
• Address : GALLAGHER RETAIL PARK, Tewkesbury Rd, Cheltenham GL51 9RR, UK
• Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

M&S Bureau De Change Cheltenham

• Phone : 01242 521531
• Website : https://bank.marksandspencer.com/travel/travel-money/
• Address : Marks & Spencer, 173 High St, Cheltenham GL50 1DF, UK
• Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Address : 41 Lyefield Rd W, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8EZ, UK
• Monday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Friday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

How we rated the currency exchange shops in Cheltenham

We've taken into account the Google ratings at the time of research, looking at exchange services in popular Cheltenham areas. As ratings are dynamic, and things change all the time, you’ll want to also do your own research before you head out to exchange your money.

How to exchange currency in Cheltenham

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to choose between banks, currency exchange shops and online platforms to exchange currency conveniently in Cheltenham. It’s worth noting that to keep customers safe, and to comply with the law, it’s common for exchange services to ask for ID when you buy foreign currency. Get ready by having your photo ID, such as a passport or driving license, with you when you arrange your exchange.

If you’re planning on exchanging currency with a bank, you’ll need to double check the travel money and exchange options available. Many banks only offer exchange to customers who already have an account - plus you might have to order online in advance, particularly if you’re looking for a more exotic currency. If your local bank offers currency exchange to people who aren’t customers, bear in mind that you’ll need to take an ID document along with you to collect your cash.

To exchange currency in Cheltenham using a bank:

• Check that the bank you've picked offers currency exchange
• Make sure the currency you need is available - you may need to order ahead
• Visit a branch with cash, or order online, depending on the bank's process
• Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - remember your ID document if you're not a customer

As an alternative you could choose to visit a currency exchange service or travel money specialist which offers online or on the spot exchange. Currency specialists usually have a very good selection of foreign currencies available, although smaller branches may not hold everything in stock at one time. It’s also useful to know that the exchange rate you get for an on the spot exchange in a store may be different to the one you’ll get when ordering online for collection - usually online orders get a better rate.

To exchange currency in Cheltenham using a currency exchange service:

• Decide if you'll visit a currency exchange store in person to exchange, or order ahead
• Place your order online and pay by card or with BPAY, or visit a branch with cash
• Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - you'll need to take along your ID document when you visit the branch to place a collect your order

Finally, you might choose to order your travel money online. There are a few ways to do this. Some providers will let you order online and either have the cash delivered to home, or you can collect at a branch or in the airport. Other options offer a travel money card which you can order online, top up, and then use for spending and withdrawals while you’re away. This can be an especially convenient option as it’s often possible to complete the whole process without needing to leave home.

To exchange currency in Cheltenham online:

• Choose an online currency exchange service which suits your needs
• Order your travel money or travel money card, following their specific process
• You'll normally need to upload an image of your photo ID document for verification
• Your money or card can be delivered to home or collected, depending on the provider you pick

Things to look at before exchanging money

Before you decide how to exchange money it’s worth shopping around to compare a few different available options. That can mean your money goes further. Here are a few more important tips:

Avoid airport currency exchanges

Airports often have currency exchange services - but they’re not usually good value. Services at the airport know that customers have few options left, which means they can crank up the costs. You may not see any fee displayed, but there are likely to be charges rolled into the exchange rate used to convert your dollars to the currency you need, which can be very high.

Check the mid-market rate

Not sure what a good rate looks like? Check the mid-market rate for your specific currency. The mid-market rate is the one used on global markets, and when banks buy and sell currencies. However, it’s not usually passed on to customers. Instead extra fees are added - a markup, margin, or spread. Compare the rate you’re being offered to the mid-market rate for your currency - which you can get from Google - to see this.

Beware of ATM rates

If an ATM in a foreign country asks if you’d prefer to pay in dollars, say no. If you agree, the ATM will manage the currency conversion for you - and that ATM will not give you as good a rate as the one your bank or card network offers. Pay at ATMs and with merchants using the local currency wherever you are, to avoid this.

Get a travel money card from Wise

Travel money cards can help you avoid costs and hassle when exchanging money. Order a card online, add a balance in dollars, and either convert to the currency you need in advance or at the point of payment. Providers like Wise support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, and often use better exchange rates and lower fees compared to physical currency exchange stores.

Factors to consider when choosing an exchange provider in Cheltenham

Before you pick the right Cheltenham currency exchange option for your needs, do a little shopping around. Compare the available options, looking at the costs involved, how safe they are, and what customers say about them.

When considering costs make sure you check both the exchange rate and the fees charged. It's common for services to state there's no commission, when the costs have simply been added into the exchange rate being used.

Double check safety by picking a reputable and licensed provider. If you're exchanging money at a major bank you can rest assured it's licensed. If you're using physical currency exchange stores it's worth asking how they're regulated - and with online providers you can usually find everything you need in a footnote on the website, including licensing details.

Finally, ask around for personal recommendations from friends and family in Cheltenham, and use online resources like Google reviews and Trustpilot to make sure previous customers are positive about any service you might pick.

Best foreign currency exchange rates in Cheltenham

Exchange rates can be confusing. It can often seem like every bank, exchange store or online service has their own rate - and choosing can feel daunting.

The key to getting the best currency exchange rate in Cheltenham is to understand the mid-market exchange rate for your currency pair. The mid-market rate is the rate used when trading on global markets - the one banks and currency exchanges get when they buy or sell currencies themselves. However, providers usually don't pass on this rate to customers - they'll add a percentage markup or margin, which is a fee, to the rate offered to retail customers buying or selling relatively small amounts of currencies.

You can take the mid-market rate for your currency as a good benchmark when measuring up your options for currency exchange in Cheltenham. Find the mid-market rate on Google, and then look for a provider which offers this or as close as possible to it.

Another good bet is to pick a travel money card from a service like Wise which offers currency exchange which uses live mid-market rates, with the fees split out for clarity and transparency.

When is the best time to exchange currency

Exchange rates change a lot, based on the demand in global markets. That means that there's no best time for currency exchange, but tracking the market can certainly help you spot a good deal when one becomes available.

Keep an eye on the mid-market rate for your currency, using any of our handy tools, and watch how it's changing over time. It's also possible to set up rate alerts online which can help you learn when a rate hits the level you're looking for. If you're planning on converting cash - or if you have a travel money card - you can lock in the rate by buying your foreign currency at that point.

