Currency advisor

 

Monetary restrictions when purchasing currency from exotic destinations

Check for any restrictions when buying currency in the following countries:

Egypt

Importation and exportation of local currency is limited to 5000 Egyptian Pounds for non-residents - that's around £665. And in Croatia, which has recently seen restrictions lifted on foreign property investment, limits also apply on movements of foreign currency.

Thailand

There's no limit to the amount of money you can bring in to the country, but you can't leave with more than 50,000 Baht (around £1010) per person unless you have special authorisation. There are also restrictions at banks on how many Thai Baht you can convert into foreign currency at one time.

South Africa

You can't take in or bring out more that 5000 Rand in cash - that's about £390.

Morocco

Euros are widely accepted in Morocco, but Moroccan Dirhams cannot officially be bought or sold in the UK. Visitors should exchange any unused Moroccan Dirhams back into Sterling at the Moroccan airport, before they leave.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is a popular holiday destination, but has currency restrictions that holidaymakers may not be aware of. Visitors are only allowed to take B$200 (Bahamian Dollars) into the country, which is around £145. The US Dollar is widely accepted across the Bahamas, so it is best to use these where possible and spend the local currency before you leave.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde Escudo cannot be bought or sold in the UK. You can buy Escudos when you get there, but cannot convert it back into Sterling before returning to the UK so only exchange small amounts.

Costa Rica

Costa Rican Colon cannot be bought or sold in the UK. Take US Dollars and travellers cheques, which can be changed once there. Sterling is difficult to change there and Colones cannot be bought back.

Cuba

You cannot buy Cuban Pesos in the UK and cannot take them out of the country. Take Sterling as US Dollars are no longer accepted.

Gambia

Travellers can buy Gambian Dalasi in the UK, but they will probably get a better rate in The Gambia. Some travellers cheques incur a charge.

Haiti

There are no restrictions on taking Haiti Gourdes in and out of the country, but they are hard to buy in the UK. US Dollars are accepted everywhere Euros and Canadian Dollars are also easily exchanged.

India

Rupees are not supposed to be traded in the UK, but most bureaux will sell them. You can exchange them back on your return, but nothing less than 100 Rupee notes.

Maldives

Maldivian Rufiyaa have no restrictions, but are hard to buy in the UK. There are no cash machines in the Maldives so take US Dollars, which can be exchanged at hotels and resorts.

Nepal

You cannot buy Nepal Rupees in the UK and it is illegal to import or export the currency. Visitors are required to pay bills in foreign currency (Sterling, Hong Kong Dollars, Singapore Dollars and US Dollars). Tourists can only exchange their foreign currency with authorised dealers and must keep the receipts until they leave. Visitors must exchange a minimum of US$20 per day of stay into local currency . Up to 15% of the amount exchanged during their stay may be reconverted.

Poland

Euros are not accepted, but Polish Zloty can be obtained at cash machines or before travelling. Money can be easily changed in Poland with independent cambio offices downtown giving the best rates.

Romania

Money may be exchanged at banks, international airports, hotels or authorised exchange offices. ATMs are available and travellers cheques are accepted, preferably in Euros or US Dollars. Travel with some Euros in cash in case of difficulty using credit cards.

Seychelles

Local currency cannot be bought or sold in the UK. Take Sterling, Euros or US Dollars.

Sri Lanka

Visitors can only take about £26 worth of Sri Lankan Rupees in and out of the country. Only change foreign currency at authorised exchanges, banks and hotels. They must be endorsed on the visitors Exchange Control D form. The rate of exchange is better for travellers cheques than for cash so take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Sterling.

Tanzania

Local currency cannot be bought or sold in the UK. Take Sterling, Euros or US Dollars.

Tunisia

Local currency cannot be bought or sold in the UK. Take Sterling, Euros or US Dollars.

Venezuela

The import and export of the Venezuela Bolivar is permitted in small amounts, but US Dollars are widely accepted, so take cash and travellers cheques. Only use regulated bureau de change to buy currency.

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