About the Authors
Andrew Gibson
Andrew Gibson is a co-founder and director of Key Currency. Day-to-day he looks after finance, digital marketing and staff training.
He is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst and has appeared on CNBC and Bloomberg TV as a financial expert.
Prior to Key Currency, he worked as an accountant and investment banker before venturing out into the real world to run his own businesses. You can view Andrew’s LinkedIn profile here.
Outside of work, Andrew has a passion for food, coffee and landscaping.
Mike Smith
Mike Smith is Head of IT and Digital Development at Key Currency.
His articles are about making finance accessible with easy-to-understand information.
There is far too much misinformation in finance today.
Mike is a big believer in the Plain English Campaign, which is about stripping away the jargon and gobbledygook.
Writing clear and helpful information gives our readers confidence in what we do.
You can view Mike’s LinkedIn profile here.
Outside of work, Mike is a crazy about cycling. In 2012, he spent 12 days cycling from John o’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for cystic fibrosis.
SWIFT Money Transfers (explained in 4 simple steps) - 08 January 2021
A SWIFT transfer is a safe and reliable payment method.
When you need to send money from one country to another, the SWIFT network links up banks using standardised codes for payments.
SWIFT has been around since the 1970s and remains the dominant way to send money abroad.
It’s basically a messaging system for banks. It consists of a network of 11,000 financial institutions in over 200 countries... Read More
Transfer CAD to GBP – Explained in 4 Simple Steps - 04 December 2020
To transfer CAD to GBP, you can use either a bank or a money transfer specialist.
I’ll explain how the process works and how you can avoid high charges... Read More
Transfer AUD to GBP – How to Send Money to the UK - 12 November 2020
You can transfer AUD to GBP and send the funds to a UK bank account using either a bank or money transfer specialist.
It takes around 3-4 working days for your money to arrive.
In general, banks tend to be a more costly option than a money transfer specialist.
There’s plenty of money transfer companies to choose from, but there are some key differences in both cost and service to be aware of... Read More
How to get the best euro rate for a house purchase abroad - 03 November 2020
If you are buying a house in euros, getting the best euro rate can make a big financial difference to your budget.
I’ll explain how currency exchange for a property purchase differs from other international money transfers and the best ways to avoid high charges... Read More
Transfer Money from Hong Kong to UK (Explained in 4 Steps) - 15 October 2020
You can transfer money from Hong Kong to the UK using either a bank or a money transfer company.
Both will get the job done, but the costs can vary quite a lot... Read More
Nationwide International Transfer (Fees & Process Explained) - 07 October 2020
It can be difficult trying to get clear information from big financial institutions like Nationwide.
I’ve put together this page to give you the clear (and hopefully) helpful answers... Read More
Lloyds International Transfers (Fees and Process Explained) - 01 October 2020
It can be confusing trying to get clear and helpful information from the big banks.
I’ve put together this guide to save you time searching for the answers... Read More
Transfer Money from Switzerland to UK (clearly explained) - 29 September 2020
You can transfer money to the UK from Switzerland using either a bank or a money transfer specialist.
I’ll explain how the process works, how long it takes, the visible and hidden charges, and the ways to get a better rate... Read More
Transfer Money from Cyprus to UK (Explained in 4 Easy Steps) - 23 September 2020
To transfer money from Cyprus to the UK, you can use either a bank or a money transfer specialist.
I’ll explain the process, how long it takes, the costs involved, and how you can avoid paying high charges... Read More
Transfer Money from Netherlands to UK (explained step-by-step) - 18 August 2020
It’s quite simple to transfer money from the Netherlands to the UK.
I’ll explain how it works, the best ways available, and how you can avoid paying high charges... Read More
How to Send Money to the UK (everything you need to know) - 18 August 2020
A bank transfer is usually the cheapest way to send money to the UK.
You can use either a bank or a money transfer company... Read More
Natwest International Payments (Fees & Process Explained) - 12 August 2020
I’ll explain what Natwest charges for an international payment, how long it takes, the information you will need, and how you can make a Natwest international transfer.
Hopefully, it will save you time reading pages of bank jargon and complicated fee schedules... Read More
HSBC International Transfer (Fees and Process Explained) - 30 June 2020
It’s not easy to get clear and helpful information from the big banks.
