change pound sterling into dop b4 arrival

[essexboy]

hi guys
normally i get 60 peso to the pound but at the moment its 65 and wanted to know is there a way i could change it up now in the dominican b4 i arrive?
if i changed up some pounds now i would get an extra 15000 pesos
maybe i could send it to rick or wickedwillie so i could get that rate?
if i change it in the uk the most i can get is 62 to the pound
anyone have any ideas how to get around it so i can get the great rate now?
cheers EB

[weyland]

hi guys
normally i get 60 peso to the pound but at the moment its 65 and wanted to know is there a way i could change it up now in the dominican b4 i arrive?
if i changed 3000 pound up now i would get an extra 15000 pesos
maybe i could send it to rick or wickedwillie so i could get that rate?
if i change it in the uk the most i can get is 62 to the pound
anyone have any ideas how to get around it so i can get the great rate now?
cheers EB
Yahoo quotes the mid-rate today at 65.26

What makes you think it won't improve even more by the time you arrive?

The main issue here is not the fluctuating exchange rate. That has been over 60 for almost a year. It is the the commission the banks and exchanges in the UK charge. On Monday, if I get the chance, I will call into RUSA in Pto Pta and see what they are offering for sterling.

[essexboy]

Yahoo quotes the mid-rate today at 65.26

What makes you think it won't improve even more by the time you arrive?

The main issue here is not the fluctuating exchange rate. That has been over 60 for almost a year. It is the the commission the banks and exchanges in the UK charge. On Monday, if I get the chance, I will call into RUSA in Pto Pta and see what they are offering for sterling.

thanks a lot mate
i will b there in 6 weeks and everytime i go away the pound always drops lol
thats why i want to do it now i dont see it going over 65

[wreckless]

Change your money into US dollars now, Thomasglobalexchange will give you 1.55 to the dollar.They do not charge a commision. When you get to the DR change it into pesos. It is 41. something now which will give you close to 64 to 1.

[weyland]

everytime i go away the pound always drops

They obviously don't trust Osborne to run the economy properly without you around to advise him.

[essexboy]

Change your money into US dollars now, Thomasglobalexchange will give you 1.55 to the dollar.They do not charge a commision. When you get to the DR change it into pesos. It is 41. something now which will give you close to 64 to 1.

thanks mate i will have a look now and maybe order the dollars

[essexboy]

just to ask if i order dollars what is the best dollar bills to take with me to change it up in the dr please?
what is the biggest note a 50 or 100 dollar bill?
cheers

[weyland]

thanks mate i will have a look now and maybe order 6000 dollars
I have always seen advice to change into US dollars and never believed that paying two lots of commission for currency exchange could work out cheaper than paying once. Please keep a note of the figures and post them here. It will be interesting to see if it works out better than changing straight from sterling. I remember on UK member (maybe Thunderstar?) did the match and found that it didn't.

[essexboy]

I have always seen advice to change into US dollars and never believed that paying two lots of commission for currency exchange could work out cheaper than paying once. Please keep a note of the figures and post them here. It will be interesting to see if it works out better than changing straight from sterling. I remember on UK member (maybe Thunderstar?) did the match and found that it didn't.

i changed into dollars last night it cost me a lot pounds at 1,554 the exchange
if i get 41 to the dollar when i arrive it means i got 64 to the pound
i will see in 6 weeks lol
thanks for all your help everyone

[dquick]

I have always seen advice to change into US dollars and never believed that paying two lots of commission for currency exchange could work out cheaper than paying once. Please keep a note of the figures and post them here. It will be interesting to see if it works out better than changing straight from sterling. I remember on UK member (maybe Thunderstar?) did the match and found that it didn't.

Actually, US Dollars are always the best bet when traveling internationally. I once carried Canadian Dollars to the DR, when the Canadian dollar was worth more than the US. In DR, I got a lower exchange rate, than guys with US, even though my Canadian dollars were worth more. It was the same at all the exchange places.

I never carried Canadian dollars to DR again.

[sporthobbyist]

Actually, US Dollars are always the best bet when traveling internationally. I once carried Canadian Dollars to the DR, when the Canadian dollar was worth more than the US. In DR, I got a lower exchange rate, than guys with US, even though my Canadian dollars were worth more. It was the same at all the exchange places.

I never carried Canadian dollars to DR again.

Agreed! Unless you are going to Cuba!!:rofl:or Madrid(fucking thieves!!!)

[wreckless]

I have always seen advice to change into US dollars and never believed that paying two lots of commission for currency exchange could work out cheaper than paying once. Please keep a note of the figures and post them here. It will be interesting to see if it works out better than changing straight from sterling. I remember on UK member (maybe Thunderstar?) did the match and found that it didn't.

I left the DR a few days ago which meant i got the 64-1 rate using the method i have mentioned. I paid no commision plus i did my research and got the best rate for changing sterling into dollars.

