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England fans warned not to score own goal with travel money

12th June 2010 Print

With seven million Brits saying they'd be prepared to head to South Africa should England reach the World Cup semi finals or finals without a match ticket purely to experience the atmosphere and, potentially, witness history in the making, it's crucial football travellers don't score an own goal with their travel money.

A survey by M&S Travel Money, reveals that almost nine out of 10 people (89%) claim getting good value on their foreign currency is vitally important to them. Yet, two-thirds (66%) of people mistakenly believe that by purchasing their travel money on the high street they can expect to get the same rate in whatever branch they visit across the country. This, however, is not the case; many providers alter their rates geographically, so many footie fans could be gambling on getting best value this summer.

The research, which polled 3,000 UK adults, revealed Britain is consumed with the desire to witness an English victory this summer. And for those lucky enough to be travelling to see the action in person, or considering doing so, more than one in three (37%) are planning to take more than £450 in cash... which is likely to land them with a red card given there is a limit of 5,000 South African Rand (approximately £450) that can be taken in or out of the World Cup host nation.

Given that 15% of people said that when they are, or if they were to, travel to South Africa to watch England play, their budget would exceed £5,000 (with some saying "money would be no object"!), getting a good deal on foreign currency could make a significant difference. It is a topic travelling England supporters need to put serious thought towards, especially given a quarter of people (24%) aren't even clear that the South African Rand is the official currency they'd need for their trip.

James Yerkess, M&S Travel Money Manager, said: "We know many supporters are planning to head to South Africa and if the team can make it through to the final rounds, we could see many more fans flock to the host nation. But every penny counts, even when it's concerning the beautiful game and all the excitement a trip of a lifetime like this would bring. Value for money is a topic travelling England supporters need to put serious thought towards, especially given a quarter of people aren't even clear that the South African Rand is the official currency they'd need for their trip.

"Whatever the budget, M&S Travel Money is offering a competitive rate on South Africa Rand for the duration of the World Cup. And unlike other travel money providers, M&S treats customers fairly by offering the same rate up and down the UK, in shops, online and by phone."

M&S Travel Money is offering the competitive Rand rate up until the final of the World Cup, and for those travellers keen to take more than the import and export allowance of 5,000 Rand, it recommends Sterling traveller's cheques.