barrhead travel currency buy back

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Currency buyback

What is currency buyback.

If you’ve come back from your holiday with some spare cash, take it to a Post Office branch that deals in foreign currency and we’ll buy it back from you.

If your holiday’s been cancelled and you bought your currency from us, you can get a 100% refund within 28 days of purchase with our refund guarantee .

Calculate how much you’ll get back

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You will receive:

Today’s online rate:

Rates may vary by branch. This rate is for guidance only.  T&Cs apply .

How does currency buyback work?

Pop in to see us.

Find a branch  that sells travel money and pop in with your leftover foreign cash.

Sell us your cash

More than 2,500 branches can buy your travel money back without seeing a purchase receipt (but smaller ones will need to).

You’re done!

Pay cash straight into your UK Bank account at the counter. You can save yourself a couple of trips in future with a  Travel Money Card , allowing you to swap between currencies.

Thinking of going away again?

If you need travel money, you’ve got loads of options with Post Office.

Order online for great rates and 0% commission

Collect US dollars and euros within 2 hours

Get next-day collection on other currencies

Or choose to have your currency delivered to your home the next day

For added ease and security, get a Travel Money Card

Our Travel Money Card holds 22 currencies and can be used anywhere you see the Mastercard® sign, including with contactless

Order travel money

Ready to get your holiday cash sorted?

Need some help?

Travel money help and support.

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

Visit our travel money support page

Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DF, (Financial Services Register No. 900412). Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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Currency Buy Back at Barrhead Travel

Bought all your souvenirs and have foreign currency left? Don't worry, Barrhead Travel give you a preferential exchange rate to change it back!

It's even easier now with their new partnership with No1 Currency. Simply secure the best rate online ( Barrheadtravel.com ) and sell your currency in store.

They'll even give you a 2 day exchange rate guarantee* on all currencies to exchange your leftover currency into pounds.

Why not visit us in-store to find out more!

*T&Cs apply.

Store Details

For 43 years, Barrhead Travel has been helping people to plan their perfect trips. We’re the experts – the UK’s leading independent British travel agents, with an array of awards to our name. We’re dedicated to providing you with the best prices, impartial advice and the widest variety of holidays, combined with top-notch customer service.

Barrhead Travel has exclusive holiday products that you won’t find anywhere else, so let us help you to plan your next journey, no matter where in the world you want to go. Where can Barrhead Travel take you to next?

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How to compare currency buyback exchange rates

Enter your currency and amount.

Tell us how much travel money you have to sell and which currency you need to exchange .

Compare your options

Use our comparison tables to compare different firms and check their fees and charges to find the best currency buy back deal.

Choose delivery mode

If you send the money by post, you may have to pay for recorded delivery, so take the extra cost into account when making your choice.

How to get the best rates when selling foreign currency

If you have euros, dollars or other currencies left over from a trip abroad, you can sell them to a currency buy-back service that will convert them into pounds. 

When you sell foreign currency, you get a buy-back rate from your chosen provider, which tells you how many pounds you can get for your unwanted travel money. 

For example, if the best euro buy-back rate available is 0.85, you will get 85p for every euro you sell.

But to find the right deal, you need to look beyond the best currency buy back rates.

Delivery costs, fees, and commissions also affect how much you receive, so work out what you'll get back in pounds after any expenses when you sell travel money.

Source: Money.co.uk currency buyback data for 2022

Currency buy-back FAQs

Where can you find the best travel money buy-back rate.

You can look for the best currency buy-back rates on the high street, but you could miss out if you ignore what’s available online. Use this comparison to check currency buy back rates including the best euro buy back rate from our selection of online providers. 

Rates may differ due to the fluctuating nature of currency exchange, so for the latest rate, please check with the provider.

What does it cost to sell currency online?

The costs you incur when you sell travel money can vary widely. So, you need to factor in:

The exchange rate:  choosing the highest foreign currency buy back rate available should help to ensure you get the best possible deal

Any delivery costs:  you will usually have to pay to send your cash to the buy-back provider

Some providers do not guarantee currency buy-back rates before you send your money to them, which could affect the amount you get back.

You can use any of the providers in this comparison to sell euros or other foreign currencies and exchange them back into pounds.

Here is more information on dealing with leftover currency

Can I sell any foreign currency?

No. You can sell euros, dollars, and other common currencies, but buy back services are not available for all currencies. Check with providers to make sure you can exchange your money, then compare rates and charges to find the best deal.

Can I swap my foreign currency into another?

