Exchange rate , euro , GBP and batterfly via paypal

[Deathwish]

I am thinking of getting a Rigol DS1054Z from Batterfly but at 400 euro's I am concerned at paypal / visa etc hitting me for the exchange rate, has anyone in the UK purchased one and what was the final GBP amount.

[Andy Watson]

About one month ago I paid a seller 350 euro. 263 GBP were taken from my bank account. The exchange rate at the time was 1.38 euros to the pound. If you work out the difference I think it amounts to a paypal charge to you of about 3.9%.

[Deathwish]

Thanks Andy, I never trust those people, they like to charge for fee's plus exchange rates that seem to be made up at the time to my mind.

[mtdoc]

Yep, Paypal screws you on currency conversion. I just paid for a Canadian vacation rental and ended up paying about $200 more than I should have based on market rates. It would have cost less to do a bank wire. If you have the choice to pay directly with a credit card the exchange rate should be much better.

[AndreasF]

I started using TransferWise to send money from my UK current account to accounts in Germany. By far the cheapest option I have found both in terms of exchange rate and fees. Not sure if would work to make payments, though.

[Deathwish]

I have found a UK source for my scope but am awaiting confirmation it has arrived in stock so batterfly is no longer an option. Price is only £2 different.