This tiny currency cabin built into the Princes Mall is clearly very strategically, and cleverly…read moreplaced, for people getting off airport buses and the like, and for reeling in wandering tourists in general. That bit of the street is always packed and it takes a hundred years to get anywhere or cross the road (whinge, grumble, complain). Anyway, obviously, No.1 Currency isn't just for tourists needing a quick and convenient Sterling hand out, it's for locals getting away on their holidays too. I'm always completely disorganised and massively last minute about everything, so for me this place is great for a speedy Euros pick up, not that you get many of them to the pound these days. Wow, I hadn't realised I was in such a grumbling mood before I started writing this. I'm not great at researching and going round places checking lots of different exchange rates, but apparently word on the street is that No.1 Currency, Marks & Spencer, and American Express have the most competitive exchange rates in the city centre, so if you're actually organised about your holidays, unlike me, it's probably worth going round these three and seeing what rates they're offering.

If you're in a desperate hurry for Euros, Roubles or any of the other worthless forms of Monopoly…read moremoney that passes for currency in foreign lands, then No1 currency will probably suffice. Typical of all money changing outlets in tourist cities however, you will likely find yourself heavily ripped off, and receive an exchange rate significantly lower than the one advertised on the boards. Given that we hardly get any Euros for our money these days anyway, a visit here will usually result in an afternoon spent mumbling ill informed euro-sceptic political opinions, and hastily re-budgeting for the upcoming trip that's now going to cost twice as much as originally planned. If you have the time, go to the Post Office instead. You'll be waiting in a queue for 6 hours, but you'll get a better deal.

The best place for buying foreign currency that I have found in Edinburgh!…read more They have a better exchange rate than any of the banks or the post office and you get an online quote and show it at the counter they give you an even better rate. This is a wee unassuming stand in Waverley train station but it has been a great help in getting the most out of my holiday money.

Very bad rate! The man at the place had the decency to admit that we could get a better dollar to…read moreeuro exchange rate at the airport in Berlin and we did.

Great friendly local bank of RBS. staff are all very nice and it is never necessary to wait long…read more Cash machine also available. Will happily give you a free meeting to talk about your finance and can do any tasks that need altered on your account. Will also exchange money and anything else they can do to help

Just landed to Edinburgh.Had to change $250 to Pounds. Received 93 and change back.A little bit jet…read morelag and by the time I realized I should have received a hundred more, I was already in Old Town. Yes I made a stupid mistake for not counting but my receipt did say only 93. Unless there was a 100 pound exchange fee, I got screwed bad.

From the owner: No1 Currency Exchange Edinburgh, Queensferry Street is part of the UK's leading Foreign Exchange…read moreretailer. Customers have access to 110+ No1 Currency stores and 250+ agent locations, that cover the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. No1 Currency has built its reputation on competitive travel money rates, high quality service and convenient locations, making it even easier for customers to get their travel money. No1 Currency prides itself on the local service it offers, and its commitment to meeting the needs of customers. As well as offering a range of Foreign Exchange services, our stores offer a choice of more than 50 different Currencies to buy and sell over the counter, commission free and with no minimum spend. Western Union services are also available, offering customers the opportunity to send and receive money.

After researching banks in the area, we decided to set-up an account with RBS based on its large…read morenumber of locations and legacy. Big mistake. Opening an Account- The company's policy appears to be dis-trust everything. Before relocating to Scotland I called the call centre to discuss account opening requirements. On two occasions calls with bankers were scheduled to discuss the account options and on both occasions the bankers failed to call. (I should have taken this as a sign). After arriving I went to the bank with the documents the call centre told me were required to establish an account. The bank told me the call centre was wrong and it was a common theme and 'not to listen to the call centre' (helpful). Adding a spouse- When my husband joined me in Scotland and we tried to add him to the account it was another myopic journey, with one 'customer service rep' telling us she could not add him because 'he could be holding me hostage'!? Online banking- The online system is antiquated and transactions take several days to post. There are many things you cannot do online, and the representatives in banks are also limited. Other services- we purchased contents insurance with RBS, and when we moved to another locations were surprised when the quote increased significantly. When I checked the rate with other suppliers, we found we could obtain identical insurance for less than half the price.

Previously a house built by Edinburgh parliamentary head Sir Laurence Dundas in 1772, aptly named…read moreDundas House situated on the east side of St Andrew Square. After changing hands a few times its now used by the Royal Bank of Scotland. Add an extension or two onto the entrance hall and the reason I really enjoy coming here is stepping into the grand airy space where you do your banking, is complete with domed ceiling as a majestically colourful centre piece. With star shapes cut into the dome, inset with glass it has the effect of not only letting in exterior light during the day but enhancing the architecture of the period. The interior design reminds me a bit like a visit to the Pantheon in Rome. I was in to investigate deals on home ins, and needed to have a private chat, so was led through the left side door into a hallway full of rooms. The opposite side I think contains vaults. Once seated was offered tea...tasty, some mins or so later was presented with an unbeatable quote. Managers and staff supplied facts with no pressure to accept, they may not always have the best deals around in a competitive market, but great customer service; s'pose you can't have it all ways. In all pleasant staff who know their stuff and are quite helpful in suggesting where the info you need is. Was required to find out more about US daily currency rates and special deals they had wrt various exchange rates.

Unique polish artworks, claims the sign outside Beautiful Things. How intriguing. So what exactly…read moreis unique polish artwork? Well, it's a whole mish mash of things really. They have stone heads that look a bit like the Moai on Easter Island (I had to look Moai up, thanks Wikipedia), ceramic chickens, all different kinds of glassware, weird hedgehog figures. All sorts really. What's really nice about this place is the little flyer by the door listing all the designers whose work is sold in the shop. They're all graduates of art college, with skills ranging from fine art to goldsmiths. Touches like that make a quirky art shop that bit better. The prices vary vastly. Some things cost a fiver, some five hundred. Go as wild as you want. But if you want to get someone a more interesting present than usual, I'd recommend Beautiful Things. Beautiful? Perhaps. Unique? Definitely.

I love this shop. Like a magpie, it catches my eye every time I walk past, with pretty glass-based…read morethings in the window. I haven't had an excuse to buy anything yet, but there are birthdays coming up, and I think someone is going to be in for a treat.

Cheque money has bailed me out of trouble many times. For some reason I frequently find myself…read morehaving money in every currency but the Bristish pounds! However, I've probably been over there out of necessity rather than choice, as there seems to be a real lack of reputable looking money exchange centres in Newington (correct me if I'm wrong!) The first time I was there, they seemed quite professional, requiring my ID and a signature for the transaction. However, none of that's been necessary the last two times I've been, and service is relatively quick. On one occasion, I was even directed over there by staff at the Royal Bank of Scotland to get better exchange rates, so I assume they give may offer a better deal from time to time!