No matter how good a deal you think you're getting, be sure you're picking a safe and reputable provider for your exchange. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Tips for finding the best currency exchange rates in Cheltenham

Here are a few final ideas on how to find the best exchange rates in Cheltenham, no matter which currency you need to buy:

• Compare the available rates across different providers close to you and online - and be sure to check for any additional fees or commissions which can push up costs significantly
• Use online currency converters or mobile apps to stay updated on the current exchange rates for your currency pair, and buy when the time's right
• Consider using an online alternative such as Wise or the Revolut account so you can instantly convert currencies using just your phone, wherever you're ready

Why buy foreign currency in Cheltenham?

Getting your foreign currency in Cheltenham may offer a better deal compared to buying it from the airport or in your destination country. Airport exchange services know they have a captive audience and can add in extra fees and exchange rate hikes, pushing up the price you pay. Exchanging money in your destination eats into your precious holiday time - plus you may be targeted by unscrupulous money changers with bad rates.

Here are a few good reasons to exchange your currency in Cheltenham:

• As you have time to shop around, you may find you can get better exchange rates
• Buying currency close to home (or even without leaving home) offers speed and convenience
• It's far easier to check the safety and reputation of a provider you know, rather than picking one at your destination
• You won't need to waste your holiday standing in line in a currency exchange store - you can get on with your trip instead

There are a few different ways you might want to currency in Cheltenham. You could head to a bank, choose a physical currency exchange service, or go for an online option.

There are also some great travel money cards from providers like Wise and Revolut which allow you to order a card online or in an app, top up remotely, and spend or make withdrawals overseas easily. Travel money cards are secure and often offer better exchange rates and lower overall costs compared to switching currency at the airport or in a physical location in your destination.

Use this guide to figure out which currency exchange in Cheltenham might be best for you, and don't forget to also take a look at travel money cards to see if popping one in your wallet can help you save.

FAQ - Best places to exchange currency in Cheltenham

There's not one single best place to exchange currency for travel, but converting your currency online before you head off can save time - and often money. One convenient option is to get a travel money card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, to add and exchange money with just your phone.

The cheapest way to get foreign currency in Cheltenham will depend on the currency you need and the value you want to exchange. This guide gives some good pointers to locations you may want to compare, but shopping around is still essential. Compare the exchange services in Cheltenham with online and digital services to get the best deal overall.

Exchanging cash on arrival is inconvenient and can leave you vulnerable to scams and unscrupulous money changing services in your destination. You can exchange money before you go conveniently - or get a travel money card which you can top up digitally and use for spending and withdrawals when you're away, often with great rates and low fees.

Yes. If you get a bad exchange rate - or high commission costs - you'll end up with less money in the end for your trip. Before you exchange money, shop around and compare both on and offline options to make sure you get a good deal without excessive fees.

Banks and currency exchange stores can exchange your foreign currency back to British Pound - but the rate is unlikely to be as good as it was when you converted in the first place, which means you get less back than you spent. Instead, consider a travel money card like the Wise card which lets you leave your money in dollars and convert on the spot when you make a payment or withdrawal overseas.

More places to exchange currency in the UK

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Bishops Cleeve Superstore Tesco Travel Money

About tesco travel money at bishops cleeve superstore.

Tesco Travel Money Cheltenham is conveniently located inside our store so you can easily exchange currency. Take a look at the Tesco Bank website to see our stocked currencies. Our bureaus are sometimes single-staffed meaning there may be periods where the bureau is unmanned, but signage will let you know when colleagues are returning from breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can view exchange rates on our Travel Money website - https://www.tescobank.com/travel-money/ . Exchange rates may vary during the day and will vary whether you're buying in store, online or over the phone.

You can find our opening times at the top of this page.

Please contact Travel Money on 0345 366 0103 or visit https://www.tescobank.com/travel-money/contact-us/ .

You can search for your nearest Travel Money kiosk on our store locator https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/ .

Contact Information

Nearby stores, tesco petrol station colletts dr, tesco pharmacy colletts dr, f&f clothing colletts dr.

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About the Business

eurochange Cheltenham is here to help save you money with a range of great value financial services including travel money, international money transfers and gold. Buy your travel money here with over 60 currencies including Euros and US Dollars, or sell foreign currency to us in exchange for GBP. Need to transfer money overseas? Send funds swiftly and securely to over 300 countries using our Quick Transfer or Western Union services. In this branch you can also sell unwanted gold items such as old jewellery, and we'll give you the best price on the high street! You can also order 24 carat 1 ounce, 10 gram and 1 gram gold bullion bars, VAT-free and ideal as a gift. NM Money - helping your money go further. …

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200 High st

Cheltenham GL50 3HD

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Shop 1034 Westfield Southland 1239 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham VIC 3192 (Coles entrance opposite RACV, Level 1)

Phone: (03) 8555 4727

Email : [email protected].

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Collect travel money from your local Bureau de Change

Learn more about M&S Bank Bureaux and their opening hours with our Bureau finder

M&S Bureaux are located in 100 M&S stores nationwide

Visit your local M&S Bureau de Change to collect a wide range of currencies immediately. In addition, if your currency is not available, one of our colleagues will be able to order it for you.

Bureau finder

If you're looking for your local M&S Travel Money Bureau de Change, you can use the store finder to find your closest store and current opening hours.

Store opening hours can be found by visiting 'Find your nearest store'.

Collecting pre-ordered travel money

Did you know you can use our travel money Click & Collect service to place your travel money order, and you can collect it from a Bureau de Change or store convenient to you? Simply let our colleagues know you're there for a Click & Collect order and they will be able to help.

Find out more about live exchange rates >

Looking to buy or sell travel money?

If you are looking to buy travel money, simply visit our online travel money hub and place your order for collection from your local M&S Bureau de Change or store See footnote * * . We offer 9 currencies with our SameDay service , including euro and US dollar and more than 40 available to order.

We know that travel plans may change, or you may have travel money left over from your recent trip – we can help. Just visit one of our Bureaux to exchange your leftover currency into pounds. This includes any unused notes in currency that we sell See footnote ** ** .

Learn more about our foreign currency buy back service.

Have a question about travel money or other travel products?

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Travelling to Europe or beyond? Check out our handy holiday destination guides.

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Learn more about the best places to go skiing with our handy guide.

Will you need euros?

Find out which countries use the euro and learn more about the currency.

Are you travelling with cash?

Our guide explains how much money you can take abroad.

Planning on using your M&S Credit Card abroad?