Yes, if the travel money provider you choose allows it, you can exchange one currency for another; you could, for example, switch euros to US dollars.

Am I guaranteed to get the rate I see online?

Not always. Check the terms and conditions when comparing rates online – some currency buy back providers only agree a rate once they receive your money, which could make a big difference to how much you receive.

Can I send coins to be exchanged?

No, only notes are accepted, and some providers only take specific denominations, so it’s also worth checking this when choosing where to exchange any unused currency.

Can I exchange multiple currencies at once?

Yes. Provided the currency exchange you've chosen accepts all of them, you can swap more than one currency at a time. 

How long do I have until my foreign currency goes out of date?

This depends on the currency. 

US dollars never go out of date, while other countries periodically 'expire' older bank notes.

In many cases, they will still be accepted anyway. For example, new  euro notes  were introduced between 2013 and 2019, but the old versions have retained their value and can be exchanged. 

Turkish lira  from before 2005, however, is no longer accepted by businesses including foreign currency buy back services.

About our comparisons

Who do we include in this comparison.

We include every company that gives you the option of buying euros online. Discover  how our website works .

How do we make money from our comparison?

We have commercial agreements with some of the companies in this comparison. We get paid a commission if we help you take out one of their products or services.  Find out more here .

You do not pay any extra and the deal you get is not affected.

Learn more about travel money

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5 tips to make the most of your travel money

Exchanging your money is one of those holiday admin tasks that has to be done. While it might seem like a straightforward task, there are a few things to consider to ensure that your holiday budget will go far. Here are our top 5 tips on making the most of your travel money.

1. Exchange your money in advance

Unless you’re visiting a country with a closed currency (meaning, you physically can’t get the notes and coins outside the country) then it’s always cheaper to get your money in advance. And this includes exchanging your money before the airport, where profit margins and commission are typically much higher.

2. Use a credit card rather than debit card abroad

Generally, it’s still cheaper to withdraw from an ATM via a credit card rather than debit card. However, you should shop around for a good one. We also recommend logging into your internet banking while abroad and paying off the balance as soon as you can.

3. Book your car hire in advance too

This is something that you will likely pay a premium price for when you are abroad, so book it in advance. We work with several car hire companies and can work it into your itinerary.

4. Remember your travel insurance

Travel insurance is one of those things that feels like an extra at the time, but if you’ve ever needed it – you know it’s worth organising. Don’t skip it.

5. Exchange your money back once you’re home

A lot of people like to hold onto their holiday money as a souvenir, which is great if you arrived home with only a few coins to spare. But if you’ve returned with several notes than we can buy your currency back. Sometimes if the exchange rate is good you can actually receive a surplus!

P.S. Remember to read our other money-related blogs: tipping in 20 different countries and 7 ways to eat for less on holiday .

Foreign Currency at Barrhead Travel

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The suitcase is packed, the passports are looked out and it’s time to get your spending money.

Barrhead Travel is the perfect place to get your foreign currency, take advantage of these incredible offers;

• No commission
• 50+ currencies
• Competitive rates

Why not visit them in store to find out more!?

Leftover Currency? They’ve got you covered.

Bought all your souvenirs and have foreign currency left? Don’t worry, they’ll give you a preferential exchange rate to change it back!

It’s even easier now with their new partnership with No1 Currency. Simply secure their best rate online and sell your currency in store.

They’ll even give you a 2 day exchange rate guarantee* on all currencies to exchange your leftover currency into pounds.

Why not visit them in-store to find out more!

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Order Travel Money

Get next-day delivery on travel money before your next trip.

Log in to order travel money

You can do this online

• Order online by 3pm for free next working day delivery at home or collection  from a branch .
• Get a wide range of currencies, including popular ones like U.S. dollars and euros.
• No hidden fees and preferential rates with a Platinum account .

You need a Bank of Scotland current or savings account, and Internet Banking access.

View delivery timescales and cut-off times

How to do it

We'll take it step by step.

Mobile Banking app guide expandable section

Internet banking guide expandable section.

• Log in and go to the  Other services  menu on the left. Select  Travel money .
• Select the currency you'd like to buy. Then enter the amount you want.
• Review your quote. If you're happy, select delivery type.
• Choose your delivery option. We can send your order to your home address. Or you can collect it from a branch of your choice.
• Select your payment option on the payment details page.
• Confirm you’ve read the terms and conditions. Then select  Confirm order .
• Once completed, you'll see a success message. Your order will then be ready for you, as  explained here . 
• Log in and select the  more menu from your account. Then choose  Order travel money .
• Review your quote. If you're happy, choose  Select delivery .
• Select your delivery option. We can send your order to your home address. Or you can collect it from a branch of your choice.
• Choose your payment option on the payment details page.
• Once completed, you'll see a success message with your order reference number. Your order will then be ready for you, as  explained here . 

