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Important Tips For Currency Exchange For Expats In Spain

It is important for expats In Spain to understand various ways on how to save money when it comes to currency exchange. The concept of most expats is to use the services of banks for currency exchange purposes without realizing that other sources could be cost effective.

Currency Exchange for Expats in Spain necessitates more or less the same procedures as elsewhere in Europe. The currency used in Spain is the euro, which is in line with the implementation of this common currency for most European Union members since 2002.

In Spain, all tourist areas are awash with shops and exchange offices that deal in currencies. As such, Currency Exchange for Expats in Spain is no problem. Like in all places, currency exchange rates are quoted in two prices. One price shows the currency at which it is bought, while the other price reflects the rate at which the currency is sold. One important tip for all expatriates is to carry their passports with them at all times. This document is often required to establish your identity before making any transactions in banks.

Here is some information on how to exchange currency from sterlings and dollars to Euros in Spain.

ATM Machines

Using ATM machines is the most convenient way for Currency Exchange for Expats in Spain. You just need to check if the bank is charging you a conversion fee and/or if the ATM is charging a transaction fee. Generally, most ATM machines do not have any spread between the prevailing buy and sell rates. Bank ATM machines are conveniently located at airports and at city centers.

Bank Transfer

This a good option if the transfer amount is beyond the limit of what an ATM can manage. Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. Banks may charge a substantial amount as a commission for foreign transactions.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are very convenient for any kind of transactions. Using them does not entail any transaction fees and moreover, you have the benefit of reasonable exchange rates as well. In Spain, you will need to show your passport for identification purposes before you use your credit card. Virtually all credit cards are accepted in Spain.

Personal Checks

Spanish banks charge a minimum commission of 0.5% to transfer money via a foreign check. A drawback however, is it could take a few weeks to get the check encashed.

Travelers Check

A traveler’s check is no doubt a safe instrument to carry around, but encashing these entails a heavy spread between the buy and sell rate. Traveler’s checks are acceptable in most Spanish cities and tourist areas. To avoid excessive additional exchange rate charges, expats would do well to carry euro traveler’s checks with them.

For transacting large sums of money, you can use the services of a foreign exchange broker. This is a safe way for Currency Exchange for Expats in Spain. A foreign exchange broker will be able to manage a good competitive rate for you resulting in a decent saving of money.

Spain is a wonderful destination, both for a tourist on a short stay or for someone looking to settle down. Once you know the best Currency Exchange for Expats in Spain, your stay in this country will be hassle free.

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Currency Exchange Continues to Concern Many Expats With UK Pensions And QROPS-7

Some relief for expats as the rally in UK equity markets and improving strength of sterling against the Euro continues. The combined effect of ongoing volatility in both currency and equity markets remains a challenge. Things are still very volatile and we are in unique global influencing territory. In conjunction with investment returns, currency exchange continues to concern many expats with UK Pensions, QROPS and now QNUPS.
Continuing our daily look at factors affecting currencies allows some insight into market conditions affecting exchange rates. Cash and income timing for UK Pensions and QROPS should be considered to maximise the Pension, QROPS and investment income and benefits taken.
Thursday saw gains against both the dollar and Euro after sources close to the deal said UK insurer Prudential was pushing ahead with its bid for AIG’s Asian business.
The speculation that the takeover bid could be abandoned was quashed and sterling gained as much as two cents versus the dollar at one point with traders citing expectations that Prudential would need to unwind previous purchases of dollars.
The pound and the US dollar initially gained against the euro, however this movement retraced as investors returned to risk after Chinese officials denied a report the country may be worried about the risk posed to Eurozone debt holdings.
Sterling has risen against the euro recently as investors started buying the pound on the view that the UK’s debt problems are less severe than the Eurozone’s. We have already seen its biggest weekly percentage gain against the euro since November last year.
The UK CBI Retails sales took an unexpected hit in May, due to poor weather and the biggest inflation of prices in two years. It was the biggest one-month drop in the index since January 2005.
This confirmed that a large majority of retailers were seeing falls in sales compared to the 1.8 percent annual sales growth for both March and April. Stores predict more gloom on this front, despite what Howard Archer, chief UK economist at HIS Global Insights, saw as the possibility of higher sales of televisions, alcohol and snacks due to the World Cup.
The Bank of England will also be worried on the outlook of prices, after the consumer price data showed the highest rate of inflation in 17 months in April. Thus there is growing pressure to raise interest rates before the end of the year amid concerns over heightened inflation, although it is believed that they will hold on to the record low base rate for many more months to come.
In the US, first quarter GDP figures were revised down, defying forecasts, growing at a slower rate than earlier estimated. Economists had expected to show that the US economy grew 3.3%, but the true figure was adjusted at 3%.
Following the release of this data, the US dollar was down against the Euro.
Gerard Associates Ltd advises expats and people considering living abroad on the technical and currency options available for Pensions, QROPS and investments in a clear format allowing all customers to make an informed choice. Our service encompasses Pensions, investments, currency exchange and guidance on taxation in most popular ‘sunnier’ climates. This with the re-assurance and security of UK authorised and regulated advice – essential tools to avoid the offshore casino.