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Do you sell travel money and where can I find more information about this?

Sainsbury's Travel Money offers a great exchange rate on foreign currencies. Click here to visit our website.

Drop into one of our 200+ instore bureaux and choose from cash in over 50 currencies including Euro, United States Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen and United Arab Emirates Dirham or a Sainsbury's Bank Multi-currency Cash Passport MasterCard.

Alternatively you can click here to order online and collect at an instore bureau or choose secure home delivery by online or phone order.

Click here to use our Store Locator to find details of the nearest travel money to you (including opening times).

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The team will review your complaint and aim to be in touch within 3 days, but please bear in mind that over a weekend or bank holiday it may take longer to respond.

Contacting us about a refund? You'll need to give us a call on 0800 328 1700 if you ordered online. If purchased in store, please call 0800 63 62 62 or speak with a colleague next time you're in store.

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Sainsbury’s reopens travel money service.

Sainsbury’s has announced it is reopening its online travel money service.

As a result, holidaymakers and travellers can now order foreign currency online which can be delivered to their home on the next working day. An automatic currency converter is available on the Sainsbury’s website, allowing you to see exactly how much your sterling is worth before ordering.

Travel bureaux are also starting to reopen within Sainsbury’s stores ahead of the summer. Shoppers can check on the Sainsbury’s Bank website whether the bureau at their local store is one of those reopening now.

Nectar cardholders enjoy better conversion rates on foreign currency, while no commission is charged when cash is changed. What’s more, Sainsbury’s said that if holidays have to be cancelled due to the pandemic, travellers can return the travel money at the exchange rate purchased.

Jason King, customer director at Sainsbury’s bank, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back travel money customers online and to our stores. Whether it’s buying currency for a holiday abroad, selling back any extra from your trip or sending money to friends and family overseas with Western Union, we’re open and ready to support however you like to get your currency.”

Holiday hopes

Millions of us will be dreaming wistfully of the prospect of a proper summer holiday abroad, though there are currently just 12 nations on the government’s ‘green’ list of countries, meaning that no quarantine period is required upon your return.

What’s more, the government has been accused of delivering “mixed messages” over how people should view travelling to countries on the ‘amber’ list, Ministers initially suggested that travel was allowed to these destinations to see family and friends, though the Prime Minister later emphasised that these journeys should be avoided unless they were “essential”.

There have also been reports of holidaymakers ‘hoarding’ bookings, by snapping up spots in British hotels which they can then cancel later on should international travel be possible.

Even if travel overseas is possible, it’s open to question how many Brits will actually want to do it. A study by GoCompare found that only 13% of us are comfortable with the idea of foreign holidays this year.

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Sainsbury's Foreign Currency Exchange Rates in 2024

Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Sainsbury's is a well-known British retailer that offers foreign currency exchange for travel money, which you can pick up at their stores or have it delivered to you.

Understanding Sainsbury's exchange rates is important for anyone who is planning to travel abroad because they do not often offer the best rates. In this article, you'll see how to find the Sainsbury's exchange rate and how to calculate the hidden fees.

We also provide a list of some of the best Sainsbury's alternatives, such as Starling Bank , Revolut and Wise , that exist in 2023.

Our highlights for the best travel money exchange rates:

• Revolut : Get a starling and euro account, plus hold and exchange over 30 foreign currencies with no fees for the first £1,000 per month exchange during the week. | Read our Revolut review .
• Starling Bank : Get a free GBP and EUR bank account and access both currencies with the Starling debit card, which waives all foreign transaction fees and charges no ATM fees. | Read our Starling Bank review .

Everything You Need to Know About Sainsbury's Exchange Rates

• 01. What is the Sainsbury's exchange rate today? scroll down
• 02. Comparison table of Sainsbury's exchange rates scroll down
• 03. Sainsbury's travel money limits and fees scroll down
• 04. Factors that affect Sainsbury's exchange rates scroll down
• 05. Get the best Sainsbury's alternatives scroll down

What is the Sainsbury's Exchange Rate in 2023?

