Currency exchange in Florida

Avoid losing money by falling victim to fluctuating currency markets, as well as weak exchange rates and avoidable fees from your bank when it comes to transferring money to and from Florida.

A better exchange rate is generally achievable from a foreign exchange specialist, otherwise known as a currency specialist. What’s more, many currency firms do not charge any hidden fees, saving you money in the process.

For example, if you´re thinking on purchasing a home in Florida for $300,000 and transfer the funds with your bank, it would cost you £197,730 (that’s at the average bank’s exchange rate of $1.517=£1*, plus a £25 transfer fee).

However, the same transaction with a specialist company such as Currencies Direct would have cost you £189,510 (by eliminating transfer fees from the picture and using a better exchange rate of €1.58=£1*).

(* Rates correct on 6 November 2014)

Expert tips

A currency specialist will offer an enhanced exchange rate compared to a high-street bank, will not charge transfers fees, plus additional benefits designed to meet your specific requirements
There will be ongoing expenses and so people will still have to transfer money between the UK and Florida even after they have moved. A currency provider will always ensure that you get the best possible deal.
Work out when the market is in your favour; sign up to market newsletters, rate alerts email notifications, etc

Currency exchange when selling a property

When selling a property in Florida, you may need to transfer a large amount of money back to the UK. When transferring a large sum, the exchange rate becomes essential.

A ‘forward contract’ may be the best option for you in this situation. If the existing rate looks decent, but you do not need to transfer your money until a later date – such as early next year, for instance – a forward contract may be suitable. It is the currency world’s version of ‘buy now, pay later’.

“The currency markets are constantly fluctuating,” says Alistair Cotton, money transfer expert at Currencies Direct.

“When moving a large sum of money, taking advantage of exchange rates when they are in your favour could literally save you thousands,” he adds.

Supporting yourself in Florida

Once you have secured a property in Florida, you will almost certainly find yourself frequently transferring money from the UK to the U.S. This may be to pay your mortgage or simply support your living costs on an ongoing basis.

FX providers will generally save you money by not charging the transfer fees that the banks impose.

Furthermore, if the exchange rate moves in your favour, you are permitted to ‘lock in’ to that exchange rate for up to 12 months.

Understand what options you have

Select an overseas money transfer service that is tailored to meet your requirements.

Spot contracts

Buy currency now, for fast payments. Use for:

Paying bills overseas
Transferring money swiftly across your accounts
Sending money to a family member or colleague

Forward contracts

Buy now, pay later. You have up to 12 months, subject to paying a small deposit today, to pay the full amount. Use for:

Buying or selling a property overseas
Large international purchases
Moving your life savings abroad

Regular transfers

Set up regular payments through a Direct Debit and even fix the exchange rate for up to 12 months. Use for:

Paying your bills
Moving money abroad
Transferring pension funds to another country

Limit orders

In order to secure your target exchange rate, set an automated currency purchase. Use for:

Big advantage when exchange rates move in your favour
Non time sensitive transfers

Main reasons for using a foreign exchange specialist

With foreign exchange markets constantly changing, people need to develop a clear plan on how to manage their own currencies. To help reduce the risk of currency fluctuations and to ensure that you secure the best possible rate, you may wish to turn to a currency specialist to make sure that you get the best exchange rate available.

Enhanced exchange rates. There are a wide range of exchange rates available, with the bulk of the best deals available through currency specialists, and not the banks, which typically offer an inferior rate in comparison
What you see is what you get. Foreign exchange specialists rarely charge transfer fees each time you transfer money overseas, as opposed to banks which generally charge an average fee of £25 per transaction. Some also charge a fee for receiving money
One-on-one help. A currency specialist will always be available to assist you. Whether it is a one-off transfer or regular payments, they will guide you every step of the way
24/7 service. Most FX providers offer you an online money transfer service that you can access 24/7, allowing you to trade at any time of the day or night
Swift transactions. While it can often take a bank a whole working week to transfer money abroad, an FX provider can generally complete a transaction within a day or two
Guard your money. When selecting a foreign exchange provider, it is important that you check to see if they are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Observe the markets

Foreign exchange experts specialise in staying ahead of what is happening in the currency markets, which can help many people, especially those with little or no free time.

Rate watch

If there is a particularly rate or deal that you are looking for, let your currency specialist know by setting up something called a ‘rate watch’ which effectively lets them know what it is that you are looking for, enabling them to contact you when the right deal for you arises.

Most banks do not have the time needed to offer this kind of service, which can cost you money in the process. What’s more, you are under no obligation to actually trade even when your desired rate arises. It is just a shrewd way of staying on top of what is actually occurring in the currency market just in case you are in a position to proceed with a transfer.

You have one new message

Sign up to email alerts to keep on top of what is happening with rate exchanges and to receive market updates. Many of the leading currency providers regularly offer their customers a wide selection of newsletter options to sign up to, with features including frequent market analysis, daily market news, rate alerts, among other features.

Social media

Market analysis podcasts on YouTube, conversations on Twitter, posts on Facebook, infographics in Pinterest, there are also a host of ways that you can keep up to date with the latest news and trends in the currency markets on social media websites.

Currencies Direct is the UK’s leading foreign exchange specialists and has helped more than 150,000 people with overseas money transfers. Visit currenciesdirect.com for more information.