We monitor your transactions to help keep your account safe, so you don't have to let us know if you're leaving the UK. Learn more about international spending with our credit card.

Learn more about spending abroad

* £150 minimum threshold for all orders placed through the Click & Collect service. For anything less, please visit an M&S Bureau de Change.

** Exclusions apply, see terms and conditions

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Find our best exchange rates online and enjoy 0% commission on over 60 currencies. And you can choose collection from your nearest branch or delivery to your home

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• UAE Dirham AED
• Australian Dollar AUD
• Barbados Dollar BBD
• Bangladesh Taka BDT
• Bulgarian Lev BGN
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• Bermuda Dollar BMD
• Brunei Dollar BND
• Canadian Dollar CAD
• Swiss Franc CHF
• Chilean Peso CLP
• Chinese Yuan CNY
• Colombian Peso COP
• Costa Rican Colon CRC
• Czech Koruna CZK
• Danish Kroner DKK
• Dominican Peso DOP
• Fiji Dollar FJD
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• Israeli Sheqel ILS
• Icelandic Krona ISK
• Jamaican Dollar JMD
• Jordanian Dinar JOD
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• Kenyan Shilling KES
• Korean Won KRW
• Kuwaiti Dinar KWD
• Mauritius Rupee MUR
• Mexican Peso MXN
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• Norwegian Krone NOK
• New Zealand Dollar NZD
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• Peru Nuevo Sol PEN
• Philippino Peso PHP
• Polish Zloty PLN
• Romanian New Leu RON
• Saudi Riyal SAR
• Swedish Kronor SEK
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• Turkish Lira TRY
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• US Dollar USD
• Uruguay Peso UYU
• Vietnamese Dong VND
• East Caribbean Dollar XCD
• French Polynesian Franc XPF
• South African Rand ZAR
• Brazilian Real BRL
• Qatar Riyal QAR

Delivery options, available branches and fees may vary by value and currency. Branch rates will differ from online rates. T&Cs apply .

Why get your holiday cash from Post Office?

• Order online, buy in branch, or choose delivery to your home or local branch 
• 100% refund guarantee* if your holiday’s cancelled, at the same exchange rate, excluding bank and delivery charges. Just send your receipts and evidence of cancellation to us within 28 days of purchase. *T&Cs apply
• Order euros or US dollars to collect in branch in as little as 2 hours

Euros and US dollars in 2 hours

Click and collect euros and US dollars in 2 hours. Terms and conditions apply 

Today’s online rates

Rate correct as of 05/09/2024

Travel Money Card (TMC) rates may differ. Branch rates may vary. Delivery methods may vary. Terms and conditions apply

Safe and secure holiday spending

Manage your holiday funds on a Travel Money Card with our free travel app. Top it up, freeze it, swap currencies, view your PIN and more.

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

Need some help?

Travel money card lost or stolen.

Please immediately call: 020 7937 0280

Available 24/7

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Read our travel money FAQs or contact our team about buying currency online or in branch:

Visit our travel money support page

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• Get a great rate and pay 0% commission
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• Euro ( EUR ) eu
• US Dollar ( USD ) us
• Australian Dollar ( AUD ) au
• Canadian Dollar ( CAD ) ca
• Swiss Franc ( CHF ) ch
• UAE Dirham ( AED ) ae
• Bahamian Dollar ( BSD ) bs
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• Barbadian Dollar ( BBD ) bb
• Bermudian Dollar ( BMD ) bm
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• Brunei Dollar ( BND ) bn
• Bulgarian Lev ( BGN ) bg
• Chilean Peso ( CLP ) cl
• Chinese Yuan Renminbi ( CNY ) cn
• Colombian Peso ( COP ) co
• Costa Rican Colon ( CRC ) cr
• Czech Koruna ( CZK ) cz
• Danish Krone ( DKK ) dk
• Dominican Peso ( DOP ) do
• East Caribbean Dollar ( XCD ) xc
• Fijian Dollar ( FJD ) fj
• French Polynesian Franc ( XPF ) pf
• Guatemalan Quetzal ( GTQ ) gt
• Hong Kong Dollar ( HKD ) hk
• Hungarian Forint ( HUF ) hu
• Icelandic Krona ( ISK ) is
• Indonesian Rupiah ( IDR ) id
• Israeli Sheqel ( ILS ) il
• Jamaican Dollar ( JMD ) jm
• Japanese Yen ( JPY ) jp
• Jordanian Dinar ( JOD ) jo
• Kuwaiti Dinar ( KWD ) kw
• Malaysian Ringgit ( MYR ) my
• Mauritian Rupee ( MUR ) mu
• Mexican Peso ( MXN ) mx
• New Zealand Dollar ( NZD ) nz
• Norwegian Krone ( NOK ) no
• Omani Rial ( OMR ) om
• Philippine Peso ( PHP ) ph
• Polish Zloty ( PLN ) pl
• Qatari Rial ( QAR ) qa
• Romanian Leu ( RON ) ro
• Saudi Riyal ( SAR ) sa
• Singapore Dollar ( SGD ) sg
• South African Rand ( ZAR ) za
• South Korean Won ( KRW ) kr
• Swedish Krona ( SEK ) se
• Taiwan Dollar ( TWD ) tw
• Thai Baht ( THB ) th
• Turkish Lira ( TRY ) tr
• Vietnamese Dong ( VND ) vn

£1 = 1.2070 USD

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Online orders can include multiple currencies. Minimum online order value £250. Exchange rates in our shops may vary from those offered online. Click here for our bureau rates .

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Order before 3pm and get it delivered to you next working day. Free for orders over £500.  

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Click & Collect at over 330 John Lewis and Waitrose stores, and at selected Booths locations. Free collection for orders over £500.

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Visit a Bureau de Change located in over 30 stores across the UK.  

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With our great rates , we’ll also do our best to make sure you get your money’s worth. We monitor the market daily to ensure we’re offering a competitive rate.

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You can order travel money online to collect at your local Waitrose or John Lewis , or have it delivered the next working day when placed before 3pm. £250 minimum online order applies.

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We promise you’ll never be charged a commission fee when buying travel money from us.

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Our currencies, today's online rates.

Rates on Wednesday 4 September 2024, 09:50

Exchange rates in our shops may vary from those offered online. Click here for our bureau rates .

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Will John Lewis Finance buy back my currency?

35 day refund guarantee

If your holiday has been cancelled you can return your travel money with our 35 day refund guarantee policy. Just make sure you bring a proof of your cancellation, your original receipt or order confirmation and a valid ID to any John Lewis Bureau de Change.

