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TSB international transfer: Fees, Time and Exchange Rates

If you bank with TSB in the UK and need to send money overseas, you might be wondering about the costs and processes for sending an international payment with TSB. This guide has you covered with all you need to know about TSB fees, rates, delivery times and more.

TSB has been serving UK customers for some 200 years - and today has over 5 million account holders. However, if you need to send a payment overseas, TSB isn't necessarily your best option. Specialist services like Wise or OFX are fast and easy to use - and could make your transfer cheaper.

TSB international money transfer comparison

Let’s take a look at the fees which are important when sending an international transfer . You might run into a few different costs - some of which are easy to spot, and some of which may come as an unpleasant surprise. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

Transfer fee - this may be low, or free - and can vary based on how you arrange your payment

Exchange rate markup - this can be the highest fee, but it’s often hard to see

Correspondent bank fees - these fees go to intermediaries involved in the transfer process

We’ll walk through these costs one by one in just a moment. First, let’s take a look at a comparison of the costs and delivery times for sending an international transfer with TSB compared to some specialist providers. Here we’ll use the fees that would apply for a payment of 1,000 GBP to a friend in France, made online and to be received directly into the French euro bank account.

*Fees and exchange rates correct at time of research - 7th June 2022

https://www.tsb.co.uk/help/internet-banking/international-payments/

https://www.westernunion.com/gb/en/frequently-asked-questions/faq-send-money-online.html#Q2

https://www.ofx.com/en-gb/faqs/how-long-will-my-transfer-take/

The final costs for your TSB international transfer will depend on where you’re sending money to, and how you set up your payment. As well as any upfront transfer fee, you may pay a correspondent fee of 6 GBP. This cost can be passed onto your recipient in some cases, instead of you covering the charge. Other fees may also be deducted by intermediaries or your recipient’s own bank as the payment is processed.

You’ll see the exchange rate being offered by TSB when you arrange your payment online or in a branch. It’s good to know that bank exchange rates usually include a markup - a percentage fee added to the mid-market exchange rate. This is commonly around 3%, which doesn't sound huge, but does mean you’re paying more than you think for your transfer.

Compare TSB with some alternatives, to see if you can get a lower overall fee and a faster delivery time with a specialist money transfer service. Services like Wise use the mid-market exchange rate with no markups, making it far easier to see the true cost of your transfer in advance. Specialist money transfer services are secure and simple to use, and you can usually transact 24/7 online and through mobile apps.

TSB international transfer fees

The final costs of your payment with TSB will depend on where you’re sending money to and how you arrange your transfer. Some accounts have slightly different fees, so it’s worth checking your own account terms and conditions before you get started. Here’s a rundown:

TSB exchange rate

When you send a payment from a TSB account that’s held in pounds, to an account in a different currency, TSB will exchange currencies as part of the transfer, using the live TSB exchange rate on the day. You’ll be able to see the exchange rate that’ll apply online - or if you’re making the payment in a branch, you’ll be notified by the service staff.

It’s important to note that bank exchange rates tend to include a markup, which is an extra fee, often of around 3%. That might not seem like a lot, but it soon adds up, and can be far more than any other charge involved in moving money across borders.  Here’s how the fee would stack up with a 3% margin used for different transfer values:

Sending 1,000 GBP - the exchange rate markup adds 30 GBP to the total

Sending 5,000 GBP - the exchange rate markup adds 150 GBP to the total

Sending 50,000 GBP - the exchange rate markup adds 1,500 GBP to the total

Here’s a reminder of the total costs - including exchange rate markups - from the providers we looked at earlier. This is what you’ll pay with each if you set up your payment online and send 1,000 GBP to a euro denominated account:

TSB: No transfer fee, but exchange rate margin applies + relevant intermediary bank fees

Wise : 4.28 GBP

OFX : No transfer fee, but exchange rate margin applies

TSB additional fees

Bank international transfers are usually processed through the SWIFT payment network. This is a reliable, but fairly expensive way to move money internationally, and can result in surprise fees. In the SWIFT system, your money will be moved through 1 - 3 intermediaries known as correspondent banks, on the way to the destination account. While you’ll pay any charges TSB levies on your transfer, these intermediaries may also deduct fees from the amount being transferred, to cover their costs and charges. This can mean your recipient gets less than you expect in the end.

You can sometimes opt to pay all SWIFT charges yourself if you arrange your transfer by phone or in a branch - but higher transfer fees may apply in this case. Alternatively, pick a specialist provider which avoids the SWIFT network and its costs - like Wise. Your money might arrive faster, and you’ll be sure there are no surprise fees to worry about.

How long does a TSB international money transfer take

How long it takes for your money to arrive with TSB will depend on where your payment is headed, and whether you hit the cut off times on the day you initiate the transfer. Here are the anticipated delivery times assuming you meet the cut off on the day you set up your transfer:

The cut off time for sending a payment is 4:30pm. If you arrange your transfer after this - or at a weekend or public holiday - your transfer will start to be processed on the next working day.

Here’s a reminder of the delivery times for international transfers from TSB and a few other providers:

TSB: Up to 12 working days depending on the destination country

Wise : 80% of payments arrive in 24 hours

Western Union: Up to 2 days

OFX : 1 - 2 business days

Pros and cons of transferring money abroad with TSB

Safe, familiar and reliable service

Arrange online, by phone or in a branch

No upfront fee for euro transfers to the EU and EEA

Exchange rates may include a markup

Delivery times can be high when sending to anywhere other than the EU and EEA

High fees for in branch and telephone transfers

Correspondent fees may apply - and can not always be known in advance

In many cases, you’ll get a better exchange rate and a lower overall cost if you choose a specialist provider for your payment, instead of relying on your regular bank.

