The simple airport mistake costing Brits up to £274 before their flight has even taken off
British tourists have been warned to watch out for a simple mistake that could see them lose more than £200 before they've even set foot on their plane.
New research from eurochange has found that Britons could lose hundreds if they buy their travel money at the airport.
Airport exchange rates can be as much as 13 per cent higher than those on the high street or online.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, warned: 'It's surprising to see the vast difference in rates across UK airports and the huge amount of money Brits could be losing out on if they wait until they get to the airport before exchanging their cash.
'Changing money at the airport is absolutely the least cost-effective way of picking up your holiday money, as rates can be up to 13 per cent higher than they are on the high street or online.
'As it's often a last-minute necessity, customers are forced to convert their cash at whatever rate is offered to them in the airport, whereas on the high street, they have more options.'
Laura said that the best time to buy travel money is on a weekday, as prices tend to fluctuate less then.
She warned: 'Typically, Monday through to Thursday is the best time to buy your euros, as these are the least busy days for transfers, so you might see a little less fluctuation in the mid-market rate over these days.'
The research found that Gatwick was the most expensive UK airport to purchase travel money at.
Brits exchanging €1,000/£850 could lose out on £274 at the London Airport.
Looking to save money on a holiday? A new study has revealed the cheapest destination to fly to from each of the UK's major airports.
And an expert has revealed how to visit Disney on a budget, sharing plenty of tips to save hundreds of pounds at the theme parks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
16 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Greece panic as tourists abandon one of its 'most popular' islands
For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, Santorini is experiencing a decline in tourists. For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, Santorini is witnessing a drop in tourists. Unlike previous years, visitors to one of Greece's most popular islands are not finding themselves amidst dense crowds, but instead Fira's main street is largely deserted. Earlier this year, earthquake activity on Santorini has put off many international visitors from choosing it as their holiday destination. While arrivals have been on the rise in recent weeks, the numbers are significantly lower than the peaks seen in past years. According to Yannis Paraschis, president of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), "available airline seats are down 26% from the beginning of the year to date. But the indications we have in terms of supply of seats are down in the range of 7%-8% for the summer, so we expect a result with losses of 10%-15%". Antonis Pagoni, the president of the Santorini hoteliers, told Euronews he anticipates a continued decline in tourist traffic and warned that the effects will ripple through the entire Greek economy, reports the Express. "The president of SETE talked about airport arrivals," he added, "but I will unfortunately say that overall arrivals will be down about 20%-25%. Right now we are moving at -25% to -30%. It's a huge reduction in a destination like Santorini that attracts more than 3 million visitors. You know, it's 10% of Greek tourism. We are not sure if Greece can afford to lose that revenue." Currently, hotels are slashing room prices to entice last-minute holidaymakers. The global cost-of-living crisis is also leaving its mark on Santorini. This season, tourists are tightening their belts, resulting in fewer hotel reservations and a downturn for local enterprises dependent on tourism, as visitors cut back on expenditure for dining and keepsakes. Nonetheless, the allure of Santorini remains undiminished, with three cruise liners docking daily, each delivering thousands keen to discover the island's marvels. The impending cruise tax, set to be implemented from July, is not anticipated to deter this year's influx of cruise visitors. In the midst of these developments, Santorini's mayor, Nikos Zorzos, has underscored the urgency for a "saturation law" on the island, contending that there is no need for additional lodgings. "Santorini does not need any more beds. I say this with great certainty, with as much certainty as I know that my name is Nikos," he declared. He is advocating for governmental support to enhance public infrastructure, highlighting that Santorini has made substantial contributions to the national treasury without seeing proportional benefits in return. British tourists travelling to Greece this summer have been warned of the penalties for drug smuggling after the Foreign Office updated its travel guidance for the popular holiday hotspot. Greek travellers are being made aware of improved scanning technology which is now being used at several airports across the country ahead of the holiday season.
