Brits have faced a tough summer amidst the credit crisis, rising cost of living, and the poor weather. Now, to compound the misery for anyone planning a late summer break to the Med the Pound has fallen to a record low against the Euro.

Stephen Heath, Chief Executive of FairFX.com, said: "With the Pound at a record low against the Euro, Brits looking forward to a late summer holiday in the sun are faced with a costly dilemma when it comes to getting their holiday money. Given the current poor exchange rate to the Euro and the possibility of further falls, Brits could be best off buying their travel money now.

"The FairFX.com pre-paid currency card will enable Brits to protect, or hedge, themselves against further currency volatility as they can buy at today’s rates and simply keep the Euros until they want to start spending. FairFX.com offers holidaymakers an incredibly cost-effective and secure way to make the most of their cash."

Wednesday 03 September 2008, 09:46am

Tags: credit crisis, currency exchange, currency report, currency volatility, euro, euro rate, opodo

As celebrities and media moguls flock to Venice, the ‘City of Water’, for the Annual Venice Film Festival starting 27th August, how they will pay their way during the celebrations is unlikely to worry to them.

However, mere mortals escaping to the city would be wise to ensure they’ve secured the best currency deal available to help them get the most out of their Euros while enjoying the festival.

FairFX.com offers Brits the best return on their cash, and any extra Euros are sure to come in handy when stretching their spending money as far as possible – especially as the Euro remains so strong against the Pound. Indeed, festival-goers could get an extra €41.10 for every £500 they spend if they use the FairFX.com currency card instead of waiting until they hit the airport to get their spending money.

Stephen Heath, Chief Executive of FairFX.com, said: “Anyone heading to Venice for the film festival this summer should make sure they pack their FairFX.com currency card if they want to stretch their Euros as far as possible.

“Brits will be keen to get the best rate possible for any trips to Europe at the moment. The spiralling cost of living combined with the strength of the Euro against the Pound has made the traditional cheap European mini-break increasingly expensive. Indeed, for many people a last minute jaunt to the Med might be out of the question due to rising costs.

“And I would warn anyone planning to get their Euros from the airport to think again. Brits who get their currency from the usual places like the airport, high street, or using their bank’s debit or credit cards overseas, may believe they are getting ‘0 per cent cost’ or ‘0 per cent commission’ foreign currency. However, the reality is they are paying hidden costs by way of the poor rate of exchange they receive.”

Stephen added: “Even celebs should think about where they are wasting their money. An entourage of 6 staying at a top Venetian hotel* could spend £10,400 on a week’s stay. However, they would have an extra €855 left over if they paid for their rooms with the FairFX.com card instead of using foreign currency purchased at the airport. Even film stars might be swayed by savings like these.”

Tuesday 26 August 2008, 10:35am

Tags: cash abroad, euro rate, euros, opodo, prepaid cards, venice film festival