How to make an international transfer with TSB

Send a payment in branch, by phone, online or in TSB’s mobile banking service. Sending a payment online or using your smartphone is usually cheapest and most convenient. You’ll need to:

Log into your online banking

Navigate to the payments section

Follow the prompts to add the currency and amount you want to send

Check the rates and fees

Enter your recipient’s details

Confirm and your payment will be on its way

What information do you need to make an international transfer with TSB?

You’ll need to provide TSB with:

the full name and address of the person you want to pay

the name and address of the bank of the person you want to pay

the International Bank Account Number (IBAN)

the Bank Identifier Code (BIC)

Transfer limits and available countries

You can send up to 75,000 GBP from any one account in any one day. That means that if you have a joint account your daily limit remains at 75,000 GBP - the same as for individual account customers.

TSB international payments can be sent to a broad range of countries and currencies. Log into yout online or mobile banking service to get a full rundown of the available countries and currencies for your account type.

Receiving money from abroad with TSB

If you’re expecting a payment from overseas to your TSB account you’ll need to give the sender your account information to make sure the transfer arrives safely. Usually, this will mean passing on:

Your full name as shown on your account

The SWIFT/BIC code for your account

Once your payment is on its way you won’t need to take any action - the money will be deposited into your TSB bank account when it’s cleared. However, there may be a fee to pay when you get your transfer, depending on the currency:

No fee to receive euros

Non-euro payments under 100 GBP value - 2 GBP fee

Non-euro payments  over 100 GBP value - 7 GBP fee

TSB SWIFT code

It’s important to give the sender the correct SWIFT/BIC code if you’re expecting a foreign transfer. This is like a postcode for international payments and makes sure your money arrives at the right destination bank, even from the other side of the world. Giving the wrong SWIFT can mean your transfer is delayed or rejected. Here’s what you need:

The TSB SWIFT code is TSBSGB2A

Using your regular bank for an international transfer might seem like the obvious option, but it can work out pretty costly and slow. While some international payments with TSB don’t have an upfront transfer fee - or may come with fairly low transfer charges - you’ll need to bear in mind the exchange rates and intermediary fees which can push up overall costs significantly. Because banks add a markup to their exchange rates, you could end up paying more than you expect - and if SWIFT fees are deducted as the transfer is processed, your recipient could end up with less than you anticipate, too.

Compare the costs of TSB international transfers against the fees, rates and delivery times offered by international transfer specialists like Wise to see if you could save. Specialist services are usually very easy to use, online or through an app - and can mean a better rate, lower fee, and faster payment time, too.

Transfers made online, and sent within the EEA are free. All other payments up to 5,000 GBP come with a 10 GBP fee, while transfers above 5,000 GBP have a 17.50 GBP fee. Non-euro payments made in a branch or by phone cost 20 GBP.

Euro payments may arrive the next working day, payments on major routes typically take 4 working days, while any other payment can take up to 12 working days.

Send your TSB international transfer online, in the TSB mobile banking app, in a branch or by phone. Different fees apply based on how you set up your payment.

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Lloyds TSB introduces pre-paid travel money card

British bank Lloyds TSB has launched a PIN-protected pre-paid re-loadable payment card designed to replace paper travellers' cheques and cash.

The Lloyds TSB Travel Money Card costs £7.50 and can be pre-loaded with between £150 and £3000 in either euros or US dollars. The card can be used to make purchases at retail outlets that acccept Visa payments and to withdraw money from ATMs. When abroad cardholders can call a telephone number to top up funds, check the balance and access details of recent transactions. The card is valid for two years allowing travellers to save unused cash from one trip for their next trip. At the end of the two years any unused funds can be transferred to a new card or sent back to the customer. Gerrard Schmid, Lloyds TSB transaction banking director, says the card is the future for foreign currency: "You can load only what you want to spend and feel confident that if it's reported lost or stolen the money can be credited to a new Travel Money Card and you won't be liable for any losses." Lloyds TSB says research conducted amongst its customers found that 69% are likely to consider taking the pre-paid with them next time they travel.

Sponsored: [Webinar] Payments systems are evolving quickly: Is your institution ready?

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Travel money: How to get the best exchange rates on your holiday currency and top ways to pay abroad

A t sterling ’s 21st-century peak in 2008, £1 was worth over US$2 on the foreign exchanges. During the calamitous premiership of Liz Truss, the pound sank almost to parity against the American dollar in October 2022. The UK currency has recovered slightly, but is still only worth $1.22 or so. Sterling’s fall is mirrored against other currencies that are locked to the US$, including UAE dirhams and the dollars used in many Caribbean islands.

Shortly after the euro was introduced at the start of 2002, sterling was riding high: worth €1.65. Today it has shed about 50 euro cents to around €1.15. Against the Swiss franc , the pound has fared even worse – losing half its value in 15 years, corresponding to a doubling of prices for British travellers.

Given the continued erosion in the value of the pound, it is essential to avoid further losses by managing your holiday finances well.

If you leave holiday money to the last moment and change money at the airport on your way out, you will be wasting your cash – which would be much better spent at your destination. In addition, the pandemic accelerated changes in how travellers transact, with contactless payment increasingly the norm.

