Money:  £ and €

Exchange Rates
The exchange rate is usually around $1.50 per pound.  For the Euro, it is about $___.  You can check the daily exchange rates on the internet at a variety of websites, including:  http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Exchanging Money
We'll exchange some money before we leave.  That way we'll have money from day one. 
First Midwest Bank has done this before for us.  If we do it all together, the fees will be distributed around.
It's a good idea to exchange at least $50 before we go.
The tour director will help the students exchange money once over there.  Banks and American Express offices are best
The exchange rates from stores, hotels, etc., will be much worse.  Students are encouraged to stay away from the Bureaux de Change offices and their high rates.

Travelers Checks
American Express is standard
$20 amounts will be best.
Make 2 copies of your numbers:  one for yourself and one for me
Giving me one $20 check is a good idea--for emergencies, etc.

How much to take
About $400 is the recommended amount for a 10 day trip.
Depends on your spending habits
Depends on if you will have a credit card with you.
There may be tickets to unplanned sights, programs, etc., that students may have to pay for.  Obviously, we'll try to keep this at a minimum, but the last day in London will probably include some entry fees, etc.

Credit Cards
MasterCard and Visa are best, NO Discover.
They are good to use to avoid carrying cash and paying travelers check fees, as well as poor exchange rates at stores
Contact your credit card company/bank to see if your son/daughter could get a card in his/her name
Also ask your company about their exchange rates!

ATM Cards
There are ATM's all over Great Britain.  Again, contact your bank/company and find out if your ATM card will work/is on networks overseas.  Make sure you have your 4-digit coade.

Customs
Only if the student has purchased over $400 of goods will they be asked to declare anything at customs when they return to the USA.