Sell your leftover currency

As long as we keep your currency in stock and we can accept the denominations you have, we'll  buy back your leftover currency and exchange it back into pounds in store at any of our Bureau de Change locations . Like buying currency, selling it is just as quick and easy with no commission fees. Please be aware we do not buy back coins.

Frequently asked questions

How do i buy currency from you.

You can exchange currency from any of our Bureaux de Change in John Lewis. You can also order online with next working day home delivery , or click and collect from your nearest Waitrose and John Lewis. Minimum order online value of £250 applies and free collection or delivery for orders over £500.

Exchange rates in our shops may vary from those offered online.

Does someone need to be home if I want my order delivered?

Yes, your order will be delivered by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed™ service and will need to be signed for by either you or someone else at your address.

What is click and collect?

Click and collect allows you to order online and collect your travel money from any Waitrose or John Lewis store. There is a minimum order value of £250 and orders are free over £500.

Simply select the click and collect option when placing your online order. We’ll send you a collection date in your confirmation email, as well as a reminder email and text message when your order is ready to be collected. Your order will be held for seven days from the collection date.

Your travel money order can be collected from the customer information point at any time during the opening hours of the store.

What currency do I need?

It’s helpful to know what currency you’ll need when travelling abroad before you get there. This ensures you can jump right into the fun when you arrive. For guidance on what currency you might need for your destination, you can ask one of our partners at the Bureau de Change desk or check our rate table .

Are all currencies available?

We sell over 50 types of currency online and up to 30 in our Bureaux de Change. To find out if we stock the currency you need online, you can check the list on our rate table. For in-store exchanges, please visit your nearest John Lewis Bureau de Change to ask one of our Partners, or call 0330 123 3396 to ask a member of our customer service team. Calls may be recorded or monitored, and charges will vary.

Currencies in-store will be subject to availability.

Is it cheaper to withdraw cash abroad or exchange currency before you go?

Withdrawing holiday money abroad is great in an emergency, but you can’t guarantee the currency exchange rate will be the same as it was when you left home. When using a card abroad, you might be subject to ATM fees. By exchanging currency with John Lewis before you go, you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll get a great rate and you won’t be paying any commission.

Can you use a credit card to buy travel money?

Yes, you can absolutely use a credit card to buy your travel money. It’s important to know that while we do not charge you extra to pay by credit card, some card issuers charge additional fees for foreign currency exchange payments. Make sure to check with your bank first before purchasing travel money.

How much money do I need to take on holiday?

The amount of travel money you need to take on holiday depends on what kind of trip you’re taking, but it’s always smart to have a budget so you know what to expect. No matter how big or small your budget you should take multiple ways to pay with you, to keep you safe in every scenario. This could be cash, debit/credit cards or prepaid travel cards. If you end up with leftover foreign currency at the end of your trip, we’re happy to buy it back .

How do I find my nearest Bureau?

Finding your closest Bureau has never been easier with our Bureau de Change locator . You just need to type in your postcode and check out your options.

If you’re tight for time, you can also order online and collect your travel money from a John Lewis or Waitrose , or even have it delivered to your home by the next working day .

There is a minimum online order value of £250, and free collection or delivery for orders over £500. Orders must be placed before 3pm to receive next working day delivery.

Move money internationally quickly, simply and safely

Enjoy fee-free transfers using our 24/7 international money transfer service. £100 minimum transfer applies.

Our partners

We have carefully selected our travel money supplier as First Rate, with their choice of over 60 currencies, to provide our Foreign Currency Exchange services.

Our International Payments service is provided by trusted global money transfer provider Xe. Xe Money Transfer Service is provided by HiFX Europe Limited and Xe Europe B.V., trading as Xe.

John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are trading names of John Lewis plc. John Lewis plc introduces the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, who each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC.

Travel Money online from John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance, and John Lewis & Partners, is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited (company number: 04287490 and Money Service Business licence number: MLR-64068). Registered office: Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, West London, TW8 9DF, England.

For UK clients: International Payments are provided by HiFX Europe Limited. HiFX is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (firm reference number: 462444), for the provision of payment services. HiFX is a limited company registered in England and Wales (company number: 3517451). Registered office: Maxis 1, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RT.

For EEA clients: International Payments are provided by XE Europe B.V.. XE Europe B.V. is authorised by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank) under the Payment Services Directive II (licence number R149006) for the provision of payment services. XE Europe B.V. is a limited company registered in The Netherlands (company number: 72587873). Registered office: Rozengracht 12,1, 1016NB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

John Lewis plc is a credit broker and not a lender, introducing the Partnership Credit Card under exclusive arrangements with the lender NewDay Ltd. John Lewis Money is a trading name of John Lewis plc, registered in England with company number 233462, registered office: 1 Drummond Gate, Pimlico, London SW1V 2QQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 724309). Credit is provided by NewDay Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 7297722, registered office: 7 Handyside Street, London, N1C 4DA. NewDay Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with number 690292 and is also authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (Ref no: 555318) for the provision of payment services.

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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Cards, Loans & Savings

Car & home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, travel money card, life insurance, travel money, exchange rate calculator.

