Living down here in Spain, with a UK based pension, the exchange rate is very important to me and yes it is lousy at the moment.
Over the last ten years I have discovered that the best way to draw Euros when abroad is on your banks debit card. Now rates do vary but Nationwide have no commision charges and give you the best International Exchange rate on the day. Never buy travellers cheques or Euros in the UK as even when they say it is commision free, they will apply a worse exchange rate. Most airports have cash machines and all you have to do is go to the first one and draw your money. They are all done in various languages, including English.
Now take this from a man who really does know about this.......Nothing about model boats but plenty about exchange rates..
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Barry