Man U fans urged not to score a currency own goal

As thousands of Manchester United fans prepare to descend on Rome for the Champions League final, leading travel money provider M&S Money is offering supporters tips on how to make the most of their money in the Italian capital.

The Foreign Office estimates that around 30,000 United supporters will travel to Rome for the final on Wednesday against Barcelona.

With fans paying hundreds of pounds for tickets, travel and accommodation, they will want to make sure they are getting the best deal on foreign currency.

M&S Money advises supporters flying to Rome to purchase their euros before getting to the airport, where they will get less for their sterling. Fans would also be wise to avoid costly charges and relatively poor exchange rates by getting all their cash from ATMs in Italy.

James Yerkess, M&S Travel Money Manager, said: ‘Buying foreign currency before you travel is always recommended as it avoids paying over the odds at the airport.

‘The majority of people buy their travel money well in advance, but those who haven't planned ahead needn't worry as they still have time to get their currency before Wednesday.

‘It's important that fans follow Foreign Office safety advice, including not to carry valuables such as passports, credit cards and money in the same bag or pocket.'

M&S offers competitive exchange rates online, over the phone and at in store bureaux de change. M&S has made it even easier for travellers to get their foreign currency by offering cash machines which dispense both euros and dollars in selected M&S stores.

The following bureaux in the Manchester area are open seven days a week:

(all bureaux are open until 22.00 Mon-Fri, until 20.00 on Sat and 17.00 on Sun, unless specified below)

Trafford Centre (Sunday open 12-18)
Handforth Dean
Manchester City Centre
Gemini
Bolton (Sunday open 10.30-16.30)

Customers who use their M&S card to buy foreign currency worth £500 or more from M&S before 30 June will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five prizes of 250,000 M&S points. The points, worth £2,500, can be redeemed at any M&S store.

Furthermore, everyone who enters the draw will automatically be given 200 M&S points.

Marks & Spencer Travel Money is available online at marksandspencer.com/travelmoney