Nectar members get better rates on travel money*

• Europe - Euro (EUR)
• USA - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• United Arab Emirates - UAE Dirham (AED)
• Australia - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Canada - Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• New Zealand - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Switzerland - Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Thailand - Thai Baht (THB)
• Aland Islands - Euro (EUR)
• American Samoa - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Andorra - Euro (EUR)
• Anguilla - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Antigua and Barbuda - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Austria - Euro (EUR)
• Bahrain - Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
• Barbados - Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
• Belgium - Euro (EUR)
• Bulgaria - Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
• Chile - Chilean Peso (CLP)
• China - Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
• Cook Islands - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Costa Rica - Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
• Croatia - Euro (EUR)
• Cyprus - Euro (EUR)
• Czech Republic - Czech Koruna (CZK)
• Dominica - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Dominican Republic - Dominican Peso (DOP)
• Ecuador - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• El Salvador - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Estonia - Euro (EUR)
• Fiji - Fijian Dollar (FJD)
• Finland - Euro (EUR)
• France - Euro (EUR)
• French Guiana - Euro (EUR)
• French Southern Territories - Euro (EUR)
• Greece - Euro (EUR)
• Grenada - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Guadeloupe - Euro (EUR)
• Guam - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Haiti - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Holy See (Vatican City State) - Euro (EUR)
• Hong Kong - Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
• Hungary - Hungarian Forint (HUF)
• Iceland - Icelandic Króna (ISK)
• Indonesia - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Ireland - Euro (EUR)
• Israel - Israeli New Sheqel (ILS)
• Italy - Euro (EUR)
• Jamaica - Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
• Japan - Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Jordan - Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
• Kiribati - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Kuwait - Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
• Liechtenstein - Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Lithuania - Euro (EUR)
• Luxembourg - Euro (EUR)
• Malaysia - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
• Malta - Euro (EUR)
• Marshall Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Martinique - Euro (EUR)
• Mauritius - Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
• Mayotte - Euro (EUR)
• Mexico - Mexican Peso (MXN)
• Micronesia, Federated States of - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Monaco - Euro (EUR)
• Montenegro - Euro (EUR)
• Montserrat - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Nauru - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Netherlands - Euro (EUR)
• Niue - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Norfolk Island - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Northern Mariana Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Norway - Norwegian Krone (NOK)
• Oman - Omani Rial (OMR)
• Palau - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Panama - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Peru - Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
• Philippines - Philippine Peso (PHP)
• Pitcairn - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Poland - Polish Zloty (PLN)
• Portugal - Euro (EUR)
• Puerto Rico - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Qatar - Qatari Riyal (QAR)
• Romania - Romanian Leu (RON)
• Saint Barthélemy - Euro (EUR)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Saint Lucia - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Saint Martin (French part) - Euro (EUR)
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• San Marino - Euro (EUR)
• Saudi Arabia - Saudi Riyal (SAR)
• Singapore - Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Slovakia - Euro (EUR)
• Slovenia - Euro (EUR)
• South Africa - South African Rand (ZAR)
• Spain - Euro (EUR)
• Sweden - Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Taiwan - New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
• Timor-Leste - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Tokelau - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Türkiye - Turkish New Lira (TRY)
• Turks and Caicos Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Tuvalu - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Vietnam - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Virgin Islands, British - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Virgin Islands, U.S. - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• No matches found

Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.

^ Travel money cards are available on selected currencies only.

Buy travel money

Buy, exchange money and order foreign currency online, by phone, or at our bureaux.

How to get travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank

Need holiday money? Order currency online, by phone or visit a Sainsbury’s store with a bureau today. Or get a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card for easy and secure spending overseas.

There are various ways to buy travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank. Choose the method that’s easiest for you. 

1.    Buy currency online for home delivery.  2.    Order currency online and collect instore. 4-hour click and collect available. T&Cs apply.  3.    Buy currency via telephone. 4.    Visit one of our bureaux to buy currency in a Sainsbury’s store.

Buy a prepaid travel money card

Our travel money card makes it safe and easy to manage and spend your holiday money.  1.     Order for collection – Collect your travel money card from your nearest Sainsbury’s Bank bureau. 2.     Order for delivery – We’ll send your travel money card straight to you. 3.     Download the app or log in online  – Check your balance, exchange between currencies, top up and manage your account.

Where can you get foreign currency with Sainsbury’s?

Get travel money delivered to you.

Order online or by phone and we’ll mail your holiday money to you securely via special delivery. Order more than £400 of foreign currency and get free delivery.

Collect travel money instore

Visit a store with an instore travel bureau to collect your travel money on your next weekly shop.

In a hurry? You can now order and collect Euros, US Dollars, and Travel Money Card pre-paid orders in as little as 4 hours with our click and collect travel money service^.

Click and collect currency the same day at a Sainsbury’s Bank travel money bureau when you:

• Order Euros, US Dollars, or a Travel Money Card
• Place your order on a Monday to Friday, and
• Order at least 4hr before the bureau’s scheduled closure time

For orders made outside of this period, or for any other currency, you will be able to select your preferred collection date when placing your online order. 

Get your travel money card delivered to you

We’ll send your travel money card straight to you, with your PIN arriving separately for security.

Visit one of our bureaux 

We have stores with instore travel bureaux across the UK where you can pick up holiday money on the day.

Why use Sainsbury’s Bank for foreign currency  

• Wide range of currencies, including USD and EUR We offer over 50 different foreign currencies, so it’s easy to get the holiday money you need.
• Nectar Prices Nectar members get better exchange rates both online, on the phone and at our bureaux. See our Nectar member benefits .*
• Currency buy-back  Got holiday money left over when you get home? We’ll buy back most foreign currency, so you’re not out of pocket. 
• Pick up your travel money in one of our stores Within travel bureaux  across the UK, it’s convenient to pick up holiday money as you shop with Sainsbury’s Bank.
• Multiple ways to order and receive travel money Order online or by telephone, collect instore or receive holiday money by post – the choice is yours.
• 24/7 telephone assistance and online portal   Our team are on hand to help with your travel money card any time of the day or night, no matter where you are in the world. 
• Access to Western Union You can send an international money transfer instore with  Western Union Money Transfer® services .

Choose your foreign currency

From Euro and US Dollar to Swedish Krona and Japanese Yen, we have more than 50 foreign currencies from all over the world. 

Take a look at our most popular currencies.

Add to your travel money card to withdraw and spend on holiday.

US Dollar (USD)

Order by telephone and receive your travel money in the post.

Dirham (AED)

Order online for bureau collection or buy directly instore.

Turkish Lira (TRK)

Buy travel money at one of our bureaux de change.

Thai Baht (THB)

Order currency online and get free delivery over £400.

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Get a travel money card instore to use on holiday in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any administration fees.

No, we don't charge any administration fees when you order currency from us.

Will I be charged for using my credit/debit card?

No, we don’t charge any extra when you buy foreign currency by card.

Some card providers may charge a cash advance fee and interest for buying currencies. Cash advance fees will not show on your travel money order, but you’ll be able to see them on your card statement. If you’re not sure, you should check with your card issuer.

There is no cash advance fee when you use a Sainsbury’s Bank Credit Card. No interest will be charged, as long as the full outstanding balance on the credit card is cleared during the current billing cycle. If a balance remains on the account at the end of the billing cycle, interest will be charged and may apply to the currency purchased.

Do I get any benefits for being a Nectar member?

Yes, you do. If you tell us your Nectar card number when you place your order, we’ll give you a better exchange rate*. Not a Nectar member? Sign up today .

When will I receive my home delivery order?

