UAE and Thailand holiday hits

The United Arab Emirates and Thailand are the holiday hits of this Easter, according to new figures from Sainsbury's Travel Money. Analysis of the currency exchanged at Sainsbury's Travel Money Bureaux throughout the UK reveals that there was a 71 per cent increase in the volume of foreign currency exchanged in the week before Easter compared to a typical week at that time of year, with UAE Dirham showing the biggest increase (122%).

Of the most popular currencies exchanged in Sainsbury's Travel Money bureaux, the Thai Baht had the second biggest increase in popularity in the pre-Easter foreign exchange rush, with a 107 per cent increase. This was followed by the Canadian Dollar, which had an 86 per cent increase, and the Euro, which showed an 84 per cent increase.

In contrast, last minute demand for Czech Koruna was down by 48 per cent in comparison to a typical week, and demand for the Egyptian Pound was down by 47 per cent. Demand for the New Zealand Dollar and the Australian Dollar were down by 46 per cent and 43 per cent respectively.

Scott Gorman, Head of Sainsbury's Travel Money, said: "The week before Easter is usually a busy week for people getting their foreign currency, but the difference in demand for more exotic currencies is marked. Clearly there were some great last minute deals to be had in the UAE, judging by the increase in demand for Dirham.

"We would encourage all those going on holiday to shop around and take advantage of the best rates and commission free offers available, and organise their travel money well in advance of their holiday if possible."