Business
Simply Mini
32
Currency Experiences During the last 12 years, as a British family living in France, we have used various currency companies to transfer money abroad and have found them to all be quite different, different enough to make us stop and consider our options. You’ll also find many of the currency companies operate through estate agents, so when you are buying or selling a home, you’ll naturally be referred to their currency agent, but please don’t do anything without doing your own research to ensure you bag the best rates! When we bought our first house in France, it was a really strange and scary experience, as we had never bought a property or anything else for that matter, for such a large amount and on a debit card too! We initially used Currencies Direct who were very good at the time, really held our hands though the process and even offered us fixed rates on the smaller amounts we were transferring at the time. We eventually didn’t need their services, as we didn’t have the need to transfer any cash abroad regularly, but a few years later, we got back in contact because we needed currency services again. Things had certainly changed. All contact seemed to be driven through the app, which honestly was very easy to use. However, we wanted to speak with a REAL human and this service was thankfully still available. Despite this, we decided to look a bit further to see how far our money could go. Money isn’t easily earned but very easily lost and so still being able to talk to a real human was a comfort. I asked around the community to see if there were other companies out there and friends were gushing about Transfer Wise, now known as Wise! I love this company, their rates are really good and they can link up your French and UK personal and business accounts for ease. They also offer a card that you can put money on to use in the country you are visiting, which I found very convenient when travelling. Also, each time I have been in touch with the agency, they have been very helpful and understanding of any given situation, so from me it’s a thumbs up. Fast forward a few years, I had to transfer a large amount of money (large to me, anyway) and we were advised to go with a company called Foreign Currency Direct PLC. Even though this company was pretty good and got us an excellent fixed rate, I felt that they didn’t really deal with the smaller transfer amounts like Wise do. I feel this company is more for the larger transfers, but like I said, they gave us a stonking deal on our transfer, so no complaints! Like any business transaction and certainly where money is concerned, I will stress yet again that you absolutely must do your own research, don’t just take anyone’s advice blindly, there’s lot to lose if you do. Also, do contact each of the companies you might want to deal with and see what fixed rates they are offering and how long those fixed rates will last for. Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves! Good luck with your new French adventures and remember to be thorough “for that great start”! Bon chance.
Tia xx