You can select a specific working day delivery date up to seven days in advance. Please note Saturday deliveries are not guaranteed. Also, if you’ve chosen a Monday delivery, Royal Mail may try to deliver on Saturday.

The earliest day you’ll be able to select for delivery is:

What are the home delivery fees?

How much money can i order online.

Orders for collection at any Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Bureau or for home delivery are subject to a maximum value of £4,500 per person per day.

All home delivery orders are subject to a minimum value of £100** and a maximum of £2,500. There is no minimum order value for orders for collection at a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Bureau.

How long will my travel money card take to arrive?

We’ll send out your travel money card as soon as you order it, so it should be with you in three to five working days. You can also get a travel money card immediately at our bureaux if you need yours at short notice. 

Can I exchange unused travel money?

Yes, we can buy back your foreign currency. Just bring your unused currency back to a Sainsbury’s Bank travel money bureau and we’ll exchange it back to sterling. Please note that we can buy back notes but not coins. 

Can I pay using Apple Pay?

Yes, as long as the card issuer you are using is Maestro, Mastercard or VISA.

Terms and conditions

*Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.© You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction. No cash alternative is available. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

**You can order currency for a secure home delivery by 1pm on the day of your choice by Royal Mail (Mon- Sat). For next day delivery your order needs to be confirmed before 2pm (Mon- Fri). Please note that whilst Royal Mail make every effort to delivery on schedule, we cannot guarantee this as it is beyond our control. Highlands and Islands (including Channel Islands) are not guaranteed next day delivery. Delivery is free on all cash orders £400 or more (£4.99 for orders between £100 and £399.99). The minimum order for home delivery is £100. The delivery day quoted is dependent on the order day being a working day; if one of those days is a public holiday then additional day(s) will be added accordingly. All home delivery orders are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery, unless we advise you otherwise, to your billing address, and a signature will be required upon delivery. A valid telephone number is required for home delivery. ^For Euro, US Dollar and Travel Money Card only: If you selected same-day collection your order will be available 4 hours from the initial order confirmation email received or if your order was placed before 6 am then the earliest your order will be available to collect is from 10 am. Please allow at least 4 hours for your order to be processed. Remember to check the bureau opening hours before collecting your order.

If you selected tomorrow or a future date your order will be ready from 10 am on your chosen collection date. For all other currencies Your order will be available from 2.00 pm on your chosen collection date. Your order should be collected within 72 hours or will be subject to cancellation. Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Find more Terms & Conditions here

Nectar prices for Nectar members*

YOUR MONEY YOUR WAY

Travel money, hays travel foreign exchange, 4 great ways to buy your holiday money, click & collect.

Great rates & currency expertise come as standard with our Click & collect service & with no minimum spend, your holiday money is just a few clicks away. 

This brings the total quotes to £000.00

£000.00 for currency

£000.00 for Buy Back Guarantee

Guarantee Peace of mind when buying your currency from Hays Travel   

Save money on your unused currency with our Buyback Guarantee^

Return your unused currency for the same rate as you purchased it.   

Available on all currencies sold in cash.   

Available on multiple currency transactions   

Available Instore & online   

Terms & Conditions

^Please speak to one of our Hays Travel colleagues for the full Terms & Conditions of the Hays Travel Buy Back Guarantee. ^^In-branch rates will differ from our online rates. The rates displayed online are for currency banknotes pre-order only, and guaranteed if currency is collected before close of business on Thursday 5th September 2024.  ^^^Not all notes presented for buy back may be able to be exchanged, please ask our staff for more details. ^^^^Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.  ^^^^^Hays Travel Prepaid Currency Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Exchange Rates

Always great value and no minimum spend*

Travel Money Card

• Use anywhere Mastercard® prepaid is accepted worldwide.
• Carry less cash.
• Top up in 22 currencies including Euro, US Dollar, Australian Dollars and UAE Dirhams.
• Phone support available worldwide 24/7.
• Manage on the go via Hays Travel Currency Card App.

BUY YOUR HAYS TRAVEL MASTERCARD

The Hays Travel Money Card is the safe and easy way to take your money on holiday!

It is free to use in millions of locations worldwide where Mastercard Prepaid is accepted: including restaurants, bars, and shops when you spend in a currency loaded on the card.

This easy-to-use pre-paid card allows contactless transactions, chip and PIN, worldwide cash withdrawals wherever you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark, and also 24/7 phone support.

Take your money card with you on every holiday, simply top up and go!

• BUY IN BRANCH

WHY CHOOSE HAYS TRAVEL?

For your next departure, buy your holiday money from Hays Travel. Always commission free currency with competitive online and high street exchange rates.

• Wide selection of currencies available
• Hundreds of nationwide Hays Travel branches offering on-demand Foreign Exchange; buy from branch to receive high quality customer service from the travel experts or order online for convenient home delivery
• 0% commission when we buy and sell foreign currency

Home Delivery

Ordering currency from the comfort of you own home has never been easier, with our great rates & over 60 currencies to choose from as well as next day delivery why not choose your currency to be delivered to your doorstep? 

Holiday Money to your door

Order before 3pm for next working day home delivery via Royal Mail Special Delivery. *Customer must be home to sign for delivery. Over 60 currencies to select from. Free delivery on all orders £500 and over Convenient Saturday delivery available for no extra charge Minimum order value of £200 up to a maximum of £2500 Peace of mind, your local Hays Travel branch will buy back any leftover currency purchased through Hays Home Delivery commission free

Call Into a Branch

With over 400 branches to choose from arranging your holiday money has never been more convenient – Why not call into branch today where one of our experienced & Friendly Foreign Exchange Consultants will be on hand with our great rates, expert advice & fantastic service. 

Bank on our branches for your Holiday Money

Over 400 branches Nationwide - Use our branch locator to find your nearest Hays Travel branch.

A wide selection of currencies & Hays Travel Money Cards available Instantly in-store

Competitive high street rates and always commission free

Exotic Currency Ordering service – Over 70 currencies available to order

Buyback Guarantee – Save money on your leftover Currency.

All major currencies Bought Back Commission Free

Experienced & Friendly Staff instore

• FIND YOUR NEAREST BRANCH

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How to Avoid the New ‘Shoulder Season’ Crowds

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Traveling during peak season can be a drag. Visiting Europe in the summer, for example, means contending with higher prices, tight availability and throngs of fellow travelers.

That’s why many savvy travelers choose to vacation during “ shoulder seasons ” that lie between peak season and low season — spring and autumn for many destinations. Yet remote work and overcrowded peak seasons have increased the popularity of these shoulder seasons.

