I have used supermarket bureaux for years to grab euros before a trip. The process is quick and fuss-free. Let me walk you through how it all works below.
Quick Facts
| Topic | Quick Answer |
| What it is | A foreign currency service with 50+ currencies |
| Commission | 0% on all travel money transactions |
| Nectar perk | Better exchange rates for members |
| Order options | Click & Collect, home delivery, prepaid card, in store |
| Prepaid card | Holds up to 22 currencies, managed by app |
| Free delivery | On cash orders of £500 or more |
| Collection | Euros and dollars often ready same day |
| Buy-back | Notes bought back, not coins, rates vary daily |
| Best value tip | Order online early and add your Nectar number |
What Is This Service?
It is the foreign exchange arm of Sainsbury’s, run in partnership with Fexco. You can buy, exchange, or sell foreign currency. The service covers more than 50 currencies from around the world. It runs across 200-plus in-store bureaux nationwide.
The offering is built around choice and value. You get 0% commission and competitive daily rates. Nectar members unlock even better deals on top.
It is a trusted name for UK travellers heading abroad. The bureaux sit inside supermarkets you already visit. That makes sorting currency a simple part of your routine. Support is available online and in store if you need help. Their FAQs cover most common questions before you place an order.
How to Order Your Currency
There are a few easy ways to get your holiday cash. Pick whichever suits your plans best. You can buy travel money online in minutes with sainsbury travel money services.
Order online to lock in the online rate before you collect. Choose Click & Collect from a nearby bureau. Or select home delivery straight to your door. You can also walk into any store bureau and buy on the spot.
| Option | How It Works |
| Click & Collect | Order online, pick up at a bureau |
| Home Delivery | Tracked delivery to your billing address |
| Prepaid card | Load currency and spend abroad |
| Walk-up in store | Buy or sell at a bureau on the day |
Exchange Rates and Nectar Deals
Rates sit at the heart of any currency service. Here is how they work here.
Every transaction comes with 0% commission. Nectar members get better exchange rates online, by phone, and in store. Online and in-store rates can differ, so check both. Your rate locks in the moment you confirm an online order.
Rates can update several times a day. A higher buy rate means more currency for your pounds. The buy rate and sell rate are always different. Start an order to see the live rate before you pay.
Market rates you see in the news are wholesale. Retail rates include the provider’s costs and vary by currency. That is normal across every high-street bureau. Comparing the final amount you receive matters more than the headline rate.
⚠️ Important Note
Rates, fees, and delivery terms change often and vary by channel. Always check the official Sainsbury’s Travel Money site for the latest details before you order.
The Travel Money Card
A prepaid card is a handy alternative to carrying cash. It suits frequent travellers well.
The travel money card is a prepaid Mastercard you load before you go. This prepaid travel money card holds up to 22 currencies at once. You manage the balance and top up through the app. Your PIN arrives separately from the card for security.
The card works like a normal bank card at ATMs and shops. A good travel money debit card style setup avoids surprise fees abroad. As an international money card, it locks in your rate when you load it. Order online or grab one in a bureau at short notice.
Many travellers rate it as a strong best travel money card option for holidays. Load euros or dollars and tap to pay contactless. Keep some cash too for tips and small markets. The card and cash together make a smart combo. A prepaid money travel card also simplifies your holiday money exchange when you return, since you just reload or cash out.
Currencies You Can Buy
Over 50 currencies are available for order. That covers almost any destination.
Popular picks include euros, US dollars, and Canadian dollars. Japanese yen, UAE dirham, and Thai baht are stocked too. A euro travel money card suits Europe trips, while a usa travel money card fits American holidays. There is a japan travel money card option for yen lovers too.
Heading somewhere less common? A canada travel money card, an india travel money card, or a china travel money card all work well. A mexico travel money card suits Cancun getaways. Load a travel money card thai baht balance for Thailand adventures.
| Region | Example Currencies |
| Europe | Euro (EUR) |
| Americas | US dollar, Canadian dollar, Mexican peso |
| Asia | Japanese yen, Thai baht, Chinese yuan |
| Middle East | UAE dirham, Saudi riyal |
Rates and stock vary by currency and location. Rarer currencies may need ordering ahead. Popular ones like euros and dollars are widely held. Check your local bureau’s stock before you set out.
Delivery, Collection and Fees
Fees and timings vary by order type. Knowing them helps you plan ahead.
Free delivery applies on cash orders of £500 or more. Orders between £100 and £499.99 cost £4.99 to deliver. The minimum home delivery order is £100. Euros and dollars are often ready the same day for collection.
| Detail | What to Expect |
| Free delivery | Orders of £500 or more |
| Delivery fee | £4.99 on £100 to £499.99 |
| Collection timing | Euros and dollars often same day |
| ID checks | Photo ID may be needed under AML rules |
Order euros and dollars by 2pm for next-day delivery. Other currencies are ready from 2pm on your collection day. Collect within 72 hours or the order may cancel. Delivery goes via Royal Mail Special Delivery with a signature.
