Should You Buy Euros Now or Wait? – 2026 Currency Outlook

Updated • Read time: ~6 minutes

Booking a 2026 trip and wondering whether to buy euros now or wait? Here’s a practical guide to seasonal patterns, what actually moves the EUR/GBP rate, and a simple, low-stress strategy to help you get a better deal on your holiday money.

Quick take: If you’re travelling within the next 4–8 weeks, buying gradually in 2–3 chunks usually beats trying to time the exact bottom. If you’re months away, set alerts, watch fees, and avoid last-minute airport rates.

Before we dive in: the biggest wins usually come from where you buy — not from guessing the perfect day. Comparing providers and avoiding airport kiosks can save 5–10% versus buying on the day.

Compare euro rates
Live rates from trusted UK currency suppliers – updated every 15 minutes.

When do euro rates tend to be better?

  • Early year (Jan–Mar): Often decent retail rates as providers compete for early bookings.
  • Pre-Easter & early summer: Rates can be fine, but fees and delivery slots tighten as demand rises.
  • Late summer & Christmas: Convenience purchases spike; airport/last-minute margins are highest.

These are tendencies, not guarantees. The euro moves on interest rates, inflation, growth data and risk appetite.

What will move EUR/GBP into 2026?

  • Interest rate expectations (BoE vs ECB): If UK cuts faster than the eurozone, the pound can soften (euros cost more), and vice versa.
  • Inflation & growth data: Surprises (either side) often nudge the rate for weeks.
  • Political & geopolitical events: Risk-off phases tend to favour “safer” currencies; the effect can be choppy but real.

A simple, low-stress buying strategy

Scenario What to do Why it helps
Trip < 4 weeks away Buy most of your euros now from a top-rated provider; keep a small buffer for closer to departure. Removes timing stress; avoids late delivery/collection issues and airport pricing.
Trip 1–3 months away Split into 2–3 purchases (e.g., 50% now, 25% next month, 25% 2–3 weeks out). Set a rate alert. Cost-averaging reduces the risk of buying on a “bad day”; alerts capture dips.
Trip > 3 months away Set monthly reminders/alerts; consider a travel card alongside some cash. Flexibility on timing + low-fee card covers day-to-day spend; cash for tips/taxis/markets.

Cash vs card: what’s cheapest in practice?

  • Cash: Great for small purchases, tips and places that prefer cash (Spain, Portugal, Italy markets). Compare rates and delivery/collection fees.
  • Travel money cards: Can be cheaper for everyday spend; watch weekend mark-ups, ATM limits and top-up fees.
Mix and match: secure a portion of cash euros in advance, and carry a low-fee card for contactless and ATMs.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Buying at the airport “for convenience” — usually the worst rate.
  • Ignoring delivery cut-offs and ID requirements for collection.
  • Chasing a headline rate but paying extra in fees/poor buyback.
  • Putting everything on a high-fee bank card abroad.

Bottom line

You don’t need to predict the perfect day. Compare providers, split purchases if you have time, and avoid last-minute airport rates. That’s how most travellers save the most on euros.

Compare euro rates
Live rates from trusted UK currency suppliers – updated every 15 minutes.