The most important thing to note as a Sainsbury's customer is that their exchange rates are always weaker than the real mid-market rate . This is also known as the spread. Exchange rate margins are used by Sainsbury's to cover their costs and make a profit.

We recorded the Sainsbury's exchange rate on their website from the British Pound to the Euro at 9:25 on 14 September 2023 . For example, if you had exchanged £1,000 at the mid-market rate, you would have gotten around €1,162. With Sainsbury's, you get only €1,136.

• Real Mid-Market Exchange Rate: £1 = 1.162 EUR
• Sainsbury's Exchange Rate: £1 = 1.1360 EUR

Due to the hidden exchange rate margin fee in this example, you would lose £26 to Sainsbury's if you exchanged £1,000 for Euros:

• Hidden Exchange Rate Margin Fee: £26

While mid-market exchange rates are subject to fluctuate constantly from second to second, be aware that the Sainsbury's exchange rate will fluctuate along with it at a weaker rate.

Compare the Sainsbury's Exchange Rate in 2023

In the graph below, we compare several travel money exchangers across the UK. See how Sainsbury's's rates compare against other providers.

You'll notice that many providers advertise themselves as commission-free. However, commissions are not the only important factor to take into account when finding the best deal. The hidden exchange rate margin, card surcharges, and cash delivery fees will all affect how much currency you'll receive at the end of the transaction.

The hidden exchange rate margin fee that we recorded below is not guaranteed. However, we calculated the margin and by recording both the real mid-market exchange rate and the provider's exchange rates at the same time, at 9:25 CEST on September 14th, 2023. In this comparison test, we requested a £1,000 conversion into Euros at each provider:

Sainsbury's vs Other UK Bureau de Change Euro Rates

Check out this table to compare Sainsbury's's euro rate margins, commission, and other fees to those of other UK travel money bureau de change.

Data quoted: 14 September 2023 *Calculated on 9:25 CEST on September 14th, 2023 for a £1,000 conversion into Euros (margin may vary depending on the foreign currency)

Sainsbury's Travel Money Limits and Fees

In addition to hidden exchange rate margins and commission fees, bureau de change in the UK may impose some transaction limits, cash delivery fees, and surcharges when paying by debit or credit card.

Sainsbury's Travel Money for In-Store Pick-Up

Sainsbury's sets £100 minimums and £2,500 maximums for travel money bought in-store.

• Minimum order amount: £100
• Maximum order amount: £2,500
• Surcharge for payment by debit card: None
• Surcharge for payment by credit card: None

Sainsbury's Travel Money for Home Cash Delivery

For online travel money orders, the minimum order amount is £100 and the maximum is £2,500. Orders over £400 enjoy free delivery. Otherwise, Sainsbury's will charge a £4.99 delivery fee to send the cash to your door.

• Maximum order amount:  £2,500
• Minimum order amount for free delivery:  £400
• Delivery charge for orders under free delivery amount:  £4.99
• Surcharge for payment by debit card:  None
• Surcharge for payment by credit card:  None

Factors That Affect Sainsbury's Exchange Rates

Exchange rates are influenced by a variety of complex factors, including inflation, interest rates, international trade flows, government intervention, and much more. The unpredictability of exchange rate fluctuations is due in large part to the combined influence that all of these factors have at once on the value of a given currency.

In regards to foreign exchange for travel money, customers should take heed on one crucial fact: bureau de change and providers like Sainsbury's will often automate their exchange rates so that they fluctuates in sync with the market, but at a weaker rate.

Before you exchange your British pounds for Euros, US Dollars, or any other currency for your travels, make sure to compare Sainsbury's's exchange rate to the real mid-market rate.

Get the Best Exchange Rates with Sainsbury's Alternatives

With the introduction of travel debit cards and the development of multi-currency accounts , there are now limited benefits to getting travel currency in the UK through a travel money provider (such as those found on platforms like MoneySuperMarket).