Take the Jersey Shore, a popular seaside destination in New Jersey, for example. This coastal region has seen a significant increase in visitors during the fall months, with October through December occupancy rates in 2023 up by as much as 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to a 2024 report from AirDNA, a short-term rental analytics firm. And it’s not the only place that’s getting more visitors outside of peak season.

Image courtesy of AirDNA.

As many destinations see more tourists spill into the shoulders, what’s the best way to avoid these offseason crowds?

Avoid trendy destinations

If everyone is zagging their travel plans, maybe it’s a good time to zig.

For example, Japan saw a huge influx of travelers this spring. The number of U.S. citizens departing for Japan in March through May of 2024 rose 17% compared with the same months in 2023, and jumped a whopping 41% compared with the same months in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration. Similarly, Greece saw nearly three times as many U.S. visitors from March through May in 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.

Closer to home, popular national parks have seen a surge in shoulder season crowds.

In Maine, “Acadia National Park, which was once highly seasonal with peak demand only in July and August, now sees high demand stretching from June through October,” Chloé Garlaschi, a communications manager for AirDNA, said in an email. “This trend is part of a broader shift where national park destinations are attracting visitors outside of their traditional peak periods.”

If everyone you know is talking about visiting Tokyo or Athens, Greece, maybe it’s worth researching locales that have seen fewer tourists in recent years. For example, Australia saw 27% fewer U.S. visitors in the spring months of 2024 compared with the same months in 2019. China, which has seen much less U.S. tourism since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, had 78% fewer U.S. visitors this spring compared with 2019.

Embrace the offbeat

Even within popular destinations, it’s possible to venture to offbeat locales with far fewer tourists. Most travelers to Japan visit the Eastern cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, but fewer venture inland to mountain towns such as Takayama, which boasts impressive temples and a quiet, quaint atmosphere. And few foreign tourists visit the island prefecture of Okinawa in Japan’s south, despite its warm weather and distinct culture from the mainland.

In the U.S., well-known national parks like Acadia (in Maine) and Yosemite (in California) may be popular during shoulder season. But lesser-known parks such as Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado or California’s Channel Islands National Park may see smaller crowds.

Avoid high prices

When demand for travel to a destination peaks, so do prices for airfare, accommodations and ground transportation. So looking for deals can save you money and help you avoid the most crowded spots.

According to data provided by Hopper, a travel booking platform, these destinations in the U.S. are seeing the biggest spike in flight booking demand this autumn:

Portland, Ore.

Salt Lake City.

San Jose, Calif.

Hawaii Island, Hawaii.

Spokane, Washington.

Lihue, Hawaii.

Indianapolis.

Portland, Maine.

Asheville, N.C.

Meanwhile, these international destinations are seeing the biggest price spikes:

Seoul, South Korea.

Athens, Greece.

Frankfurt, Germany.

Venice, Italy.

Lima, Peru.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bangalore, India.

Of course, just because a flight is expensive doesn’t mean the destination will be crowded, but it does provide a proxy for demand. These lists give a sense of which spots are hot even when the weather isn’t.

Know thy shoulder

Not all shoulder seasons follow the same pattern, so knowing the right time to travel to avoid crowds means more than just leaving in the spring or fall.

“In Phoenix and Scottsdale, [Arizona], we see an unconventional seasonal pattern,” Garlaschi said. “The peak season actually falls in February and March due to the mild winter climate.”

And keep in mind that, even though travel data show shoulder seasons getting more popular, crowds (and prices) will still be much lower during these off-peak periods. You don’t have to travel to the North Pole in winter to avoid overtourism.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Linda Sun, who worked for both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was accused of using her position to benefit the Chinese government.

New York Official Is Charged as Chinese Agent

Linda sun, a former aide to gov. kathy hochul, was charged with 10 criminal counts that included visa fraud, money laundering and other crimes..

“Linda, what do you have to say to the allegations?” “We have a lot of confidence in our case. A lot of the allegations in this indictment are, frankly, perplexing, overly inflammatory.”

By Hurubie Meko and William K. Rashbaum

In July 2021, six Nanjing-style salted ducks, prepared by a Chinese consulate official’s private chef, were delivered to the parents of an aide to New York’s then governor, Andrew M. Cuomo. About four months later, another six ducks arrived at their home. Another four months later, there were more salted ducks. Eight months after that: still more salted ducks.

Prosecutors say that the poultry shipments, described in a federal indictment unsealed Tuesday, were just a small part of a yearslong series of payoffs to the aide, Linda Sun , in exchange for actions that benefited the People’s Republic of China and its Communist Party. The 65-page indictment also described travel benefits, event tickets and the promotion of a close friend’s freight business with a headquarters in Queens.

Prosecutors say that Ms. Sun blocked Taiwanese officials from having access to the governor’s office, eliminated references to Taiwan from state communications and quashed meetings between Taiwanese officials and state leaders, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who succeeded Mr. Cuomo and who promoted Ms. Sun to deputy chief of staff.

She also ensured that state officials did not publicly address the persecution of Uyghurs, a primarily Muslim ethnic group that for more than a thousand years has lived in a region of what is now China, prosecutors said.

Ms. Sun, 40, was charged on Tuesday with 10 criminal counts that included visa fraud, money laundering and other crimes. Her husband, Chris Hu, 41, a businessman, is charged in the indictment with money laundering.

Both pleaded not guilty in federal court, were released on bond and were required to surrender their passports.

Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, who oversaw the investigation with the F.B.I., said in a statement that Ms. Sun betrayed the public trust.

“While appearing to serve the people of New York as deputy chief of staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP,” Mr. Peace said.

Linda Sun’s lawyer, Jarrod Schaeffer, said that Ms. Sun was looking forward to addressing the indictment in court. “Our client is understandably upset that these charges have been brought,” Mr. Schaeffer said.

The accusations, if true, would represent a brazen manipulation of New York State government at the highest level, covering several years of the administrations of Ms. Hochul and Mr. Cuomo, both Democrats.

Avi Small, the press secretary for Ms. Hochul, said that Ms. Sun “was hired by the executive chamber more than a decade ago,” adding that Hochul administration officials “immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process.”

He said that the administration “terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct.”

The charges are the latest in the Justice Department’s initiative — driven especially in recent years by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn — to stop efforts by the Chinese government to wield its influence secretly across the United States.

