What about pocket money?
This post is all about the money. You might wonder what's the best option for you so here are some things to think about:
The currency in England is the pound sterling, shortened GBP (for Great British Pound), but one simply call it the pound. The £ symbol is usually put in front of the price on price tags, like the symbol :- is put after the price in Sweden. When writing this blog post, £1 is worth 11,83:- (Sweden), 9,56 DKK (Denmark) or €1,30 (Euroland). To get the rate of today, just google "currency converter".
So how much will you spend in three weeks in Brighton? Between £90-130/week in pocket money is recommended from STS. If you think you will shop a lot, you might need more, and also if you decide at the last minute you want to join that second trip to London and the other Explorer Pass activities. The Explorer Pass can be purchased when we've arrived in England, but usually it's simpler to buy beforehand. Call your country office if you have questions about the price or check the STS webpage.
In what form you bring your money is also in issue worth discussing:
* Cash - Yes, you can bring all your pocket in cash, but personally I wouldn't take that risk. However, it's a good idea to bring money for the first days, as you might not be able to reach an ATM/cash machine immediately. You can exchange your money at the airport in your home country, but make sure you're well in time, so you don't miss your appointment with the STS leader. If you fly early in the morning, please check beforehand if the exchange bureau is open. You will need cash for your bus pass, since we will get it for you the first days in Brighton. Count on paying £30/week, but there's a good chance it'll be cheaper.
* Credit card/VISA/Maestro - A safer way to bring your money, but make sure you check some important things with your bank. a) Will your specific card work in England or do you need another type?, b) Do you have a limit on how much you can withdraw from your account in a specific time span? That might cause you problems, c) Make sure you have all details you need in case you lose your card. d) Will it be cheaper for you to use a cash mashine or pay with the card?
* STS Pocket Money Service - It's possible to pay your pocket money in advance to STS and get it distributed over the weeks in Brighton. In that way you get a smaller amount of cash once a week and don't have to carry a credit card. Check with your country office if it's still possible to get this service and what the fee is, since you usually pay this with your last payment to STS.
/Emma
So how much will you spend in three weeks in Brighton? Between £90-130/week in pocket money is recommended from STS. If you think you will shop a lot, you might need more, and also if you decide at the last minute you want to join that second trip to London and the other Explorer Pass activities. The Explorer Pass can be purchased when we've arrived in England, but usually it's simpler to buy beforehand. Call your country office if you have questions about the price or check the STS webpage.
In what form you bring your money is also in issue worth discussing:
* Cash - Yes, you can bring all your pocket in cash, but personally I wouldn't take that risk. However, it's a good idea to bring money for the first days, as you might not be able to reach an ATM/cash machine immediately. You can exchange your money at the airport in your home country, but make sure you're well in time, so you don't miss your appointment with the STS leader. If you fly early in the morning, please check beforehand if the exchange bureau is open. You will need cash for your bus pass, since we will get it for you the first days in Brighton. Count on paying £30/week, but there's a good chance it'll be cheaper.
* Credit card/VISA/Maestro - A safer way to bring your money, but make sure you check some important things with your bank. a) Will your specific card work in England or do you need another type?, b) Do you have a limit on how much you can withdraw from your account in a specific time span? That might cause you problems, c) Make sure you have all details you need in case you lose your card. d) Will it be cheaper for you to use a cash mashine or pay with the card?
* STS Pocket Money Service - It's possible to pay your pocket money in advance to STS and get it distributed over the weeks in Brighton. In that way you get a smaller amount of cash once a week and don't have to carry a credit card. Check with your country office if it's still possible to get this service and what the fee is, since you usually pay this with your last payment to STS.
/Emma
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