[essexboy]

just had confirmation my dollars will be with me on wednesday
quick question i always change my pounds up in western union in sosua as they give the best rate is it the best place to change dollars up in sosua as well?
cheers EB

[JD426]

Western Union is the best place but the Lines are incredibly LONG sometimes.. I have walked out 2 x already. just not worth the wait. UNLESS, you are exchanging LARGE amounts, then YES, this is your best option.. you do NOT want to be exchaning that kind of dollar amount on the street , IMO.
We use the street guys to do like $100- 500 ? , maybe some guys do larger amounts, but I never go over that in one transaction.. My theory is if I get Pickpocketed, I can take the hit. but if you do all your $ at one time, you have to take percautions.
.. The Playero Super Mercado always had a great rate & treated me fair, almost = to Western Union, but very recently someone said they wont just straight up change $ any more ? . Not sure if thats true. I would buy a bottle of water and literally change $500 USD, and they never questioned it . I heard for large Dollar amounts they would take you off to the side, for more privacy.
.. I think in your case with 7K , the safest bet is western Union, and just deal with the wait.. there is always an armed security guard there also. Maybe break it down into 2- 3 transactions.. Eventhough its relatively Safe, thats a lot of money and may be just too tempting for someone. Obviously dont take out your $ til you are at the window.
I'm not an expert at this .. but i dont get cheated eather..

[essexboy]

Western Union is the best place but the Lines are incredibly LONG sometimes.. I have walked out 2 x already. just not worth the wait. UNLESS, you are exchanging LARGE amounts, then YES, this is your best option.. you do NOT want to be exchaning that kind of dollar amount on the street , IMO.
We use the street guys to do like $100- 500 ? , maybe some guys do larger amounts, but I never go over that in one transaction.. My theory is if I get Pickpocketed, I can take the hit. but if you do all your $ at one time, you have to take percautions.
.. The Playero Super Mercado always had a great rate & treated me fair, almost = to Western Union, but very recently someone said they wont just straight up change $ any more ? . Not sure if thats true. I would buy a bottle of water and literally change $500 USD, and they never questioned it . I heard for large Dollar amounts they would take you off to the side, for more privacy.
.. I think in your case with 7K , the safest bet is western Union, and just deal with the wait.. there is always an armed security guard there also. Maybe break it down into 2- 3 transactions.. Eventhough its relatively Safe, thats a lot of money and may be just too tempting for someone. Obviously dont take out your $ til you are at the window.
I'm not an expert at this .. but i dont get cheated eather..

thanks a lot mate
the last 2 times i changed quite a lot on arrival and your right about the lines can be long but worth it when changing big amounts
i will do the same this time and go with wickedwillie in his car for protection lol

[MrHappy]

It's a good idea not to mention how much money you'll be carrying. That could cause you problems. :wink:

[essexboy]

cheers mr happy will do

[essexboy]

might keep my dollars for my thailand trip and use atm now in dr after thinking about it

[weyland]

i changed into dollars last night it cost me a lot pounds at 1,554 the exchange
if i get 41 to the dollar when i arrive it means i got 64 to the pound
i will see in 6 weeks lol
thanks for all your help everyone
Yes, looks like you are right. RUSA are giving 63 today so you gain 1.5% doing it your way.

Personally I wouldn't want to carry or stash large sums. I always used my bank card even though I paid more in commission.

Your method works in the DR because this country is awash with money that needs laundering. That is why the money changers can give you the mid-rate without charging any commission. I cannot see how it could work in a more rigorous economy, though.

[Apos]

I'm not sure about what difference changing pounds might make compared to Canadian dollars but by changing CAD to USD before a trip I save upwards to 6% depending on the current relationship between currencies.

Of course using the ATM is almost as good most of the time even figuring in fees but one runs the risk of losing your card or not getting cash from the machine...which happens just enough to be a pain in the ass. The current workaround of using the ATM in Rocky's works well for US and Canadian guys though. Not sure if it would be advantages for those dealing in pounds. perhaps Rick or Jesse can share an opinion.

[essexboy]

I'm not sure about what difference changing pounds might make compared to Canadian dollars but by changing CAD to USD before a trip I save upwards to 6% depending on the current relationship between currencies.

Of course using the ATM is almost as good most of the time even figuring in fees but one runs the risk of losing your card or not getting cash from the machine...which happens just enough to be a pain in the ass. The current workaround of using the ATM in Rocky's works well for US and Canadian guys though. Not sure if it would be advantages for those dealing in pounds. perhaps Rick or Jesse can share an opinion.

cheers mate
i dont get charged for using my atm abroad but always worry about the machine taking it
will go and see rick see if he can do the same with a uk card

[MrHappy]

cheers mate
i dont get charged for using my atm abroad but always worry about the machine taking it
will go and see rick see if he can do the same with a uk card

You may want to check with your bank to see if you can get an extra card. I always have two, and I keep thinking that's why the ATM's never eat my card.... it would be a waste of time for them....LOL