Wales Online
17 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Just Eat June deals include half price essentials and an £8 off code
Just Eat June deals include half price essentials and an £8 off code There is also 25% off presents for Father's Day Just Eat takeaway delivery cycle courier Just Eat is running a number of offers in June - including £8 off takeaway and up to half price on grocery must-haves. Every day until the end of August, Just Eat is offering savings of up to 50% off on orders from Boots, Sainsbury's, One Stop, Iceland, ASDA, Waitrose, Morrisons and Co-op. 9- 30 June: Included in the up to half price offer are health & beauty essentials such as sun cream, hayfever tablets, deodorant and fake tan. 9 - 15 June: Up to 50% off selected buns, condiments, sausages and burgers 16 - 22 June: Save on picnic essentials such as sausage rolls and scotch eggs or dips such as tzatziki and hummus. 23 - 30 June: Selected cocktail tinnies and ice creams at half price. Father's Day Saver: 25% Off Last-Minute Gifts Article continues below This Father's Day weekend from 13 to 15 June, Just Eat is offering 25% off presents. Brits can order from the likes of Card Factory, Boots, Waitrose and Morrisons. Enjoy £8 off throughout June Article continues below From 1 to 30 June, food-lovers in selected locations across the UK can enjoy £8 off participating restaurants on Just Eat. Places to get £8 off include PizzaExpress, Burger King and Popeyes. Those in London can use the offer from Patty&Bun, Shoryu Ramen, or Morley's. Enter the code JUNE8 when placing an order via the Just Eat app. The code can only be used once when spending a minimum of £25 (excluding fees).
Scottish Sun
25 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
EasyJet to launch 11 new routes from UK airport including Greek islands and African beach resorts
Plus, new EU rules mean Brits will now get LESS compensation if their flight is delayed TAKE OFF EasyJet to launch 11 new routes from UK airport including Greek islands and African beach resorts Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASYJET is launching 11 new flight routes from a new base airport in the UK next year. The new routes will operate from Newcastle Airport. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 EasyJet is launching 11 new routes from Newcastle Airport Credit: AFP 4 Destinations include beach spots such as Corfu and Malta Credit: Getty 4 There are also city spots such as Prague and Nice Credit: Getty Alongside the current eight routes from Newcastle Airport, a number of new beach and city destinations are being launched across Europe and Africa. This includes flights to Greek islands Corfu and Rhodes, as well as Malta, Faro in Portugal, Reus, Nice and Prague. Turkey will be getting new routes to Dalaman and Antalya, while African routes included Tunisia and Sharm el Sheik in Egypt. EasyJet will base three aircraft at Newcastle Airport from March 2026 and could add more in August 2026. While flights will be on sale in the next few months, holidays can be booked on the website already. One of the holidays on offer is a seven night break at the 3* Ukino Terrace in Faro on a Self Catering basis for £402 per person when flying from April 7, 2026. Alternatively, you could jet off to Reus on September 26, 2026, on a half-board basis for a seven-night break at the 3* Best Mediterraneo for £513pp. All holidays include 23kg of luggage as well as transfers. If you prefer city breaks, you could instead head to Nice or Prague. For £341 per person, you could stay two nights at the 3* Monsigny in Nice on a Room Only basis. from Newcastle on April 12, 2026. EasyJet cabin bag rules explained - and which items you can take for free When will the new flights launch from Newcastle Airport? Different route launch dates and how often they will run Nice – March 31 and will run twice weekly Corfu – March 30 and will run twice weekly Rhodes – March 31 and will run twice weekly Malta – March 30 and will run thrice weekly Faro – March 31 and will run thrice weekly Dalaman – March 31 and will run twice weekly Antalya –April 1 and will run twice weekly Tunisia – April 2 and will run twice weekly Reus (Spain) – August 1 and will run twice weekly Prague – August 2 and will run twice weekly Sharm el Sheikh – August 3 and will run twice weekly For Prague, you could head off on September 24, 2026, for a three night bed-and-breakfast stay at the 4* Ariston and Ariston Patio Hotel for £324 per person. Natasha Marson, head of trade distribution at easyJet holidays, said: "We're thrilled to offer thousands of new package holidays to our valued trade customers in the North East." A Hawaii-like island in Europe has also got new easyJet flights from the UK. The new route from London Luton Airport to Funchal on the Portuguese island of Maderia will operate twice each week throughout the summer season, on Mondays and Fridays. The Atlantic Ocean island, off the north west coast of Africa, is known for its beautiful volcanic landscapes. There is also the Laurisilva forest - a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers exceptional hiking opportunities. Plus, new EU rules mean Brits will now get LESS compensation if their flight is delayed.