Traditionally, getting physical bills of foreign cash from a travel money exchange in the UK served as a convenient option before your journey. Nevertheless, it has become significantly more cost-effective to simply withdraw cash at an ATM during your overseas trip. Additionally, the majority of retailers and merchants abroad now readily accept card payments. Moreover, there are travel cards available that exempt you from foreign transaction fees . Their virtual cards also reduce the risks associated with carrying substantial amounts of cash while traveling.

In the following list, we will compare three companies for getting travel currency while in the UK . Let's explore these options:

Revolut  is our top choice for travel money in the UK because it charges zero fees for first £1,000 per month that you exchange (only on weekdays, since weekend surcharges apply). The platform works entirely by desktop or smartphone, and they send you a debit card to access your travel money. After the fair usage limit, Revolut charges 1% of the total for Standard plan customers.

What's just as impressive is Revolut's exchange rate fees. While markups vary by currency and increase on the weekends, the Revolut rate remains extremely good. For euros (€), the most popular currency used for travel money in the UK, Revolut sometimes applies an exchange rate that is actually stronger than the European Central Bank's mid-market rate. While not guaranteed, this means you can gain when you exchange your GBP to EUR for your next holiday in the Eurozone.

You can use Revolut's debit card to use at ATMs for local cash. As a Standard customer, you'd get £200 per month of fee-free withdrawals, though third-party ATM withdrawal fees may still apply.

Learn more: Read our in-depth  Revolut review  or  visit their website .

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

Starling Bank

Starling Bank  stands out as one of the premier debit cards for international travel for customers in the UK, thanks to its absence of foreign transaction fees. If you solely have their GBP account, your Starling Bank card will apply the live exchange rate used by MasterCard, which closely aligns with the mid-market exchange rate.

Starling Bank also provides EUR accounts for no additional cost, making it an ideal choice for traveling to countries that accept euros. In such instances, your Starling Bank debit card will access these account balances, allowing it to be recognised as a local Eurozone card.

One of the most compelling features of Starling Bank is its complete exemption from ATM fees, both domestically and internationally. Irrespective of the amount of cash withdrawn or the frequency of withdrawals, Starling Bank never imposes any fees for ATM transactions. While third-party fees may still apply, as determined by the ATM owner, this travel benefit solidifies Starling Bank's position as the top debit card for international travel for UK residents and citizens.

More info: Read our in-depth  Starling Bank review  or  visit their website .

• Trust & Credibility 9.4
• Service & Quality 8.5
• Fees & Exchange Rates 10
• Customer Satisfaction 9.0

Wise Account

The power of the  Wise  multi-currency account comes from never charging hidden exchange rate margin fees . No matter which foreign currency you want, Wise will always apply the real mid-market exchange rate to your British pounds. Instead, it charges a transparent service fee that ranges from 0.3% to around 2% depending on the currency.

The Wise account lets you exchange, hold, and spend over 50 foreign currencies with its debit card. It even comes with checking account details for 10 countries, including a UK sort code, US account number, EU IBAN, and more. This means you can receive money locally from those countries with direct debits, SEPA payments, and other methods.

For holiday cash, you can use the Wise debit card for 2 free ATM withdrawals for a total of £200 per month.

Learn more: Read our in-depth  Wise review  or  visit their website .

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

References Used In This Guide

Convert GBP to EUR. XE.com . Accessed 14 September 2023. Currency Conversion. John Lewis Finance . Accessed 14 September 2023. Travel Money. Tesco Bank . Accessed 14 September 2023. Buy Euro Travel Money. Marks and Spencer Bank . Accessed 14 September 2023. Travel Money. Halifax.co.uk . Accessed 14 September 2023. Foreign Currency Conversion Terms & Conditions. UK Post Office . Accessed 14 September 2023. Post Office Travel Money. Wise.com . Accessed 14 September 2023. Travel Money Help. Travel FX . Accessed 14 September 2023. Travel Money FAQ. Sainsbury's Bank . Accessed 14 September 2023. Travelex FAQs. Travelex . Accessed 14 September 2023. Travel Money. Thomas Cook . Accessed 14 September 2023. Send Money. Wise . Accessed 14 September 2023. Send Money to Europe. Starling Bank . Accessed 14 September 2023. Currency Converter. Revolut . Accessed 14 September 2023.