These are the key questions and answers on holiday money.

Using a credit or debit card

This is a fast and easy method of paying your way, whether with a physical card or a card on a phone. We are now in an age when cards are used for the most minor transactions. Crucially, though, you could be losing a slice of cash every time you use your normal UK bank card abroad.

For most mainstream UK credit and debit cards, banks charge just under 3 per cent (usually 2.95 or 2.99 per cent) as a “foreign currency transaction fee”. Adding almost £3 to a £100 purchase represents free money for them at your expense.

Some also impose an additional “cash advance fee” – sometimes a flat £1.50 or a percentage of up to 5 per cent – for withdrawals from an ATM.

Check your card provider’s policy – which should be easily visible online – and if necessary get a new card specifically for overseas use.

How can I dodge the card fees?

If you are a First Direct customer, your Mastercard debit card is fee-free abroad. For other travellers who seek a simple solution, apply for a Halifax Clarity credit card and use it purely for spending overseas; it does not add transaction fees.

Online firms such as Revolut may offer a better exchange rate. Along with low-cost providers Monzo, Starling Bank and others, Revolut holders can expect fee-free cash withdrawals (usually subject to a monthly limit).

HSBC has an interesting Global Money account, available to most active UK current account holders. Using the bank’s mobile banking app (select “International Services” then “Global Money”) you can create an account that allows you to keep funds in up to 18 currencies, and spend abroad without transaction fees.

Note that an increasing number of ATMs apply their own, local transaction fees – typically €5 in Mediterranean nations. You should be warned of this before you commit to a withdrawal.

Is it best to take a credit or debit card?

Credit cards have several advantages over debit cards. UK-issued cards are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which makes the card provider jointly liable with the merchant for any purchases over £100. That means any goods you buy with the card must be of reasonable quality.

You are also protected against financial failure of a travel provider, whether an airline, tour operator or hotel – though if you book through an agent the legal position is cloudier.

A credit card also gives you something of a cushion; money does not leave the account immediately, and if you pay off the bill in full every month you should not face interest charges.

Debit cards may incur even higher charges for spending abroad. For example TSB adds a £1 “non-pounds purchase fee” outside the EU to its 2.99 per cent transaction fee for purchases made on a debit card. That inexpensive £16 Turkish lunch bill becomes £17.50 using a TSB debit card, increasing the cost by 9 per cent.

Check before you use your normal debit card abroad – unless you are with First Direct, whose debit cards are fee-free.

The Chase debit card makes an interesting offer: no fees plus 1 per cent cash back, though this applies only for the first year, with a maximum of £15 back per month.

Debit-card purchases are covered by the banks’ voluntary chargeback scheme, which does not offer the same degree of protection as credit cards.

Beware of Dynamic Currency Conversion

“Would you like to pay in sterling?” the waiter asks innocently. He is hoping that you will choose pounds, thereby boosting the restaurant’s profits. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) means the merchant and a bank give you a terrible rate of exchange and split the profit – typically a margin of 5 to 6 per cent – between them.

Restaurants, shops and hotels are allowed to offer the “opportunity” so long as they make it clear that the cardholder has a choice, and cite the rate of exchange that will be used.

The EU-funded European Consumer Organisation, known as BEUC, adds: “It is almost impossible for a consumer to make an informed decision when presented with the DCC option, because of various ‘nudging’ strategies put in place by the DCC service providers and merchants.”

Always choose to pay with local currency, not “GBP”.

Could I face unexpected charges abroad?

Yes, depending on the location. I have paid credit-card surcharges in Australia and Denmark, and they may pop up elsewhere. In the UK it is illegal to charge extra for paying with a credit card, but that does not apply elsewhere.

Watch out for the ‘hold’ on a credit card

All kinds of enterprises, from car-rental firms to hoteliers concerned about their minibar, demand a credit card. Without one, you might be asked for a hefty cash deposit – or simply refused service. This is because the firm wants some comeback, and to reserve the right to extract additional funds.

If, after you have checked in the car or checked out of the hotel, they find that you have run up a charge, they want to claim it back – and the easiest way to do that is to demand “pre-authorisation” up to a certain amount.

They will exercise a “hold”, which means reserving a chunk of capacity – perhaps as much as £1,000 – from your account for contingencies.

This money will not leave your account (unless there has been some financial chicanery on your part), but it does limit your freedom of financial movement.

Pre-paid cards

These are cards which you load with currency – usually sterling, euros or dollars – and use to pay for goods and services, or to withdraw cash from ATMs. On longer trips, you can keep topping them up online from your bank account, making them good for globetrotting tourists and gap-year adventurers.

You can also hold multiple currencies on the same account – FairFX offers up to 20.

But do your homework. The key components you need to compare start with the initial fee. Some providers waive this, but often make up for it with higher charges elsewhere. Paying a fee now may actually save you more in the longer term.

Next, do you have to pay a “loading” fee to put money on the card? If so, this could prove expensive. Some companies demand 3 per cent of all the money you put on your account. Is there a flat rate or a percentage charge for using the thing? Lastly, how quickly do your funds erode if you don’t use the card for a while? The depletion of value over time is a very useful income stream for the prepaid card issuer.

Should I take cash?

Obtaining local currency locks you into an exchange rate, and therefore you can calculate precisely how much a cup of coffee or a night’s stay costs in sterling. Cash also says less about you than plastic, eliminating the risk of credit-card fraud.

