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Getting money exchanged.

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by Chrisnewton, Jul 29, 2013.

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  1. Chrisnewton

    Chrisnewton High-Roller

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    Hi all

    Apologies if this is in the wrong section, had a look and could not see where else to put it.

    I'm as wondering if casinos on the strip exchange money? I am coming from the uk and if I need to would like to exchange some English pounds to dollars.

    If so is the exchange rate decent over in Vegas as I am currently getting 1.5 dollars to the pound in the UK.

    Thanks all

    Chris
     
  2. ryanmac44

    ryanmac44 Tourist

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    I exchanged Canadian to US at the Casino cage one time but as I recall the exchange rate was awful. It was late and I was pretty drunk one night so all I remember was it was way off what I got at home
     
  3. crussader

    crussader Low-Roller

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    For the best exchange rate, use a credit card wherever possible. Credit cards will exchange the currency at the actual exchange rate with no mark-up. Second best rate would be at a bank, whether at home or Vegas. Exchange rate on the strip will be horrible.
     
  4. sandman748

    sandman748 Low-Roller

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    This is only true of some cards. Many cards will charge a foriegn exchange fee (often at +2.5% over the current rate.) Unless your card waives those fees, your are much better off at a bank (usually only 1-1.5% fee)

    Get the money exchanged before you come. 1.5 per pound is pretty close to the actual value. You would be getting less than 1.5 for sure on the strip. How much less, I do not know.
     
  5. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    You also might want to consider just withdrawing cash from your debit card when you get to Vegas, if you can. While I can't speak specifically to Vegas, I've done this in Asia, South America, and Europe, and generally have gotten a much better rate than I would have by exchanging currency (even with the foreign transaction fee).
     
  6. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    even with the foreign transaction fee, your best bet is to use a credit card for any purchases. the vig at money exchange places is way more than 1%. however, if you need cash, you'll have to get actual dollars. for that, banks are the best bet. I think you can call your local bank and tell them what you want and they can get it for you before you leave.
     
  7. lotso-bear

    lotso-bear VIP Whale

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    Local banks are the best for currency exchanges. Never do a currency exchange at the airport or a tourist attraction since you'd be getting a bad exchange rate.

    +1 on using your CC for purchases, especially if you have a no FOREX fee credit card. Personally, I always try to use my CC instead of cash when I travel internationally since I have multiple no FOREX fee CCs.. the points/miles makes it more attractive as well.
     
  8. Chrisnewton

    Chrisnewton High-Roller

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    Thanks everyone
     
  9. travelfiend

    travelfiend High-Roller

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    Hey Chris, if you would like, I would be happy to call casino directly and found out what exchange rate they are giving on pounds and if any fees, just let me know where?
     
  10. bardolator

    bardolator Lifelong Low Roller

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    Airport exchanges are the worst. Banks in the destination country are not good. We got a fair exchange for dollars into Euros in Italy when we used our credit card. Your credit card company should be able to tell you what fees, if any, will be charged.

    One place we found that would give us the exact rate for a cash exchange from dollars into Euros was the casino aboard our cruise ship. I lied and said we were going to use the money to gamble on their machines. Even though the Canadian poster had a bad experience, perhaps there are casinos in the States that also offer an even cash exchange.
     
  11. CJ's

    CJ's Plumbing the depths of debauchery

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    I changed some in the Aria last year at the cages.
    The rate is not great but by no means was it diabolical like the airport rates. I only changed it on the last day as I had blown my bankroll but wanted to play a little longer before my flight home.:ssst:
    My advice, buy your dollars here. If you dont want to carry a huge wad of cash you can buy the pre loaded cards at the post office in Stirling or $ and use the card for things I would normaly charge to the CC and "play" on ur cash bankroll.
    You can use them in ATM's but be warned you have a daily limit and the machine charges, particularly in casinos, are outrageous:grrr:
     
  12. pebbles

    pebbles Micro Roller.

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    We changed sterling at Cosmo cage last trip. On a bank rate of £1-$1.55 we got £1-$1.50. I didn't think that was bad at all. The Quad had decent rates too, just a couple of cents less than Cosmo.
     
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