From the United Kingdom? Revolut is not licensed as a bank in the UK. The content found on this page relating to its products and services is not intended exclusively for a UK readership and may therefore contain inaccuracies from the perspective of UK customers.

Travel Money Comparisons of Sainsbury's Exchange Rates

Need Foreign Currency Exchange in the UK at the Best Exchange Rate?

Compare the travel money exchange companies with the best exchange rates with our holiday money guides for the UK:

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Car & home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, travel money card, life insurance.

Flexible policies for UK and worldwide destinations. Underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited

Need more information? Visit our customer support page

What is travel insurance?

Before you jet off, consider protecting yourself against holiday mishaps with Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance. Often referred to as holiday insurance, travel insurance could help cover the cost of any unexpected medical expenses or damaged personal items while you’re abroad. It could even reimburse you if you need to cancel a trip or cut it short.

Our travel insurance can be tailored to make sure you have the right level of cover in place. That means you can focus on what matters most – enjoying your holiday.  

Why choose Sainsbury’s Bank?

• Nectar members save up to 20% on all travel insurance policies. Discount doesn't apply to premiums for pre-existing medical conditions or enhanced gadget cover.*
• Choose from Silver or our 5 star Defaqto rated Gold or Platinum cover
• Cover for unlimited medical expenses if you choose Platinum annual or single trip cover
• 24/7 helpline available in case of medical emergencies
• Cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions
• COVID cover as standard more info  

What about pre-existing medical conditions?

All Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance policies can be tailored to cover many pre-existing medical conditions.

A pre-existing medical condition is an injury, illness, disease or other medical condition that happens before your holiday starts.

You need to declare it before you get your quote. You’ll also need to let us know about any new medical conditions that arise before your trip starts. And if the nature of a condition you’ve declared changes, you need to let us know about that too.  

Compare travel insurance: which policy is right for you?

Wherever your adventure takes you, you should think about taking travel insurance too. Explore our travel insurance policies for your next holiday. Policy limits, excesses and exclusions may apply; please see the policy booklet for full details.

Single Trip

Cruise cover

Cover for cruise-specific activities and risks

Winter sports cover

Cover for winter sports activities and equipment

Backpacker cover

Get cover for a backpacking adventure or round-the-world trip with our extended stay policy

Medical cover

Medical cover is included with our travel insurance, but what level of cover is right for you?

Family cover

Travel insurance for the whole family under one policy

Travelling over 55

Travel insurance if you’re aged over 55

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Need help getting ready for your trip? We’ve got a whole host of useful tools and information for travellers.

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Ready to get your travel insurance quote?

Whether you’re looking for comprehensive travel insurance or affordable holiday insurance for a single trip, we can help.

Buy travel insurance online or by phone so you can enjoy your well-deserved break knowing that you’re covered.  

Already have travel insurance with us?

If you already have a travel insurance policy with us and need help with something, visit our  customer support section .  

Not a Nectar member?

No problem; just download the Nectar app or register at  nectar.com .  

Want to talk to us?

Call  0345 305 2621 .

Sales and service lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekend and Bank Holidays. Calls may be monitored or recorded. Calls are charged at local rates from landlines and mobiles.

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Terms and Conditions

* Up to 20% discount applies when you tell us your Nectar card number. Discount does not apply to premiums for pre-existing medical conditions or enhanced gadget cover. You won't be eligible if you buy through a price comparison website. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting; register.fca.org.uk.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Hood Travel Limited, registered at Companies House 08318836. Hood Travel is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 597211. Hood Travel Limited’s registered address is at 2nd Floor, Decora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2BB.