Should I take out currency in the UK or abroad?

Many people use their credit or debit cards to withdraw cash abroad. But on top of any fees added by your card provider, many operators of ATMs abroad charge a Direct Access Fee (DAF). Providing a fully stocked ATM on a Greek island, with all the security and maintenance issues involved, is an expensive business, they point out – and the transaction fee reflects this reality.

So buying ahead of your trip is a good plan. Foreign currency is the ultimate commodity: the euros or dollars you get cheap from a backstreet bureau de change are worth exactly the same as the notes you buy, expensively, at your high street bank. But the only way sensibly to compare rates is to frame the question right: “how many euros will you give me for £300?” or “I need $500, how much will that cost me in sterling?”.

On your local high street, don’t expect much from banks – which now appear to regard changing money as a faff, and often restrict it to existing customers.

Travel agents often offer more competitive rates. And the Post Office is worth checking. But you are almost certain to get a better deal if you shop around online through companies such as Travelex and Moneycorp, and pick up the foreign currency at an airport or ferry port.

For the best deals, it helps to be in London. Search Thomas Exchange Global for some of the best rates. You can pay online and pick up the cash at a Thomas Exchange office.

Better still, take a stroll along Britain’s finest foreign-currency artery: Queensway in London W2. Within a few hundred metres, there are two dozen bureaux de change. It takes 10 minutes to compare rates, and with lots of tourists selling euros or dollars for sterling, there’s a willingness to turn a quick profit.

All of this applies only to the “big” currencies: the euro and dollar, and also the Swiss franc, Canadian and Australian dollars, plus the UAE dinar. You might also want to buy in advance for Scandinavian currencies or New Zealand dollars (weak competition at the destination means rates are rarely good).

But just about every other currency counts as “exotic”, and for these locations the rule is: wait until you get to the country in question. Take clean Bank of England £20 notes (with a few £5 and £10 notes in case you need to change smaller amounts towards the end of your stay).

Turkish currency

The usual advice for European holidays – buy euros in the UK at the best rate you can find – does not apply to for the Turkish lira.

First rule: do not change in large quantities in Britain; you will get a much better rate in Turkey. If you like to have a modest amount of foreign currency for incidentals when you arrive, then I suggest to go to your local post office and change £20 or so into Turkish lira. You won’t get a great rate of exchange, but it will be better than your departure airport. And it is commission-free, which is handy for small transactions like this.

Once at your destination in Turkey, you will soon be able to identify the bureau de change (with the best rates for sterling. Even in small towns, there are change opportunities; ask at the tourist office or a travel agency.

Change reasonably small quantities in case there is another sudden collapse of the lira. Little and often is the best way.

When you shop around, note that some places charge commission and some don’t. The sensible question to compare rates is: “How many Turkish lira will you give me for £100?”

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here .

Using Your TSB Credit Card Abroad in 2023: Fees, Benefits, and Alternatives

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Are you planning to use your TSB credit card on your next trip abroad? Well, get ready for a few potential headaches: many TSB customers have reported unexpectedly high fees on their statements after using their credit cards while travelling overseas.

Fortunately for you, there are a few alternatives to choose from if you prefer low-cost holiday spending. In this post, we walk you through the fees and exchange rates you'll meet when using your TSB credit card abroad and offer savvier alternatives to use instead. So, whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a dream vacation, read on to learn how to make the most of your card spending while abroad!

TSB's credit cards can be pricey to use abroad due to the high charges. Instead, we recommend Wise for non-GBP transactions or Starling Bank as the best complete bank alternative to TSB.

Key Facts: TSB Credit Cards Abroad

Using your tsb credit card abroad.

• 01. How to use your TSB credit card abroad scroll down
• 02. Fees for using your TSB credit card abroad scroll down
• 03. Best travel card alternatives scroll down
• 04. FAQ about using your TSB credit card abroad scroll down

Heading abroad soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2023.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

It should go without saying that credit cards are versatile tools that you can use to handle all kinds of financial transactions while on holiday abroad. This is no different with TSB's range of credit cards, all of which enable you to:

• Pay at point-of-sale machines in foreign countries,
• Withdraw local cash banknotes from foreign ATMs,
• Book or handle deposits for car rental agencies, hotels, or flights.

In addition, some credit cards also let you take advantage of travel insurance, rewards, cashback, and other exclusive benefits while travelling abroad. It's always a good idea to check with TSB what benefits might apply to you before you travel so that you know what you can and cannot expect to take advantage of.

TSB Credit Card Fees Abroad

Although they're easy and convenient to use abroad, TSB credit cards come with some costs you should consider before travelling abroad. We've summarised them below (ignoring non-travel-related costs like annual fees, cash advance, and interest charges):

All told, these costs can lead to an unnecessarily pricey trip abroad. Let's break them down with a typical example:

Point of Sales Transactions

Suppose, for example, you're on holiday in Paris and decide to spend €100 on a boutique fashion item you like. You pay with your TSB credit card. The first thing that happens behind the scenes will be the conversion of your pounds into euros. Fortunately, this occurs at the MasterCard exchange rate (which is generally within a few points of a percent of the actual mid-market exchange rate) without TSB charging its own exchange rate on top of that. This means you won't pay much for exchanging currency, and you'd be paying 87.75 (at MasterCard's rate) instead of £87.91 (at the mid-market rate) on the final statement at the time of writing. Not a big deal, right?

