Coronavirus: Post Office ends travel money suspension

The UK's biggest travel money provider is resuming services suspended during

coronavirus lockdown as tourists gear up for a potential summer getaway.

The Post Office, which deals with about one in four travel money exchanges,

is ending its suspension of services such as delivery and click and collect.

It comes as the chances of a summer holiday overseas improve amid government

plans for air corridors.

Other providers have continued with online orders but closed bureaux.

'Growing interest'

The Post Office suspended a number of its travel money services in late March,

as lockdown ensured most people stayed at home.

Online orders for foreign currency are being accepted again, although this has

a £400 minimum order.

Click and collect will available again from various branches nationwide from 1 July,

also with the £400 minimum.

Pre-ordering of foreign currency in branches is restarting gradually. On the spot

exchange in branches did continue during lockdown if stocks were available,

although demand was low as people stayed at home

Rates blow

The Post Office rate is 8.2% lower than the February peak, with £1 buying €1.08

now rather than close to €1.18.

However, it is only 1.4% worse than the €1.095 rate of a year ago.

Norway is one of the countries expected to be on the list of air corridors,

and the pound is 10% stronger against the Norwegian krone than it was a year ago.

Customers purchasing currency from the Post Office online or from its branch network

will be refunded if their holiday is cancelled owing to coronavirus.

High Street rates are lower than those on the currency markets.

Follow the real-life Covid-19 news here. : joker