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If you don't bank online expandable section

You can visit your  nearest branch  to buy travel money. If you need travel money fast, you can get euros and U.S. dollars instantly over the counter.

At the moment, you can't order travel money by phone. 

A look at the details

How much you can order expandable section.

The minimum amount you can order is £200 and the maximum is £3,000. You can make multiple orders, up to the value of £7500 in a single day.

We'll provide your order in whatever denominations are available. For example, if you order $500 you may receive this in any combination of notes.

Where we deliver to expandable section

We can deliver your travel money to your home address. This must be in the British mainland or Northern Ireland.

We use Royal Mail First Class signed for delivery. The delivery needs a signature.

You can also have your order delivered to your local branch and collect it from there.

You can't collect travel money or sell it back at a counter-free branch.

Delivery timescales expandable section

For home delivery.

Place your order by 3pm on a working day for next-day delivery. Home delivery will take place before 1pm on the next working day. The delivery needs a signature.

If you place an order after this time, delivery will take place on the second working day. For example, if you order on a Saturday, delivery takes place on Tuesday.

To collect from a branch

Place your order by 3pm on a working day for next-day collection. You can collect your order from your chosen branch after 1pm on the next working day. 

If you place an order after this time, you can collect it on the second working day. For example, if you order on a Saturday, the money will be available on Tuesday.

Cut-off times and working days

Next-day delivery cut-off times apply to working days. Working days are Monday to Friday. Saturday, Sunday, bank and public holidays are not working days.  If Monday is a bank holiday, delivery will take place on the next working day.

If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or a remote area, delivery may take longer.

Please note – once you’ve confirmed your order, we can’t change your delivery address or day.

Fees and commission expandable section

No, we don’t charge commission and there are no fees. Deliveries to your home address or a Bank of Scotland branch are completely free of charge.

What to do with unused travel money expandable section

You can take leftover travel money to one of our branches with a counter service . We’ll buy them back from you based on the exchange rate on that day. This rate may have changed since you bought your travel money. If the amount is too low, we won't be able to buy it back. We may not be able to buy back some currencies or Travellers' Cheques.

If you change your mind expandable section

You can’t cancel your order once you’ve confirmed it. You can exchange your money back to Pounds Sterling (GBP) at one of our branches with a counter service once you’ve received it.

Orders sent to a branch are kept there for 10 working days after the delivery date. After that date we'll cancel your order and return it to the processing centre.

We refund cancelled and returned orders at the buy-back exchange rate of the day we process them.

Important information about travel money

We send home delivery orders using Royal Mail Special Delivery . Royal Mail’s Special Delivery conditions apply. Copies of these are available from Royal Mail on request.

Different timescales may apply to Scotland and Northern Ireland. We may not be able to guarantee deliveries to certain remote areas within the United Kingdom. We can only deliver to the British mainland and Northern Ireland and it must be to the cardholder’s billing address.

Orders sent to a branch are kept there for 10 working days from the delivery date you chose. After that date we'll cancel your order and return it to the processing centre.

We refund cancelled and returned orders at the buy-back exchange rate of the day we process them. This means you'll usually receive back less than you originally paid. Refunds can take up to two weeks to reach your account. If you would like an immediate refund please visit a branch.

We may stop buying back certain foreign currency bank notes and travellers cheques at any time and without notice.

The Internet Banking service is generally available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There may be periods when it isn’t available because of routine maintenance .

Make sure you're set before you go abroad.

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Traveling Internationally? Order Foreign Currency Before You Go

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Upon landing in a foreign country, expect a lot of lines. There’s immigration, passport control and customs inspection. But there’s one line you can — and absolutely should — skip: the airport currency exchange.

Not only does the airport currency exchange counter’s line cut into precious time abroad, but it’s typically a terrible money move. Airport currency exchange rates are among the worst you’ll find.

It’s not uncommon to see airport exchanges charging 14% more than the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) exchange rate. NerdWallet even found some premiums exceeding 17%. Some also charge additional fees on top of the poor exchange rate.

So what do you do if you need cash upon arrival to order a cab or tip the bellhop? Consider ordering foreign currency before you fly.

Most banks allow you to order foreign currencies, which you can typically pick up at a local branch before your trip. Some banks offer to ship currencies to you, and sometimes they don’t even charge extra for postage if you order a certain amount.