I’ve put together this guide to save you time trawling through different pages looking for the answers... Read More
GBP to AUD (all-time highs, lows & forecasts explained) - 12 June 2020
Below you will find out the highs, lows & averages of GBP to AUD, its full history, why should ignore forecasts, and how to get the best GBP to AUD rate... Read More
Santander International Transfers (simply explained) - 25 May 2020
I’ll explain what Santander charges for an International Transfer, how long it takes, and how to make a Santander International Payment.
Hopefully, it will save you time reading pages of bank jargon and complicated fee schedules... Read More
Barclays International Transfers (explained in Plain English) - 18 May 2020
Find out how to make a Barclays International Transfer, how long it takes, and what Barclays charges.
I’ll give you a breakdown of the fees and exchange rates, as well as the information you’ll need... Read More
Transfer Money from Germany to the UK (in 4 simple steps) - 04 May 2020
Transferring money from Germany to the UK is quite easy once you understand how it works.
The key is to do it safely and avoid paying high fees and charges.
I've put together this page to explain everything you need to know in plain English... Read More
Transfer Money from Italy to UK (clear and helpful advice) - 28 April 2020
I’ll explain how you can transfer money from Italy to the UK in four basic steps.
The main thing is to avoid paying high bank charges along the way... Read More
Transfer Money from Ireland to UK (explained step-by-step) - 23 April 2020
You can transfer money from Ireland to the UK in four simple steps.
I’ll explain how it works, the best ways available, and how you can avoid paying high charges... Read More
GBP to USD (highs, lows, best rates & forecasts explained) - 20 March 2020
The GBP to USD rate is ever changing. Below I have put together information on its highs, lows, recent events and historical graphs.
I also explain how to deal with forecasts and the ways you can achieve a better GBP to USD exchange rate... Read More
The Best Way to Exchange Large Amounts of Currency (Helpful Advice) - 6 March 2020
If you need to exchange a large amount of currency, you want to choose a way that is safe, convenient and cost-effective.
In this helpful guide, I will explain the obvious (and hidden) costs, what options you have, how the process works, and the way to get a better rate... Read More
Transfer Money from UAE to UK (Clear & Helpful Advice) - 24 February 2020
You can transfer money from the UAE to the UK in four simple steps.
I’ll explain how to do it, the options you have & how to avoid high fees and charges.
You don’t need to fill a suitcase up with cash, put on a pair of dark glasses and speak in hushed tones.
Transferring money from the UAE to a UK bank account is a well-travelled path given there are an estimated 240,000 Brits living in the UAE.
You can use a local bank, a UK bank or a money transfer specialist to do the job – but the costs differ... Read More
How to Transfer Money from Portugal to the UK (clearly explained in plain English) - 7 February 2020
I’ll explain how to transfer money from Portugal to the UK in 4 easy steps, how long it takes, the options you have, and the way to avoid paying high charges.
You basically have two options:
- use a bank
- use a currency broker
Currency Brokers (Everything You Need to Know) - 31 January 2020
A currency broker buys and sells currencies directly for customers and transfers the money internationally.
Currency brokers go by different names.
Sometimes they are also called foreign exchange brokers, currency exchange companies, or money transfer companies.
Regardless of the different financial jargon used, they are all doing the same thing…Exchanging your money into a different currency and sending it to a bank account in another country... Read More
Transferring Pounds to Euros – Explained Step-by-Step - 30 January 2020
If you need to convert Pounds into Euros and send them to a bank account in Spain, France or anywhere in Europe, you can use a bank or money transfer company.
I’ll explain everything you need to know including:
- how a transfer works
- how long it takes
- what info you’ll need
- whether it’s safe, and
- how to keep your costs down.
International Bank Transfers (Explained Step-by-Step) - 28 January 2020
I’ll explain in plain English how to make an international bank transfer, how long it takes, an easy way to avoid bank fees, and the cheapest options available.
Here are some basic facts:
- You can either use a bank or money transfer company.
- A money transfer company does the same thing but is generally cheaper.
- It takes 1-4 days for an international bank transfer - depending on the destination.
- There are two charges to be aware of: transfer fees and the exchange rate.
How to Transfer Money to New Zealand (& Avoid High Charges) - 09 January 2020
Transferring money from the UK to New Zealand is straightforward. There are four simple steps involved.
The first step for any new customer is to register for an account, which normally only takes a few minutes.
