UKC

I need to pay for accomadation in Amsterdam in Euros (cash), for a large group when I arrive. Is it best to change pound to euros here, or when I get there, for the better rate? I normally use my debit card as it's charge free, but I'll never get the amount required in one day.

Thanks in advance.

In reply to Papillon:

Change in the UK. Everywhere in AMS is a rip off except one place "LOrentz Exchange" on the Rokin on the way from centraal Station to Dam Square.

In reply to Papillon:

The rate will be better there in a bank or other official currency exchange. Don't try it in the hotel or the airport or you will get stung!

Alternatively use a credit card as you get commercial rates. Check your term and conditions first as some card providers will add on a small surcharge for foriegn exchange transactions.

In reply to Chris Tan Ver. L:

The rate is always worse here(I live in AMS).

In reply to neilinut:

Ok! Is that true for the rest of Holland?

In reply to Chris Tan Ver. L: Unfortuneatley they want chash on arrival, card would be much easier. I might ask if I can pay be card in advance, as that's how I payed the deposit.

In reply to neilinut: Cheers I found a webpage for Lorentz exchange, it's about the same rate as the post office here.

In reply to Papillon:

Hmmmmmm! You can see how they held onto their colonies and trading empire for as long as they did.

In reply to Chris Tan Ver. L:

I would guess so as they give "Johnny Foreigner" the "Tourist Discount" at every opportunity. The shops here even pay a lot to get their change for floats (it is why you are always asked for the right money or to pay in such a way they only give you notes back). There is no real customer service culture here - you pay , often a lot, for everything.

Oh and also. Don't accept 100 EU notes as most place will not take them. I had some money wired to me from the states and it took forever to spend it as I foolishly accepted the 100 notes. A lot of places are funny about taking 50s for small purchases.

In reply to neilinut:

Well! If you insist on using monopoly money instaed of good ols fashioned sterling.

>A lot of places are funny about taking 50s for small purchases.

Rats! And I was gong to ask Pap to pop over and help me test a new colour printer

In reply to Chris Tan Ver. L:

hehe - actually that is another reason to get it in the uk and spend the right money when you can - a lot of counterfeiting / money laundering goes on here I believe.

In reply to Chris Tan Ver. L:

by the way Chris I climbed with you a couple of times a while back at MCC. (My regular climbing partner was the shed sized yank covered in tattoos as he is probably easier to remember than me). So "Hi"

In reply to neilinut:

What! In Holland, one of the the world's greatest naval and trading nations, with connections to more drug producing countries than a BT exchange has wires!


Getover!

In reply to neilinut:

Of course I do. How's the climbing walls out there? I remember seeing a picture of a really massive one, just dotted with millions of multi-coloured zits!

In reply to Chris Tan Ver. L:

The walls are ok. The route setting sucks as most of the staff have little outdoor experience. It all feels pretty mechanical. They are reasonably priced though and the one I go to (subscription-paid for by work!) has an okayish gym also. It's hard to keep motivated when you have no real rock to get to when the weather is good. At least I can get overland to all of Europe but haven't had much time in the 6 months I have been here; new job and all. Planning on Norway in the winter a couple of times though. The company I joined is maybe expanding into Canada so that was a major selling point in me coming here and toughing out the flatness for a couple of years.

In reply to neilinut:

Good call jobwise. I hear that Belgium is their usual playgound. A mate of mine live in AMS and guides. Not sure if she's at home or working in Spain at the mo. Drop me an email and I'll pass on her contact details.

BTW she cranks F8a/b.