Good morning from Carol in the UK: We visit TV regularly, and have an account with Citizens Bank. I do my sterling/dollar exchange through an online currency exchange company called UKForex - I'm pretty sure you will find something similar out there. The downside for you is that you would need a sterling account for them to pay the money into, then you can use an ordinary bank card when in the UK. It might be a lot of trouble for a one-off trip, but for people visiting the UK regularly, it's very good. It's easy to set up your account, you will always get a MUCH better rate for your money (and of course, as has been said - this is the time to do it, when the exchange rate is favourable to you!)

I noted the tipping advice from someone else - absolutely right! Our tipping culture is not the same as yours: wages are generally higher in the service industry, and you can be sure that the establishment you are visiting, or service you are using has already hiked the price in the first place. A ten percent tip is more than enough from you generous Americans, and the receiver will be pleasantly surprised.

Hope you have a great time when you are over here :welcome:

- pity we can't meet up and do our own exchange deal!!