Bank Rate Exchange - The abandoned bureau de change
Hey how the world has changed. Not so long ago the seasoned traveller probably nipped down to the local travel agent and bought a pile of Travellers Cheques, presumably using a cheque or credit card. Each one lovingly signed. Then a separate bit of paper with all the numbers on - just in case they got lost or the cheques stolen. Then I think there was a number to ring in that case and somehow a new batch arrived.
In the resort a cheque or two was cashed in in a bureau de change. Usually involving a sign with all the major world currencies against the local version. Then there was a turn on the rate plus some commission. Nice work if you can get it.
I assume one of the big nails in the coffin of this industry in holiday resorts, especially in Europe was the introduction of the "single currency" - the Euro.
However we British haven't joined for better or worse so we still have to go through the rigmarole of money exchange to some degree.
Except all we do is stick the card in an ATM. Voila.
Anyway, nobody wanted the services of this place any more, sadly.
Another job or two lost in the name of progress.
Bank Rate Exchange - The abandoned bureau de change
Hey how the world has changed. Not so long ago the seasoned traveller probably nipped down to the local travel agent and bought a pile of Travellers Cheques, presumably using a cheque or credit card. Each one lovingly signed. Then a separate bit of paper with all the numbers on - just in case they got lost or the cheques stolen. Then I think there was a number to ring in that case and somehow a new batch arrived.
In the resort a cheque or two was cashed in in a bureau de change. Usually involving a sign with all the major world currencies against the local version. Then there was a turn on the rate plus some commission. Nice work if you can get it.
I assume one of the big nails in the coffin of this industry in holiday resorts, especially in Europe was the introduction of the "single currency" - the Euro.
However we British haven't joined for better or worse so we still have to go through the rigmarole of money exchange to some degree.
Except all we do is stick the card in an ATM. Voila.
Anyway, nobody wanted the services of this place any more, sadly.
Another job or two lost in the name of progress.