| Top 20 selling Currencies |
% of currency volume |
| Euro |
43.70% |
| US Dollar |
27.30% |
| Thai Baht |
5.00% |
| Australian Dollar |
3.70% |
| Czech Koruna |
2.70% |
| Swiss Francs |
2.60% |
| Brazilian Real |
2.20% |
| New Zealand Dollar |
2.20% |
| Polish Zloty |
1.60% |
| Canadian Dollar |
1.30% |
| Mexican Peso |
1.20% |
| UAE Dirham |
1.00% |
| South African Rand |
0.80% |
| Bulgarian Lev |
0.70% |
| Hungarian Florint |
0.70% |
| East Caribbean Dollar |
0.70% |
| Singapore Dollar |
0.70% |
| Chinese Yuan |
0.60% |
| Egyptian Pound |
0.60% |
| Barbados Dollar |
0.50% |
|
The big chill in February 2009 along with tightened purse-strings looks to have spurred UK travellers to escape the UK for destinations offering both value and warmth according to the latest currency trends from International Currency Exchange (ICE). For the first time, the Thai Baht broke into the top three currencies bought by UK travellers. The ICE monthly currency report also features a new entry from the East Caribbean Dollar and puts the Brazilian Real in 7th position with orders up 85% on average. While sun seeking was a priority for many, the Czech Koruna and Swiss Francs remained in the top ten for those in search of snow.
"It was a big surprise to see orders for Thai Baht rose 102% on average pushing it ahead of Australian Dollar orders and into the top three currencies in February 2009" explains Andrew Hamilton, Head of Marketing for International Currency Exchange. "Even further abroad, Brazil looks set to be this season's Mexico, as Brits recognise the great exchange rate on the Brazilian Real."
Unfavourable exchange rates fail to shake the popularity of the Euro and the US Dollar with orders of both currencies up 35% on January 2009. Despite British expats leaving Dubai in their droves, UAE Dirham orders increased by 60% in February. In contrast, orders for the South African Rand are down 76% as the summer comes to an end.
Hamilton concludes, "As the Pound continues to struggle, it's clear that UK travellers are changing their holiday hot spots. In December 2008, the Barbados Dollar was at number 15, but now it is hanging on at number 20. Meanwhile, the East Caribbean Dollar has jumped in at 16, illustrating how UK holidaymakers are heading to destinations that favour the Pound.
"Travellers should shop around for rates before deciding where to go. It is important to consider the local price of activities and services, rather than just looking at the cost of the flight. We also advise holidaymakers to buy their foreign currency before they travel to ensure they get the best rates and avoid additional charges incurred by getting money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad."
Simply log on to www.iceplc.com, select the currency and then select a point of pick-up from the list of stations and airports or choose a free home delivery - no queues, no fuss. From travellers' cheques to foreign currency, ICE delivers the ultimate online exchange service. In addition the ICE Travellers cashcard Prepaid MasterCard allows holidaymakers to put their spending money on a pre-paid, PIN protected card, offering protection from theft and fraud.
