Here are a few common questions our customer have asked about currency exchange and Wellington Foreign Exchange Services.
If you don't see your answer here, please contact us by calling 613-531-8731 or sending an email to info@wellingtonfx.com.
You should always try to have some local currency with you when you arrive at a foreign destination. You will need some for immediate expenses such as bus or taxi fares, or tips, and you may find it difficult to change money in the place or at the time you arrive. Wellington Foreign Exchange offers rates which we believe are better than those available at many airports and currency exchanges in other countries (and we would be glad to hear of any comparisons you make).
You can use credit cards or bank debit cards in most countries. You should always check with your bank or credit card company to see what fees may apply for international use.
It's convenient, but often expensive. We suggest you check and compare rates.
Historical rates for most currencies can be found at www.oanda.com.
Older notes in various foreign currencies are often withdrawn from circulation as newer notes are released. We do not recommend customers save their leftover bank notes for long periods of time as it is possible they may be withdrawn from circulation or have their legal tender status removed.
At Wellington Foreign Exchange we only deal with currencies in circulation and may not be able to accept bills that are non-circulating or no longer legal tender. Often the only place you can exchange an older bill that has been removed from circulation is at a bank in the country that issued it. This situation occurs frequently with the UK Pound (GBP) , among other currencies. Please call us if you have questions.
The United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) uses the Pound Sterling; the Republic of Ireland (or Eire, with Dublin as its capital) uses the Euro.
In England and Wales the money in daily use is issued by the Bank of England. These notes will be accepted anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Scotland uses its own notes, issued by three Scottish banks with designs depicting Scottish historical and literary figures. It is the money in everyday use, but Bank of England notes are also accepted, and have the same value.
The six counties of Northern Ireland have their own bills, which is a Sterling currency with the same value as the pounds used elsewhere in the U.K. Bank of England notes are also accepted.
Wellington Foreign Exchange regularly carries, and buys, the currency of the Bank of England and the Euro. We also usually have the money of Scotland and Northern Ireland on hand.
Many of the member countries of the European Union have adopted a common currency known as the Euro. The new currency has been in use since January 1, 2002. Notes of the former currencies of some of the countries are exchangeable for Euros at that country's central bank.
The Cuban Currency is Restricted and cannot be bought or sold outside of Cuba. We recommend taking Canadian dollars with you and exchanging them at the airport or your resort or hotel.