Foreign currency ATMs launched for holidaymakers

Buying foreign currency before heading off on one's holidays has just become even easier with the launch of a new service at the Post Office.

Holidaymakers will now be able to collect their euros or dollars from specially designed cash machines at selected branches.

Operating like a normal cash machine, the service allows users to withdraw up to their regular daily limit - but in euros or dollars.

There will be no charge for using the machines and no commission will be taken on the withdrawals. In terms of exchange rates, travellers will receive the same rate as that offered by staff across the counter.

"Holidaymakers can make real savings by avoiding all the charges and commission associated with using overseas cash machines abroad, and have more cash to enjoy on holiday instead," commented Helen Warburton, head of Post Office travel services.

Post Office bureau de change services are not restricted to branches - the company recently announced that 50 kiosks will be opening at selected branches of WHSmith.

One of the benefits of these services is that they will benefit from later opening times than those offered by Post Office branches.