Press Release Summary: New Post Office(r) trial of ATMs offers convenient, commission-free euros and dollars at selected branches.
Press Release Body: UK holidaymakers can now get commission-free foreign currency exchange from new specially designed cash machines at selected Post Office(r) branches.
Foreign exchange ATMs are being trialled in thirteen branches nationwide, giving people even more convenience when it comes to buying their holiday cash.*
Customers using the ATMs will simply be able to insert their debit cards and select one of two mainstream currencies (euros or US dollars)**. There will be no charge for withdrawing cash, they get the same great exchange rate as over the counter and withdrawals are commission-free too.
The new machines supplied by Bank of Ireland are being trialled to complement the extensive range of counter services already available from Post Office(r) bureaux de change, making it even easier for holidaymakers to get their Travel Money quickly and efficiently.
The announcement comes as recent figures show that there were 309 million overseas transactions on UK-issued cards last year (three per cent of all transactions on UK-issued cards). In fact using a debit card to withdraw cash abroad is so popular with UK holidaymakers that a total of GBP7.1 billion was withdrawn from overseas cash machines in 2007.***
Helen Warburton, head of Post Office(r) travel services, said: "Holidaymakers can make real savings by avoiding all the charges and commission associated with using overseas cash machines abroad, and have more cash to enjoy on holiday instead.
"Our new ATM machines are a hassle-free, convenient and economic way for holidaymakers to get their holiday money from an ATM in this country at the push of a button."
For those who still want to shop abroad with plastic, the Post Office(r) credit card is one of the few cards which offers 0% commission on overseas transactions or the pre-paid 'Travel Money Card' is available in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars.
Changing money at the Post Office(r) has never been easier. With a total of 7,600 branches offering foreign currency exchange on-demand over the counter, and an online ordering option at www.postoffice.co.uk for branch collection or home delivery, together with the thirteen new ATM machines, it is the largest and most accessible currency provider in the UK
Ends
Notes to Editors
All cards using the 'Link' network are accepted
*Post Office(r) ATM locations are as follows: Ashford Harrogate Fareham Bristol Basingstoke Solihull Harlow City of London Birmingham Stockport Crawley Trafalgar Square Dartford
** Up to their daily withdrawal limit *** Figures sourced from APACS http://www.apacs.org.uk/08_05_19.html
For further information, please contact: 3 Monkeys Communications Clare Waller/ Redzi Mangwana 020 7440 2410 clare@3-monkeys.co.uk / Redzi@3-monkeys.co.uk
Post Office(r) Ltd Hayley Fowell 020 7250 2417 hayley.fowell@postoffice.co.uk
About Post Office (r) Travel Services The Post Office(r) is the UK's largest bureau de change provider with a 25 per cent market share, offering over 70 different currencies with 0 per cent commission on all foreign currency and Travellers Cheques. The Post Office(r) pre-paid Travel Money Card offers customers a secure and convenient way to carry their holiday money.
The Post Office(r) provides a range of great value travel services including insurance, foreign currency, passport photos and Check & Send, international money transfers, holiday phone cards, EHIC forms and Check & Send, plus huge savings on car-hire and pre-booked holiday extras. The Post Office(r) also won 'Favourite Currency Provider' and 'Favourite Travel Insurance' at the recent British Travel Awards.
The Post Office(r) Credit Card charges 0 per cent commission for all purchases made overseas and also offers customers the flexibility to pay for two large purchases at any time at a discounted fixed rate - ideal for splashing out on holiday.
Post Office(r) cash machines are provided by Bank of Ireland. In the two years since their partnership began, more than 1200 'Free-to-use' ATMs have been installed in Post Office(r) branches throughout the country.
www.postoffice.co.uk
Post Office Ltd. Registered in England and Wales no: 2154540. Registered Office: 80-86 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NN.
The Post Office and the Post Office symbol are registered trade marks of Post Office Ltd.
Post Office Ltd is an appointed representative of The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland, which is authorised by the Irish Financial Regulator and the Financial Services Authority; regulated by the Financial Services Authority for the conduct of UK business. Bank of Ireland, incorporated in the Republic of Ireland with limited liability. Registered in England and Wales with branch number BR000459.
Card Account offered by J.P. Morgan Europe Ltd through Post Office Ltd. J.P. Morgan Europe Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 938937. Registered Office: 125 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5AJ.
Web Site: http://www.postoffice.co.uk
Contact Details: London Post Office(r) Ltd Hayley Fowell (+44) 020 7250 2417 hayley.fowell@postoffice.co.uk