However, it doesn't end there. Next, TSB will hit you with a 0.0295 foreign exchange fee. This fee is rather high and leaves the final cost on your bank statement at £90.67 (approximately 0.0313 higher than a fair exchange). This may not sound like a lot, but consider that you'll be hit with this fee every time you tap your credit card, so it all stacks up quite quickly.

Cash Withdrawals

The costs are even more profound when using your TSB credit card to withdraw cash. Sticking with our example, suppose you next wanted to withdraw €1,000 to get you through a few more days of Parisian spending. Here, you would again pay the MasterCard exchange rate plus the 0.0295 foreign exchange fee (this time amounting to £25.93). On top of this, you'd then pay an additional 0.025 on the remaining amount (or £22.63 in this case).

After factoring in all these fees combined, the conversion on your bank statement would be a whopping £927.63 (that's 0.0568 or £49.83 higher than a fair exchange).

Better Alternatives

Fortunately, there are much more affordable ways to spend your pounds while travelling to Paris or anywhere else in the world. Below, we suggest two world-class UK-based alternatives for you to consider depending on your individual needs and preferences:

Wise: Best for Tapping Your Card Abroad

Wise's fee-free debit card is an excellent way to spend money while abroad from the UK because it allows you to pay in foreign currencies with no hidden fees and offers competitive exchange rates. It's almost always a far better deal than TSB for overseas spending, and you can use it next to your TSB current account whenever you leave the UK.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6
• Multi-currency balances: Yes (available in 56 currencies)
• Foreign exchange margin: 0%
• Foreign exchange fee: 0.2% - 1%
• ATM withdrawal fee: 0.0175
• Best for: Card payments in a foreign currency

Starling Bank: Best Complete Bank Alternative

Starling Bank is a first-class online bank whose debit MasterCard is an excellent way to spend money abroad because it offers no fees whatsoever on any foreign currency spending. It also provides an excellent current account which we've ranked as the best online bank in the UK .

• Service & Quality 8.5
• Fees & Exchange Rates 10
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3
• Multi-currency balances: No
• Foreign exchange: 0%
• ATM withdrawal fee: 0%
• Best for: A complete bank account alternative to TSB

FAQ About TSB Credit Card Abroad

Yes, you can most certainly use your TSB credit card abroad! Being cards issued by Visa or Mastercard and offered by one of the UK's largest banks. TSB credit cards are accepted worldwide, and you can use them to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs. However, you may be charged a fee for using your card abroad, so it's best to compare your options online before you decide to use your TSB credit card on your next holiday.

You can consider using a travel card to avoid fees when using your TSB credit card abroad. There are excellent options out there like Wise and Revolut , which charge incredibly competitive fees and exchange rates when travelling abroad, as well as multi-currency balances to help you dodge conversion fees altogether when tapping your card or withdrawing cash.

See Other UK Travel and Money Transfer Topics

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

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Foreign Currency

Please note:   We are currently providing limited foreign cash services and will only offer AUD,USD, GBP & EUR until further notice.   You need to be a TSB customer to use our foreign exchange services. 

View changes

Foreign Cash Calculator

Foreign cash.

• Currently, TSB provides AUD, USD, GBP, and EUR as currencies.  
• Sort your money before you travel overseas.  
• Have cash on-hand for purchases overseas.  
• Deposit foreign currency directly into your TSB account when you return (note: coins are not exchanged).  
• Purchase foreign currency via your TSB account.

How to buy foreign cash

When ordering foreign cash, allow five business days to order your foreign currency as not all branches hold foreign cash. We do recommend ordering earlier to allow for any unexpected delays.   

Foreign cash orders must be paid for in branch, at the rate quoted at the time the order is made, before we can order the cash. We may ask for identity and other information before we can complete your foreign cash order.  

TSB Debit Mastercard ®️

Want control of your spending? You can use a Debit Mastercard for everyday Eftpos and ATM 1  transactions, as well as shopping online, over the phone and travelling overseas – all while using your own money.

Credit Cards

You can use our TSB Credit Mastercards anywhere around the world that Mastercard® is accepted, at ATMs and directly with retailers, either online or in person. Check out our card options to find the right card for you, and you may also be eligible for free travel insurance 2 on our Platinum card.   

Don't forget to read this bit

1. Mastercard  Credit and  Debit cards will incur a 1.9% foreign currency conversion fee. Use of ATMs not owned by any bank in New Zealand may incur a service fee (in addition to standard account transaction fees) for which TSB receives a commission.  

2. TSB Platinum Mastercard Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 (incorporated in Australia). You should consider the policy wording before making any decisions about this travel insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. See TSB Credit Mastercard® Insurance Terms and Conditions for details. 

The terms and conditions for the TSB Debit Mastercard are set out in Debit Mastercard® Conditions of Use, Debit Mastercard® Fees Information and Privacy Notice.  

The terms and conditions for the TSB Low Rate Mastercard and TSB Platinum Mastercard are set out in Credit Mastercard® Conditions of Use, Credit Mastercard® Fees Information and your card summary.  

Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.  

$90 annual fee for Platinum Mastercard & $20 annual fee for Low Rate Mastercard applies. Different interest rates apply for each card type & rates are subject to change.  

Eligibility, lending criteria, T&Cs, and other fees apply for both card types.   

We do not hold currencies in all branches, and we may need to order the currency you request in.   

Foreign Exchange services are only available to TSB customers.  

Cards, Loans & Savings

Car & home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, travel money card, life insurance, travel money, exchange rate calculator.