Registration is necessary to comply with Anti-Money Laundering regulations. It is basically an ID check. It doesn’t cost anything, and you will be under no obligation to transact.... Read More
How to transfer money to Canada - 09 December 2019
Transferring money to Canada is straightforward once you understand how it works and the costs involved.
The big banks no longer have customers over a barrel. There are alternative ways to send money to Canada that are cheaper, easier and often faster.... Read More
Transfer Euros to Pounds – explained step-by-step - 20 November 2019
Transferring Euros to a UK bank account is easy once you understand how it works and what your options are.
In short, you can either use a bank or a money transfer specialist to do the job.
The banks used to have the foreign exchange market to themselves, but over the past decade, money transfer specialists have become popular because they are cheaper and offer a better service... Read More
GBP to Euro (basic facts, full history & forecasts explained) - 19 November 2019
Pound to Euro is one of the most important currency pairs in the world.
Below you will find out the basic facts as well as understand its history, how it's valued, why it moves up or down and how to deal with fake rates and forecasts... Read More
Get the Best Euro Exchange Rate (a helpful guide with answers) - 18 October 2019
We explain how to get the best euro exchange rates in the UK (and show you how to avoid the worst).
I’m sure most people know that the exchange rates at banks and airports are bad news for your back pocket.
They have something in common…a captive audience... Read More
Transfer money abroad (how it works, costs compared & best ways) - 28 October 2019
To transfer money abroad, you can use a bank, money transfer firm or currency broker. We compare the costs, explain how it works, and help you decide which option is best.
Finding the best way for you will depend on the amount you need to send (above or below £5,000), whether you are sending cash or doing a bank-to-bank transfer, and how quickly your money needs to get to the recipient... Read More
Selling Your Property in France (advice and tips) - 17 October 2019
Selling your property in France is a big step. But there are basic things you can do to help the success and speed of your sale without a lot of cost or hassle.
You don’t need to be a renovator or handyman to follow my advice. In fact, a lot of it comes down to seeing your property through the eyes of a buyer and creating your own luck through good preparation... Read More
Transfer money from UK to USA - 26 September 2019
Transferring money from the UK to the USA is not complicated.
As a customer, once you agree an exchange rate and transfer in your pounds, your bank or currency specialist will do the rest for you.
The challenge is to choose the right currency provider when faced with unfamiliar, financial jargon... Read More
Transfer Money from UK to Australia - 16 September 2019
If you need to send money to Australia, there are really just two important things to consider.
The first is to make sure your money arrives safely.
The second is to ensure you get a great exchange rate and avoid paying any nasty fees.
From a personal perspective, I have been in your shoes... Read More
Emigrating to Australia - A Helpful Guide - 11 September 2019
There are plenty of reasons to move Down Under.
For many people, it comes down to this: better weather, better pay and a better lifestyle.
Australia is by far the most popular destination for Brits who decide to emigrate.
In fact, 1 in 4 UK citizens that live abroad choose to emigrate to Australia, and there are now more than 1.2 million Brits that call Australia home... Read More
Transfer money from France to the UK - 09 September 2019
Forget the financial jargon. Transferring money from France to the UK is relatively simple, but the costs will vary depending on whether you use a bank or currency broker.
There are four simple steps in an international money transfer. These are shown below.
In practice, the process is extremely quick and easy as your bank or currency broker should do the hard work for you... Read More
Spanish property market after Brexit - 13 June 2019
Has Brexit led to a fall in Spanish property prices?
The simple answer is no. Overall Spanish property prices have continued rising since the Brexit referendum in 2016 but some coastal areas are reporting a fall in British buyers.
The reason the Spanish property market has help up is that demand has come from other nationalities, such as German, Russian and Chinese buyers... Read More
7 Tips For Selling Your Property In Spain In 2019 - 05 June 2019
Selling a property in Spain is part-art, part-science. No doubt there is an element of luck, but there are always things you can do to help your odds.
Below we have put together a checklist of 7 simple tips to help boost the sales price of your property in Spain.... Read More
Transfer Money from Spain to the UK - Explained Step-by-Step - 23 May 2019
If you need to transfer money from Spain to the UK, you basically have two choices.
It can be done using a bank or a currency broker. A lot of people will automatically use their bank as it's familiar and they have an account already set up. But there are some cost and service advantages when using a currency broker.
The most important factor in an international money transfer from Spain to the UK is the exchange rate. Think of the exchange rate as like the price you are getting... Read More