Last month, Shujun Wang, 75, a Queens man who billed himself as a democracy activist and scholar , was convicted in Brooklyn federal court of acting as a spy for the Chinese Communist Party. Last summer, prosecutors won a case in the same court against three men who stalked a family in New Jersey on behalf of the Chinese government . In another case, two men were accused of running a secret police station for China in a Lower Manhattan building.

The push by prosecutors comes as escalating tensions between the United States and China over wars, trade and technology have damaged their diplomatic relationship. China’s claims over portions of the South China Sea and the island of Taiwan have been bitterly disputed and were at the center of the allegations against Ms. Sun on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy, Liu Pengyu, said in a statement that he was not aware of the specific details of the case. He added: “But in recent years, the U.S. government and media have frequently hyped up the so-called ‘Chinese agents’ narratives, many of which have later been proven untrue. China requires its citizens overseas to comply with the laws and regulations of the host country, and we firmly oppose the groundlessly slandering and smearing targeting China.”

Ms. Sun served as a deputy chief of staff to Ms. Hochul after holding a series of state government positions. In those jobs, according to the indictment, she used her sway to steer state officials away from actions that could have implied support for Taiwan. Nationalists established their own government on the island in 1949 after a civil war, and the People’s Republic of China has laid claim to it ever since.

“No meeting please,” she wrote to an Assembly member who had invited the governor to meet with the ambassador of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. “Kindly decline. Do not want her to wade into this China/Taiwan sensitivity.”

Prosecutors also accused Ms. Sun of providing unauthorized invitation letters from the governor’s office to make it easier for Chinese government officials to travel to the United States and meet with state officials in New York.

She even arranged, without proper authorization, for Chinese government officials to receive official proclamations, formal framed documents that bear the state seal and the governor’s signature. While these declarations hold little real meaning, some foreign officials hold them in high esteem.

In 2019, Tsai Ing-wen, who was then president of Taiwan, stopped in New York City during a visit to the United States . The Chinese government was opposed to Ms. Tsai’s visit, even asking the United States government not to permit it.

Taiwanese officials invited Ms. Sun and Mr. Cuomo to a banquet, prosecutors said. However, Ms. Sun never forwarded the invitation and instead told the Taiwanese officials that Mr. Cuomo was hosting an activity day for staff members in the Catskills.

“I already blocked it,” Ms. Sun wrote to a Chinese government official, according to the indictment.

On the day of the banquet, Ms. Sun joined leaders of local Chinese associations in a protest in Manhattan against Ms. Tsai, according to prosecutors.

In 2021, federal prosecutors said, Ms. Sun allowed a Chinese government official to “shape the content” of public remarks by Ms. Hochul and ensured that she “did not publicly address the detention of Uyghurs in PRC state-run camps in Xinjiang Province.”

Among the benefits Ms. Sun received, according to the indictment, were the assistance with millions of dollars in transactions for China-based businesses tied to Mr. Hu; travel benefits; tickets to events such as a performance by the Chinese National Traditional Orchestra at Carnegie Hall; the promotion of the Queens freight business; and employment for Ms. Sun’s cousin in China.

Prosecutors say Ms. Sun and Mr. Hu laundered the money they received to buy, among other things, their $3.6 million, five-bedroom home on a cul-de-sac in Manhasset, on the North Shore of Long Island; a $1.9 million condominium in Honolulu; and luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari.

Six weeks ago, F.B.I. agents descended on the cul-de-sac in Manhasset and searched the couple’s house in an early-morning raid.

The indictment accuses Ms. Sun of failing to disclose benefits from the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party to the government in New York, as she was required to do under law.

Ms. Sun worked in state government for nearly 14 years, holding a variety of positions in the administrations of Mr. Cuomo and Ms. Hochul, according to her LinkedIn profile. She began in the legislative branch, working as chief of staff to an assemblywoman, Grace Meng, who is now a congresswoman.

Robert G. Ortt, the Senate Republican leader, said Tuesday that Ms. Sun’s employment had been “an alarming security failure” and asked for an investigation to establish who should be held accountable.

Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Mr. Cuomo, said Ms. Sun had held only minor positions when Mr. Cuomo was governor. “While Ms. Sun was promoted to deputy chief of staff in the subsequent administration, during our time she worked in a handful of agencies and was one of many community liaisons who had little to no interaction with the governor,” he said.

Ms. Sun held jobs focused on business development, Asian American affairs and diversity, equity and inclusion. She left Ms. Hochul’s executive chamber after roughly 15 months, moving on to a position at the New York Department of Labor in November 2022. Five months later, she left to serve as campaign manager for Austin Cheng, a Democrat who unsuccessfully ran for a congressional seat on Long Island.

Even after Ms. Sun was let go by the Labor Department in March 2023, she continued to attend public and professional Asian community events, falsely claiming to be the department’s deputy commissioner, according to the indictment. Ms. Sun apparently stopped doing so after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the Labor Department that August.

Ms. Sun’s husband, Mr. Hu, operates a liquor store in Flushing, Queens, called Leivine Wine & Spirits. Over the past decade, he has incorporated several other businesses, including a company he created in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic called Medical Supplies USA. He also created two other businesses, Golden Capital Group in 2016 and LCA Holdings in 2023, the nature of which could not be determined.

Outside Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday, lawyers for Ms. Sun and Mr. Hu addressed a pool of reporters, saying that they had confidence in the strength of the defense case.

“A number of the allegations in the indictment are, frankly, inflammatory, perplexing,” said Seth DuCharme, who represents Mr. Hu.

During the hearing, prosecutors described what they said was a complex set of evidence, much of it in Mandarin. Alex Solomon, an assistant U.S. attorney, said the couple “operated a multitude of shell entities,” including “more than 80 different accounts.”

“This is no ordinary financial fraud,” Mr. Solomon said.

Benjamin Oreskes , Jay Root and Olivia Bensimon contributed reporting.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of Linda Sun’s lawyer. It is Jarrod Schaeffer, not Jerrod Schaeffer.

An earlier version of this article misstated who was New York governor when salted ducks were delivered to the parents of an aide to the governor. It was Andrew M. Cuomo, not Kathy Hochul; Ms. Hochul became governor the following month.

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Hurubie Meko is a Times reporter covering the New York Police Department and criminal justice in the New York region. More about Hurubie Meko

William K. Rashbaum is a Times reporter covering municipal and political corruption, the courts and broader law enforcement topics in New York. More about William K. Rashbaum

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