Nectar members get better rates on travel money*

• Europe - Euro (EUR)
• USA - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• United Arab Emirates - UAE Dirham (AED)
• Australia - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Canada - Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• New Zealand - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Switzerland - Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Thailand - Thai Baht (THB)
• Aland Islands - Euro (EUR)
• American Samoa - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Andorra - Euro (EUR)
• Anguilla - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Antigua and Barbuda - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Austria - Euro (EUR)
• Bahrain - Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
• Belgium - Euro (EUR)
• Bulgaria - Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
• Chile - Chilean Peso (CLP)
• China - Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
• Cook Islands - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Costa Rica - Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
• Croatia - Euro (EUR)
• Cyprus - Euro (EUR)
• Czech Republic - Czech Koruna (CZK)
• Dominica - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Dominican Republic - Dominican Peso (DOP)
• Ecuador - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• El Salvador - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Estonia - Euro (EUR)
• Fiji - Fijian Dollar (FJD)
• Finland - Euro (EUR)
• France - Euro (EUR)
• French Guiana - Euro (EUR)
• French Southern Territories - Euro (EUR)
• Greece - Euro (EUR)
• Grenada - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Guadeloupe - Euro (EUR)
• Guam - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Haiti - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Holy See (Vatican City State) - Euro (EUR)
• Hong Kong - Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
• Hungary - Hungarian Forint (HUF)
• Iceland - Icelandic Króna (ISK)
• Indonesia - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Ireland - Euro (EUR)
• Israel - Israeli New Sheqel (ILS)
• Italy - Euro (EUR)
• Jamaica - Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
• Japan - Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Jordan - Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
• Kenya - Kenyan Shilling (KES)
• Kiribati - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Korea, Republic of - South Korean Won (KRW)
• Kuwait - Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
• Liechtenstein - Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Lithuania - Euro (EUR)
• Luxembourg - Euro (EUR)
• Malaysia - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
• Malta - Euro (EUR)
• Marshall Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Martinique - Euro (EUR)
• Mauritius - Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
• Mayotte - Euro (EUR)
• Mexico - Mexican Peso (MXN)
• Micronesia, Federated States of - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Monaco - Euro (EUR)
• Montenegro - Euro (EUR)
• Montserrat - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Nauru - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Netherlands - Euro (EUR)
• Niue - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Norfolk Island - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Northern Mariana Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Norway - Norwegian Krone (NOK)
• Oman - Omani Rial (OMR)
• Palau - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Panama - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Peru - Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
• Philippines - Philippine Peso (PHP)
• Pitcairn - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Poland - Polish Zloty (PLN)
• Portugal - Euro (EUR)
• Puerto Rico - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Qatar - Qatari Riyal (QAR)
• Romania - Romanian Leu (RON)
• Saint Barthélemy - Euro (EUR)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Saint Lucia - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Saint Martin (French part) - Euro (EUR)
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• San Marino - Euro (EUR)
• Saudi Arabia - Saudi Riyal (SAR)
• Singapore - Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Slovakia - Euro (EUR)
• Slovenia - Euro (EUR)
• South Africa - South African Rand (ZAR)
• Spain - Euro (EUR)
• Sweden - Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Taiwan - New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
• Timor-Leste - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Tokelau - New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Türkiye - Turkish New Lira (TRY)
• Turks and Caicos Islands - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Tuvalu - Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Vietnam - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Virgin Islands, British - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Virgin Islands, U.S. - U.S. Dollar (USD)
• No matches found

Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.

^ Travel money cards are available on selected currencies only.

Buy travel money

Buy, exchange money and order foreign currency online, by phone, or at our bureaux.  

How to get travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank

Need holiday money? Order currency online, by phone or visit a Sainsbury’s store with a bureau today. Or get a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card for easy and secure spending overseas.  

There are various ways to buy travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank. Choose the method that’s easiest for you. 

1.    Buy currency online for home delivery.  2.    Order currency online and collect instore. 4-hour click and collect available. T&Cs apply.  3.    Buy currency via telephone. 4.    Visit one of our bureaux to buy currency in a Sainsbury’s store.  

Buy a prepaid travel money card

Our travel money card makes it safe and easy to manage and spend your holiday money.  1.     Order for collection – Collect your travel money card from your nearest Sainsbury’s Bank bureau. 2.     Order for delivery – We’ll send your travel money card straight to you. 3.     Download the app or log in online  – Check your balance, exchange between currencies, top up and manage your account.  

Where can you get foreign currency with Sainsbury’s?

Get travel money delivered to you.

Order online or by phone and we’ll mail your holiday money to you securely via special delivery. Order more than £400 of foreign currency and get free delivery.  

Collect travel money instore

Visit a store with an instore travel bureau to collect your travel money on your next weekly shop.

In a hurry? You can now order and collect Euros, US Dollars, and Travel Money Card pre-paid orders in as little as 4 hours with our click and collect travel money service^.

Click and collect currency the same day at a Sainsbury’s Bank travel money bureau when you:

• Order Euros, US Dollars, or a Travel Money Card
• Place your order on a Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays), and
• Order at least 4hr before the bureau’s scheduled closure time

For orders made outside of this period, or for any other currency, you will be able to select your preferred collection date when placing your online order.   

Get your travel money card delivered to you

We’ll send your travel money card straight to you, with your PIN arriving separately for security.  

Visit one of our bureaux 

We have stores with instore travel bureaux across the UK where you can pick up holiday money on the day.  

