View Full Version : Travel
yikchi
09 Jan 2007, 07:50 AM
How about using your credit card? The rates weren't too bad when I use it the last couple times I travel.
StrikerCW
09 Jan 2007, 08:14 AM
How about using your credit card? The rates weren't too bad when I use it the last couple times I travel.
Can't use those at alot of places, like pubs where it would be inconvient I would imagine.
Achtung
09 Jan 2007, 10:46 AM
Call your credit card's bank and ask them what kind of fees they charge for foreign exchange. Generally the best way to go is your credit card though. Remember that even if the ATMs in England don't charge fees, your bank will charge a conversion fee, so find out about that. For Europe/UK, I usually go with about $50-100 in cash, change it at one of the currency exchanges outside Heathrow, and use my MasterCard or AmEx for most charges.
Do not use Thomas Cook to exchange money. In addition to sponsoring Citeh (:p), they will bend you over and give it to you with their ridiculous exchange rates.
Vermont Red
09 Jan 2007, 10:48 AM
Do not use Thomas Cook to exchange money. In addition to sponsoring Citeh (:p), they will bend you over and give it to you with their ridiculous exchange rates.
Achtung found out the hard way.
Twice.
FIFARay007
09 Jan 2007, 11:23 AM
Can I use my credit card in the taxis too?
Achtung
09 Jan 2007, 11:28 AM
Achtung found out the hard way.
Twice.
"Fool me once, shame on... shame on you. Fool me... you can't get fooled again." :( ;)
Achtung
09 Jan 2007, 11:29 AM
Can I use my credit card in the taxis too?
Taxis, pubs, public transport... I use cash there.
FIFARay007
09 Jan 2007, 11:34 AM
Taxis, pubs, public transport... I use cash there.
So is that a no? :rolleyes:
Achtung
09 Jan 2007, 02:01 PM
So is that a no? :rolleyes:
It's a no. :)
Only taxi I've ever taken in the UK though was to get from Birmingham's train station to St. Andrew's though. And I think Kavster paid for it. So what do I know? :D
FIFARay007
09 Jan 2007, 02:09 PM
Well shit. I was hoping they would. Since I'm arriving very early on Thursday morning, I'm planning on taking a cab, rather than the rail, to the hotel. Was hoping there'd be one less thing to have to worry about when I get to the airport.
Vermont Red
09 Jan 2007, 02:12 PM
Well shit. I was hoping they would. Since I'm arriving very early on Thursday morning, I'm planning on taking a cab, rather than the rail, to the hotel. Was hoping there'd be one less thing to have to worry about when I get to the airport.
What airport are you flying into?
MtP07
09 Jan 2007, 02:34 PM
Well shit. I was hoping they would. Since I'm arriving very early on Thursday morning, I'm planning on taking a cab, rather than the rail, to the hotel. Was hoping there'd be one less thing to have to worry about when I get to the airport.
Are you flying into London? It will be rather expensive to take a cab into the city to your hotel.
Vermont Red
09 Jan 2007, 02:49 PM
Are you flying into London? It will be rather expensive to take a cab into the city to your hotel.
That's what I was going to say. If you're flying into Heathrow then take the Heathrow Express to the Paddington Station. Its much faster than a cab and you can use your plastic.
MtP07
09 Jan 2007, 03:07 PM
That's what I was going to say. If you're flying into Heathrow then take the Heathrow Express to the Paddington Station. Its much faster than a cab and you can use your plastic.
We flew into Gatwick and took the Gatwick Express. Takes you right into Victoria station.
I'd definitely recommend doing one of these options (depending on which airport you fly into, obviously) rather than take a cab.
FIFARay007
09 Jan 2007, 03:44 PM
Yea, I know, I've seen the difference in prices between cabs and trains from Heathrow.
I guess it all really depends how i feel when i get there. Maybe I will end up taking the train. If I do, are they crowded or will we have more than enough room for all our baggage?
Vermont Red
09 Jan 2007, 04:02 PM
Yea, I know, I've seen the difference in prices between cabs and trains from Heathrow.
I guess it all really depends how i feel when i get there. Maybe I will end up taking the train. If I do, are they crowded or will we have more than enough room for all our baggage?
More than enough room on the Heathrow Express.
Achtung
09 Jan 2007, 04:33 PM
Yea, I know, I've seen the difference in prices between cabs and trains from Heathrow.
I guess it all really depends how i feel when i get there. Maybe I will end up taking the train. If I do, are they crowded or will we have more than enough room for all our baggage?
We just took the Tube, took us probably 40 mins to get to the hotel, and day passes are well-priced. Not sure on the Express, but I'll assume VR took it and recommends it. Probably save you some time that way too.
If you're there early in the morning, it shouldn't be too crowded. Then again, I'm a light packer.
Vermont Red
09 Jan 2007, 04:36 PM
We just took the Tube, took us probably 40 mins to get to the hotel, and day passes are well-priced. Not sure on the Express, but I'll assume VR took it and recommends it. Probably save you some time that way too.
If you're there early in the morning, it shouldn't be too crowded. Then again, I'm a light packer.
That's right. I've been to London once and now I'm an expert. The Heathrow Express is 15 minutes from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to Paddington. Add 4 minutes if you're travelling from Terminal 4.
(This message was paid for by the The Heathrow Express.)
MtP07
09 Jan 2007, 04:40 PM
VR is a travel expert, but just don't ask him to find the nearest restaurant in Manchester that's still open on Boxing Day. :p ;)
Vermont Red
09 Jan 2007, 04:42 PM
VR is a travel expert, but just don't ask him to find the nearest restaurant in Manchester that's still open on Boxing Day. :p ;)
We actually found one. It was in Paris.
Actually we found one and it was terrible. You guys were right to bail.