Plus, the exchange rate can be good. For instance, at Bank of America, the exchange rates we checked in January 2024 average roughly 6% more than the IMF rates — and less than half of what the airport currency exchanges are charging.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

How to order foreign currency from your bank

While the exact process varies by bank, most major banks make it easy to order online.

Typically you can access the currency exchange webpage through your bank’s website or mobile app, or by phone. From there, you usually enter the currency you need, add the desired amount, select the pickup method and place your order.

While you can generally expect a solid exchange rate, use a trusted source such as Reuters or the International Monetary Fund to find current exchange rates and ensure you get a fair deal.

Additionally, understand all the fees involved. For example, Citi charges a $5 service fee for transactions under $1,000, though it’s waived for clients with premium bank accounts .

Or you might get charged a shipping fee. Bank of America’s standard shipping costs $7.50, but overnight shipping is $20. Sometimes you can avoid shipping fees by opting to pick up the cash at a local branch or by being a loyal customer. Bank of America Preferred Rewards program members get free standard shipping.

There’s also generally a minimum amount of foreign currency you can order ($100 or $200 is common) and a maximum ($10,000 within a 30-day period is common).

Other good ways to pay abroad

If it’s too late to order foreign currency from your bank, here are other ways to curtail currency fees :

Find an in-network ATM abroad

Major banks usually have branches abroad or partner with other banks to create a network. Using those ATMs often provides a decent exchange rate while eliminating out-of-network ATM fees.

If you end up using a non-network ATM, pay attention to ATM fees , which vary but usually run about $5 per transaction. Given that, consider limiting ATM debit transactions by withdrawing the amount you think you’ll need for the entire trip, or at least a large portion of it.

ATM availability is more common in some places than others. Macau has the highest number of ATMs per capita with 316 ATMs per 100,000 adults, based on 2021 data from the World Bank Group. Uruguay, Canada and Austria are other destinations with the most ATMs per capita.

But other countries tend to have far fewer. For example, Kenya had fewer than 7 ATMs per 100,000 adults and Nepal had only 20 ATMs per 100,000 adults, according to the same data.

Pay with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees

Depending on the card, you might get dinged with foreign transaction fees of 1%-3% when you make purchases at non-U.S. retailers abroad.

That’s why it’s wise to carry a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card abroad.

on Chase's website

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. .

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. .

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. .

» Learn more: The best no-foreign-transaction-fee cards

And more international merchants are taking plastic. This wider card acceptance and increased security are reasons travelers are ditching cash, according to the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study 2023, which polled more than 15,000 people in the Asian Pacific region between April and June 2023.

While this type of card won’t help you pay at cash-only businesses or get money for tips, it’s otherwise one of the smartest ways to pay internationally.

» Frequent travelers: Consider a multicurrency account

Try paying in cash dollars

If all else fails, offer to pay in U.S. dollars. In fact, some merchants or individuals accepting tips prefer it in certain countries. You might find vendors willing to give you an even better deal if you pay with U.S. dollars.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

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

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On a similar note...

What to know before exchanging currency for an international trip

Editor's Note

Whether you're making your way to Morocco or escaping everything in Thailand , successful globe-trotting requires a smart approach to avoiding extra fees when you make purchases. While you can make sure you have a card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, know that your card can't cover everything. Whether you find yourself in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with no credit card payment terminal or you're hoping to tip the service staff at your hotel , you're going to need some cash. Here are four currency exchange tips to help you get the best deal on those dollars, yen, rand or whatever you're putting in your wallet.

1. Avoid airport kiosks

While exchanging currency at the airport is convenient, it comes with an extra cost. Those kiosks you see in high-profile locations in airport terminals pay huge rents and to make money they either charge you a significantly lower rate than the market rate or charge a sizable "transaction fee" — or both.

Multicurrency ATMs at U.K. airports that can dispense pounds, euro and U.S. dollars are also likely to give you an awful rate in exchange for this convenience.

If you do want to exchange cash before you leave, shop around for locations in towns and cities that are less convenient, but where there is more competition. A low-rent corner shop that advertises money exchange may be able to do a great rate for you. If you see a hole-in-the-wall exchange place with a queue down the road, they may have great rates too.

In general though, note that it is likely you will receive a better rate at your destination for your dollars even at an expensive but convenient airport kiosk. Ideally, try and find somewhere in a town or city at your destination rather than at an airport as they are likely to provide even better rates.