Why use Sainsbury’s Bank for foreign currency

• Wide range of currencies, including USD and EUR We offer over 50 different foreign currencies, so it’s easy to get the holiday money you need.
• Nectar Prices Nectar members get better exchange rates both online, on the phone and at our bureaux. See our Nectar member benefits .*
• Currency buy-back  Got holiday money left over when you get home? We’ll buy back most foreign currency, so you’re not out of pocket. 
• Pick up your travel money in one of our stores Within travel bureaux  across the UK, it’s convenient to pick up holiday money as you shop with Sainsbury’s Bank.
• Multiple ways to order and receive travel money Order online or by telephone, collect instore or receive holiday money by post – the choice is yours.
• 24/7 telephone assistance and online portal   Our team are on hand to help with your travel money card any time of the day or night, no matter where you are in the world. 
• Access to Western Union You can send an international money transfer instore with  Western Union Money Transfer® services .

Choose your foreign currency

From Euro and US Dollar to Swedish Krona and Japanese Yen, we have more than 50 foreign currencies from all over the world. 

Take a look at our most popular currencies.

Add to your travel money card to withdraw and spend on holiday.

US Dollar (USD)

Order by telephone and receive your travel money in the post.

Dirham (AED)

Order online for bureau collection or buy directly instore.

Turkish Lira (TRK)

Buy travel money at one of our bureaux de change.

Thai Baht (THB)

Order currency online and get free delivery over £400.

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Get a travel money card instore to use on holiday in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any administration fees.

No, we don't charge any administration fees when you order currency from us.

Will I be charged for using my credit/debit card?

No, we don’t charge any extra when you buy foreign currency by card.

Some card providers may charge a cash advance fee and interest for buying currencies. Cash advance fees will not show on your travel money order, but you’ll be able to see them on your card statement. If you’re not sure, you should check with your card issuer.

There is no cash advance fee when you use a Sainsbury’s Bank Credit Card. No interest will be charged, as long as the full outstanding balance on the credit card is cleared during the current billing cycle. If a balance remains on the account at the end of the billing cycle, interest will be charged and may apply to the currency purchased.

Do I get any benefits for being a Nectar member?

Yes, you do. If you tell us your Nectar card number when you place your order, we’ll give you a better exchange rate*. Not a Nectar member? Sign up today .

When will I receive my home delivery order?

You can select a specific working day delivery date up to seven days in advance. Please note Saturday deliveries are not guaranteed. Also, if you’ve chosen a Monday delivery, Royal Mail may try to deliver on Saturday.

The earliest day you’ll be able to select for delivery is:

What are the home delivery fees?

How much money can i order online.

Orders for collection at any Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Bureau or for home delivery are subject to a maximum value of £4,500 per person per day.

All home delivery orders are subject to a minimum value of £100** and a maximum of £2,500. There is no minimum order value for orders for collection at a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Bureau.

How long will my travel money card take to arrive?

We’ll send out your travel money card as soon as you order it, so it should be with you in three to five working days. You can also get a travel money card immediately at our bureaux if you need yours at short notice. 

Can I exchange unused travel money?

Yes, we can buy back your foreign currency. Just bring your unused currency back to a Sainsbury’s Bank travel money bureau and we’ll exchange it back to sterling. Please note that we can buy back notes but not coins. 

Terms and conditions

*Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy instore, online or by phone.© You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction. No cash alternative is available. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

**You can order currency for a secure home delivery by 1pm on the day of your choice by Royal Mail (Mon- Sat). For next day delivery your order needs to be confirmed before 2pm (Mon- Fri). Please note that whilst Royal Mail make every effort to delivery on schedule, we cannot guarantee this as it is beyond our control. Highlands and Islands (including Channel Islands) are not guaranteed next day delivery. Delivery is free on all cash orders £400 or more (£4.99 for orders between £100 and £399.99). The minimum order for home delivery is £100. The delivery day quoted is dependent on the order day being a working day; if one of those days is a public holiday then additional day(s) will be added accordingly. All home delivery orders are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery, unless we advise you otherwise, to your billing address, and a signature will be required upon delivery. A valid telephone number is required for home delivery. ^ For Euro, US Dollar and Travel Money Card only:

If you selected same-day collection your order will be available 4 hours from the initial order confirmation email received or if your order was placed before 6 am then the earliest your order will be available to collect is from 10 am. Please allow at least 4 hours for your order to be processed. Remember to check the bureau opening hours before collecting your order.

If you selected tomorrow or a future date your order will be ready from 10 am on your chosen collection date. For all other currencies

Your order will be available from 2.00 pm on your chosen collection date.

Your order should be collected within 72 hours or will be subject to cancellation. Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.  

Find more Terms & Conditions here

Nectar prices for Nectar members*

Help and Support

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TSB Bank plc. Registered office: Henry Duncan House, 120 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4LH. Registered in Scotland, no. SC95237. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 191240.

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Order travel money

Order  travel money today and benefit from:

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Travel Money

• Clubcard Prices Clubcard Prices

Clubcard Prices are available for all currencies, just enter your Clubcard number on the next page. Full T&Cs below.

• Click & Collect Click & Collect

Collect for free from more than 350 Tesco stores with a Bureau de change.

• Home Delivery Home Delivery

Free delivery on orders worth £500 or more.

Exchange rates may vary during the day and will vary whether buying in store, online or via phone.

