A postscript to my trip that I thought you might like. I was in town (London Town, obviously) yesterday and so went to my usual currency change place right by Victoria to change up $9,000 (I"ve kept back a few thousand for a holiday letter in the year). This place has the best spread, and so the best rates, I"ve found anywhere. Also there is no commission, obviously. So the spot rate at the moment is £1 = $1.55, and they sell at 1.535 and buy back at 1.5625. Is the airport spread something like 1.35/1.75? Disgraceful, and yet people still use them!?
Anyway, I hand over the 9k and the women works out that I should get £5,670. She"s about to pay me out when her boss comes back from the break and says I need to fill in a form. On the part that says "source of funds" I put "poker winnings from Vegas". He asks for evidence, which of course I"ve left at home. Hmm. Then I have an idea - I go on the Hendon Mob database on my phone and luckily it"s been updated and has the $10k win on there. He says that"s fine! Thank you Hendon Mob! I go straight over to the HSBC and pay in the money, although they don"t have cashiers on a Saturday, and so I have to use one of those machines. Doesn"t seem right, but it all seemed to work. Then my wife and I hit the shops to spend some of the money!
See you all in Cardiff, I hope!
