Re the HSBC suggestion it may well be a good deal, but please don't fall for the word "free" - there is always a commission on currency transfers whether it is charged as a "fee" or whether it is an adjustment to the rate (a "margin").
Re the HSBC suggestion it may well be a good deal, but please don't fall for the word "free" - there is always a commission on currency transfers whether it is charged as a "fee" or whether it is an adjustment to the rate (a "margin").
I recently transferred a sum of money from my HSBC account in the UK to my HSBC account in Canada. I did this in person through a local branch of HSBC in the UK and was charged 20 pounds in the UK and a further CDN$ 15 was deducted from my account by HSBC in Canada.
I suggest that you use the services of a money transfer service..not only do you get a better exchange rate..some waive their transfer charges..(eg. Worldfirst.com)..However you do have pay charges to the recepient bank..looks like you also pay for incoming funds..aka incoming calls on your mobile.. ;D..
You don't need to declare it, but if you have money left in the UK you will declare that when you do a tax return (due in April).
I like UKForex, they were good for me for transfers of GBP3k. I did one larger transfer and having rung around, Moneycorp were able to offer a better rate (although UKForex were still competitive). The bigger transfer incurred a $20 receiving charge at the Canadian bank, but the GBP3k ones via UKForex did not. Less than GBP3k UKForex charge a small fee.