Select currency

Error: Please select if you have a Clubcard to continue

Do you have a Tesco Clubcard?

How much would you like?

Error: Please enter an amount between £75 and £2,500

Find a Store to get your Travel Money

With Click & Collect you can order your travel money online and pick it up from selected Tesco stores near you, or you can buy instantly from an in-store travel money bureau.

Enter a postcode or location

Search results

3 easy ways to purchase Travel Money

Click & collect.

• Order online and choose to collect from over 500 Tesco store locations Order online and choose to collect from over 500 Tesco store locations
• Pick a collection day that works for you Pick a collection day that works for you
• Order euro or US Dollars Order Euros or US Dollars before 2pm and you can pick-up from most stores the next day

About Click & Collect

Home delivery

• Order online by 2pm Mon-Thurs for next day delivery (excludes bank and public holidays), to most parts of the UK Order online by 2pm Mon-Thurs for next day delivery (excludes bank and public holidays), to most parts of the UK
• Free delivery for orders of £500 or more Free delivery for orders of £500 or more
• Secure delivery via Royal Mail Special Delivery Secure delivery via Royal Mail Special Delivery

About Home Delivery

Buy in-store

• Buy your foreign currency instantly in our travel money bureaux in selected Tesco stores across the UK Buy your foreign currency instantly in our travel money bureaux in selected Tesco stores across the UK
• Turn unspent travel money back into Pounds with our Buy Back service Turn unspent travel money back into Pounds with our Buy Back service

About Buy Back

Best Travel Money Provider 2023/24

Now in it’s 26th year and voted for by the public, the Personal Finance Awards celebrate the best business and products in the UK personal finance market. We’re delighted that you voted us as Best Travel Money Provider 2023/24.

Additional Information

Ordering and collection.

You can pick a collection date when you're ordering your money. Order before 2pm and you can pick up Euros and US Dollars from most Tesco Travel Money bureaux the next day. Other currencies can take up to five days. Alternatively, you can order any currency for next weekday delivery to most of the selected customer service desks.

Please make sure you collect your money within four days of your chosen date. If you don't, your order will be returned and your purchase will be refunded, minus a £10 administration charge.

Will I be charged if I cancel my order?

Collection fees

Click and collect from stores with a Bureaux de change:

• Free for all orders Free for all orders

For non-bureaux stores with a click and collect function:

• £2.50 for orders of £100.00 - £499.99 £2.50 for orders of £100.00 - £499.99
• Free for orders of £500 or more Free for orders of £500 or more

What to bring

For security, travel money will need to be picked up by the person who placed the order.

• a valid photo ID – either a passport, EU ID card, or full UK driving license (we do not accept provisional driving licenses)
• your order reference number
• the card you used to place the order (you’ll also need to know the card’s PIN)

Home Delivery

We can send your travel money directly to you via secure Royal Mail Special Delivery. You can even pick the delivery date that suits you best.

We also offer next-day home delivery on all currencies to most parts of the UK if ordered before 2pm Monday-Thursday.

Check the Royal Mail site to find out if your postcode is eligible for next day delivery

Delivery costs

£4.99 for orders of £100 - £499.99 Free for orders of £500 or more

• You’ll need to make sure there’s someone at home to sign for your delivery.
• Bank holidays and public holidays will affect delivery times.
• We are unable to cancel or amend home delivery orders after they have been placed.

Clubcard Prices

Clubcard Prices are available on the sell rate only for currencies in stock online, on your date of purchase. The Clubcard Price will be better than the standard rate advertised online on the date of purchase. When purchasing online you must enter a valid Clubcard number to obtain the Clubcard Price rate. Exchange rates may vary whether buying in store, online or by phone.

Clubcard Prices apply to foreign currency notes in stock on your date of online purchase. Due to constant market and currency fluctuations, rates on the date of purchase cannot be compared to another day’s rates. The actual rate you receive may vary depending on market fluctuations. Clubcard data is captured by Travelex on behalf of Tesco Bank.

Check out the Tesco Bank privacy policy to find out more.

Buying foreign currency using a credit or debit card

No matter how you purchase your travel money, whether it be in store, online or over the phone, you will not be charged any card handling fee by us. However, regardless of your card type, your card provider may apply fees, e.g. cash advance fees or other fees, so please check with them before you purchase your travel money.

Click & Collect cancellations

You can cancel a Click & Collect order any time prior to collection. We'll refund you with the full Sterling amount that you paid for your order, unless you cancel less than 24 hours before your collection date, in which case we'll charge a £10 late cancellation fee.

We are unable to refund any fees charged by your card issuer, so please contact them if you have any further queries.

When you get home, we'll buy your travel money back

Let us turn your unspent holiday money into Pounds. It couldn't be simpler.

Just pop into one of our in-store Travel Money Bureaux when you get home. We buy back all the currencies we sell in most banknote values and also the Multi-currency Cash Passport™. Buy back rates may vary during the day.

It doesn't matter where you bought your travel money, even if it wasn't from a Tesco Travel Money Bureau, we'll still buy it back.

More about currency buy back

How our Price Match works

If you find a better exchange rate advertised by another provider within three miles of your chosen Tesco Travel Money Bureau, on the same day, we'll match it.

Price Match only applies in store on a like-for-like basis on sell transactions and does not apply to any exchange rate advertised online or by phone. This is not available in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to verify the rate you have found and the three mile distance (using an appropriate route planning tool).

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Tesco Travel Money is provided by Travelex

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Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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