2015-10-13
280
If you need to change some dollars into pounds you can go to an exchange office. In London money can be changed either at banks, at exchange offices or at customers' services desks in big department stores.
Banks are usually open from 9.30 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. Some are open on Saturday, but never on Sunday. They accept plastic cards Visa, Access as well as Eurocheques, traveller's cheques and, of course, cash. Many banks have cash dispensing machine services.
Exchange offices are usually open for longer hours and every day. They often charge a bigger commission than banks. The exchange rates are often shown in the running lines placed in the windows or on the walls of the exchange offices for everybody to see. Now Sergei comes up to the counter of the exchange office:
Sergei: Good evening.
Cashier: Good evening, sir. Can I help you?
Sergei: Could I change two hundred dollars into pounds, please?
Cashier: Yes, certainly.
Sergei: How much will it be?
Cashier: About one hundred and twenty pounds.
Sergei: Good. Here you are.
Cashier: Thank you. And how would you like it, in twenties, tens or smaller notes?
Sergei: In tens, please.
Cashier: Fine. Here is the money and your receipt, please.
Sergei: Thanks. Excuse me, will you be open tomorrow, on Sunday?
Cashier: Yes. We work shorter hours on Sundays. We'll close at 7 p. m.
Sergei: Thank you. Can I change these coins of fifty cents each.
Cashier: I'm afraid I can't take small change. We change only notes.
Sergei: Do you believe I can change them somewhere else?
Cashier: I'm afraid you can't. This is a rule with banks and exchange offices.
Sergei: I see. Thank you.
Cashier: You are welcome.
