Buying Foreign Currency — What You Need to Know

Our branches offer competitive rates on a wide range of foreign currencies — over the counter, with no pre-order needed for the most popular currencies. Unlike airport exchanges, you are not paying a premium for last-minute convenience. Unlike online-only services, you leave with cash in hand the same day.

Major currencies including euros (EUR), US dollars (USD), UAE dirhams (AED), Turkish lira (TRY), Indian rupees (INR), Pakistani rupees (PKR), and Polish zloty (PLN) are available at the counter. For less common currencies, it is worth calling your nearest branch to check availability and allow time to order if needed.

Instead of carrying a large amount of cash, a Post Office Travel Money Card lets you pre-load one or more currencies onto a single prepaid Mastercard. You can spend in shops and restaurants abroad, or withdraw cash from ATMs internationally — wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Exchange rates change daily. For larger amounts — say over £500 — it is worth checking the current rate before you visit, and considering whether a Travel Money Card makes more sense than cash.

Airport bureaux typically offer exchange rates 5–15% worse than Post Office branches. Even a small difference in rate on a £1,000 exchange adds up to a meaningful saving.

Heading abroad? We also offer Post Office Travel Insurance at the counter — both single-trip and annual multi-trip policies, with cover for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and more. Check whether your existing bank account or credit card already provides travel insurance before purchasing a new policy.

Just walk in during opening hours at any of our branches. Check our [branches page](/branches) for locations and times.