A valid phone number is needed for home delivery orders. Highlands and Islands may not get next-day service. Check your bureau’s opening hours before you collect. A confirmation email tells you when your order is ready.
Selling Back Leftover Currency
Got cash left after your holiday? You can change it back to pounds.
Use the Click & Sell service online to lock in a sell rate. Or bring unused notes to any bureau for buy-back. The service buys back notes but not coins. Buy-back rates change daily, so check before you go.
A Buy Back Guarantee is available for a small fee per currency. It protects you from rate swings on your return. This suits travellers who buy a lot of currency. Ask in bureau or online for the current terms.
Selling back is quick if you keep your notes tidy. Bundle them by currency before you visit. Online sell rates lock in when you confirm. Then collect your pounds in store with ease.
How to Get the Best Value
A little planning helps your holiday budget stretch further. These habits pay off.
Always compare money exchange rates before you commit. Add your Nectar number at checkout to boost your rate. Order early to avoid the last-minute airport dash. Buying travel money online usually beats the airport rate.
Do not leave it to exchange money at airport counters, since rates there are often poor. Learn how to exchange money the smart way, well before you travel. A quick travel money exchange comparison saves real cash. Pre-ordering also secures your chosen currency in stock.
Keeping Your Holiday Money Safe
Cash and cards both need protecting on the road. A few simple steps keep them secure.
Split your money across a few places, never one pocket. A money belt worn under your clothes hides your cash and passport. Many travellers swear by money belts for busy tourist spots. A slim travel money holder or a discreet travel money bag also helps.
Check the rules before you fly with cash. Know how much money can you take on a plane without declaring it. Keep digital copies of your documents in the cloud. A little prep beats a lot of panic abroad.
Tell your bank you are travelling so cards keep working. Note the numbers to cancel cards fast if lost. Carry only a day’s spending in your pocket. Leave the rest secured back at your accommodation.
Before You Travel
Sorting currency is just one part of trip prep. A few other tasks deserve early attention.
Check your passport is valid well ahead of time. Look up what documents are needed for a passport if yours needs renewing. Research entry rules for your destination early. For some trips you must know the documents needed to travel to mexico by air.
Read up on local currency customs too. For example, small notes help when handling costa rica money in rural areas. A holiday money card keeps a backup ready if cash runs low. Order your currency once your plans are locked in.
Sort travel insurance at the same time as your money. Pack a mix of cash and card for flexibility. Double-check your booking and transfer details early. Then you can relax and enjoy the countdown to your trip.
Why Choose a Supermarket Bureau
Supermarket currency services offer real convenience. You sort your money while doing the weekly shop.
The 200-plus bureaux mean one is likely near you. You collect euros and dollars often on the same day. The 0% commission keeps costs clear and simple. Nectar rewards stack value on top of decent rates.
Ordering online locks in your rate ahead of collection. That protects you from same-day rate swings. Home delivery saves a trip if you order enough. The whole process fits neatly around a normal errand.
Understanding the Cash Passport Card
The prepaid card deserves a closer look. It is a flexible tool for modern travel.
The card is a prepaid contactless Mastercard for up to 22 currencies. You load it in the app, online, or at a bureau. Once loaded, it works instantly at ATMs and shops abroad. You can top it up anytime while you travel.
Loading currency early locks in that day’s rate. That gives you a clear holiday budget up front. The app lets you track spending on the go. Keep the card and some cash for full flexibility.
Planning Your Currency Budget
A little budgeting stops overspending abroad. Plan your cash needs before you buy.
Estimate daily costs for food, travel, and treats. Add a buffer for tips, taxis, and small markets. Split the total between card and cash. Order a bit extra rather than running short overseas.
Watch the rates in the weeks before you travel. Buy when the rate looks favourable to you. Avoid changing large sums at the last minute. Small, planned purchases usually beat one rushed exchange. Keep a simple note of what you have bought and spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sainsbury’s Travel Money work?
You order foreign currency online, by collection, or in a bureau. Pay securely and pick Click & Collect or home delivery. Nectar members get better exchange rates on eligible purchases.
Does Sainsbury’s charge commission on currency?
No, all travel money transactions come with 0% commission. You only pay the exchange rate shown before you buy. Delivery fees may apply on smaller orders.
Can I get a better rate with a Nectar card?
Yes, Nectar members receive better exchange rates online, by phone, and in store. Add your Nectar number at checkout to claim it. It is free to join if you are not a member.
How long does delivery take?
Order euros or dollars by 2pm Monday to Thursday for next-day delivery. Free delivery applies on orders of £500 or more. Smaller orders carry a £4.99 fee.
Can I sell back leftover foreign currency?
Yes, you can sell unused notes back for pounds online or in a bureau. The service buys back notes but not coins. Buy-back rates change daily.
Is a travel money card better than cash?
A prepaid card is safer and locks in your rate when loaded. Cash still helps for tips, taxis, and small markets. Most travellers carry both for flexibility.
Do I need a Nectar account to order?
No account is needed to order travel money. Just choose your currency and pay securely online. Adding a Nectar number simply unlocks better rates.
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