Buy British pounds (GBP) online
Reserve your British pounds online to automatically benefit from exclusive exchange rates and 0% commission. Choose one of our 18 branches in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Segovia and collect your GBP free of charge from the following day.
Want to avoid carrying cash during your stay in the UK or prefer to pay by card? Our free virtual travel card is the solution you need!
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Currency |
British pound (GBP, £) |
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Commission on online reservations |
0 % |
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Collection |
Free from 18 branches in Spain |
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Payment |
At the branch, by card or in cash |
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Leftover pounds |
BuyBack guarantee: €6.95 |
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Cash-free option |
Travel costs to consider before travelling to the UK
ETA
£20 per person, including children and babies. Spanish citizens must apply before travelling to the UK via the official UK ETA website or app.
London transport
From £1.75 per bus journey. On the Underground, you can pay directly with a contactless card or mobile device and benefit from daily fare caps depending on the zones travelled through.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but it may be expected in restaurants, pubs with table service, taxis and some other services. Check whether a service charge has already been included in your bill before adding a tip.
Service charge
Restaurants and pubs often add a service charge of between 10% and 15%. Keep this in mind when calculating the final cost of your meal.
Paying by card in the UK
If the card machine gives you the option to pay in euros or pounds, always choose pounds. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is usually more expensive.
Check your bank's fees for card payments in foreign currencies and cash withdrawals.
Hotels and car rental companies may place a deposit or pre-authorisation on a credit card, so make sure you have one available.
To make card payments during your stay in the UK while benefiting from competitive exchange rates and avoiding hidden costs, don't forget to apply for your Travel Money Card. Our completely free virtual multi-currency card is ideal for spending abroad.
Get your GBP at the best exchange rate with our multi-currency card
This card is issued without any funds loaded. It can be topped up once activated.
How much cash should you take to the UK?
Although most payments in the UK are made by card, it is still useful to carry some cash, especially for:
- Shopping at the many markets, particularly in London.
- Giving tips in pubs or after a taxi journey.
- Avoiding any fees your bank may charge for card payments.
Exchanging your euros for GBP before travelling is also a good way to keep control of your budget.
If you plan to pay mainly by card, we recommend our Travel Money Card to benefit from our most competitive exchange rates.
Which banknotes will you find (and which are no longer valid)?
- Banknotes: £5, £10, £20 and £50. Banknotes featuring King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II circulate at the same time; both are valid legal tender, according to the Bank of England.
- Paper £20 and £50 notes: these ceased to be legal tender on 30 September 2022. If you still have any from a previous trip, they are no longer accepted in shops.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland: some local banks issue their own pound sterling banknotes. They are generally accepted elsewhere in the UK, but not always, so it is advisable to spend them before returning home.
- Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
Leaving Spain with cash: limits and declarations
- Cash when leaving Spain: as the UK is not part of the EU, amounts of €10,000 or more per person must be declared using the S1 form from the Spanish Tax Agency.
- Cash when arriving in the UK: the UK requires you to declare £10,000 or more. Failure to do so may result in UK customs detaining the money and imposing a fine of up to £5,000.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Select currency
Choose your currency and the amount you need. Stock guaranteed on 65 currencies!
2. Select location & date
Choose from 18 branches for a free pick up. No need to prepay your order online
3. Collect & pay
Pay by card or in cash directly at the branch upon pick-up. You're now all set for your trip!
Frequently asked questions about exchanging euros for pounds
Online, by reserving your currency before going to the branch: the exchange rate is better than the rate offered at the counter, with no commission.
The amount you need depends on your travel habits. We recommend taking around £100 with you for everyday expenses and using our multi-currency card alongside your cash to benefit from even more competitive exchange rates and make your purchases with ease.
No, you cannot pay for purchases in euros in the UK. The official currency is the pound sterling, so you will need to exchange your euros for your everyday spending once you arrive.
Once you have reserved your British pounds, you can collect them from your chosen branch from the following day. However, we recommend exchanging your euros at least one week in advance to benefit from more competitive exchange rates.
You can sell your unused British pounds back to us at the day's exchange rate directly at the branch of your choice. To avoid being affected by EUR/GBP exchange-rate fluctuations between your departure for the UK and your return to Spain, you can opt for our BuyBack guarantee. This service allows you to sell your British pounds back to us at the same exchange rate that applied to your original purchase.