2. Plan ahead

If you are exchanging large amounts of money either before you go or at your destination, you may need to order it in advance. That booth on the high street may not have thousands of dollars of a certain currency on hand each day waiting for a big exchange to come in.

The more obscure the currency, the less actual currency the exchange operator is likely to have on hand. They might have thousands of U.S. dollars or euro, but New Zealand dollars or Mexican pesos may be required to be ordered.

For large amounts, especially if they are less common currencies, place an order at least a few days in advance to ensure you can pick up as much as you need. You'll probably be able to lock in the exchange rate then and there.

Related: How to avoid hidden costs when traveling

3. Your bank may reward you

If you want to exchange currency before a trip abroad, consider the rates at your local bank (though of course shop around, as discussed above). If you are comparing this to a high street exchange kiosk that has a slightly lower rate but does charge a transaction or service fee, you may still come out on top.

Related: Should you use a credit card to withdraw cash while traveling?

4. Know your ATM options

No matter how well you plan ahead, it's easy to find yourself in a cash crunch. If you do, don't just wander to the ATM on the next corner. Be prepared and know whether your bank has a network of partner institutions where you can save on costly ATM fees.

If you have an account with an international bank like HSBC or Santander, your account may be eligible for free ATM withdrawals in foreign currency at your bank's branded ATM anywhere in the world.

Just be absolutely sure you are aware of the fees and limits of this option before blindly withdrawing cash as you may be stung with multiple fees if you aren't certain of what you can do for free.

Bottom line

Exchanging cash before traveling can be a bit of a minefield with bad rates and high fees commonplace. Ideally use a no foreign transaction fee card to pay for purchases abroad as much as possible, so you don't have to exchange the cash in the first place or handle a foreign currency throughout your trip.

Where you must have cash, do your homework, shop around and try and get a rate as close to the market rate as possible.

Additional reporting by Ben Smithson.

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Barrhead Travel exchange rates: What you need to know

Jan 2, 2019

Barrhead Travel , Exchange Rates , Travel Money , UK

CurrencyFees » Fee Guides » Barrhead Travel exchange rates: What you need to know

Barrhead Travel offers a convenient way to buy a multitude of different currencies. However, foreign exchange rates represent a major pricing point and there is often little clarity around them. We researched Barrhead Travel’s travel money exchange rates to provide you a table showcasing their currency rate spread. Hopefully we can help you save money on your holidays.

Barrhead Travel exchange rates: Information and tips

Know the latest interbank exchange rate for your currency pairs.

The interbank rate (also called mid-market rate) is the midpoint between the buy price and sell price of two currencies on the currency markets. Barrhead Travel does not offer the interbank rate but instead adds a margin to it, which makes the foreign currency transaction more expensive for you. Before using Barrhead Travel for your travel money needs, make sure to know the current interbank exchange rate. That way, you’ll be able to calculate FX losses on the currency conversion. You can find the latest interbank rates using our currency converter.

How to calculate exchange rate loss

Here’s what you need to do in order to determine how much Barrhead Travel’s travel money exchange rate spread is going to cost you:

• Find the current interbank rate for your currencies using our currency converter
• Multiply your original amount by the current interbank rate
• Multiply your original amount by the exchange rate Barrhead Travel offers
• Subtract the first amount from the second amount
• This is the amount you’ll lose through currency conversion with Barrhead Travel

Order your currency online and in advance

Ordering your foreign currency before your trip allows you to compare with rates and fees of other providers. Ordering it online also is usually much cheaper than buying currency at the airport or on arrival to your holiday destination. Make sure to always compare exchange rates before finalising an order.

For the best exchange rates, we highly recommend TransferWise . Enjoy your first transfer for free on transfers up to £500.

Barrhead Travel exchange rate research

The exchange rate spreads below are for ordering foreign currency online. Rates on other services might differ. Those exchange rate margins are indicative at the time of research. Use the Barrhead Travel currency converter or visit the nearest branch to get the latest rates.

How we collect our data & advertiser disclosure

Barrhead Travel’s exchange rate was collected from Barrhead Travel’s website on 09/11/2018. Interbank rates collected from x-rates.com on 09/11/2018. The information displayed on this site is subject to change at any time and we do not guarantee 100% accuracy of the information. For the today’s rates, visit Barrhead Travel’s website, contact Barrhead Travel’s customer support or log into your online banking and search for their exchange rate calculator. Currencyfees.com is not liable for any financial decisions based on the above information. Currencyfees.com is supported by referral compensations by some of the companies listed in our articles.

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