Whether you are exchanging money to buy a property abroad, for a holiday or to send funds to a family member in another country you want to secure the best deal. Doing so will save you a lot of money. Plus, of course, using a good currency exchange firm will save you a lot of time and hassle as well as give you peace of mind.
Over the years, the currency exchange markets have changed. It used to be a service that was designed primarily to suit big businesses that were exchanging vast sums of money on an almost daily basis. Today, private individuals and small businesses also regularly exchange money. Therefore, thedemand for money transfer is now huge, so more companies are now providing this service.
The fact that more firms have entered the market means that the cost of changing money has fallen drastically over the past few years. Consumers no longer have to pay high bank charges, because they now have a choice of currency exchange providers.
However, to get the best deal you still need to be prepared to do some research, and shop around. Here we explain the best way to do so.
Only consider using properly regulated providers
It is important to use a firm that you can trust. Unfortunately, there are a lot of con artists out there, including some that masquerade as money exchange firms.
Before considering using a firm, first check that they are properly regulated. Look on their website to find out which financial body they are registered with. Then go to that regulators website and check that the currency exchange firm you are thinking of using is actually a genuine member of that regulatory body.
If you want to use a UK based company, you will need to check that they are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can do that at this link.
Always get a quote first
Once you have found a suitable firm take the time to get a quote. This will tell you exactly how much the transaction will cost.
Double check the fees
However, be careful. Do not simply choose the cheapest quote and make the exchange.
Some firms offer a good exchange rate, but it is cancelled out by the fact that they charge high fees for their services. For this reason, it is important to double check exactly what is included in the price you have been given.
The best firms will provide a detailed quote that includes a full breakdown of their fees, taxes, and the exchange rate that will be used. If the money is being sent to a bank account, you also need to factor in any fees that the receiving bank will charge.
The bigger the sum of money you are exchanging the more important it is for you to check all of these things. With this type of transaction, even a small difference in the exchange rate can add up to hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds.
Following the steps outlined above, will really help you to secure the best possible currency exchange deal.
With the large online streaming audience set to get even bigger in 2017, Netflix is doing more than enough to position itself as the most preferred online streaming service for Videos on Demand. They have gone as far as funding the production of A-list TV shows that made headlines all over the world in 2016, like the very popular Narcos. This year doesn’t seem like it’s going to be any different, since they already have a number of TV shows lined up for release. The only catch is that you’d need to change your Netflix region to the US. Once you do that, here’s what you could expect:
New Netflix Originals Coming in 2017
Santa Clarita Diet
- Release Date: February 3rd, 2017
- Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Thomas Crawford, Drew Barrymore
- Plot: This year we will see Drew Barrymore come to daytime TV in this drama filled story about a happy couple living in Santa Clarita, California whose lives come tumbling down after the death of Sheila.
Sense 8(Season 2)
- Release Date: May 5th, 2017
- Plot: Also making a comeback this year is the interconnected group of 8, dubbed the “sensates”, whose main objective would be to use their shared knowledge, language and skills to prevent the violent death of Angelica.
Frontier
- Release Date: January 20th, 2017
- Cast: Landon Liboiron, Jason Momoa, Zoe Boyle
- Plot: The producers from the Discovery channel came together to order a scripted series about the struggle that existed in the late 18th century over the control and exploit of pelts.
Marvel’s Iron Fist
- Release Date: March 17th, 2017
- Cast: Jessica Stroup, Jessica Henwick, Finn Jones
- Plot: Another addition to the Marvel series to watch out for in 2017 is Iron Fist, with the main character as Danny Rand. Rand comes back to his family’s home in New York to reclaim his family company, but the evils he encounters along the way force him to choose between continuing with his family’s legacy, and his duties as Iron Fist.
Ultimate Beastmaster
Release Date: January 24th, 2017
Plot: This new physically demanding, and energy draining competition will put all the other obstacle course challenge shows you’ve watched to shame. The show will adopt an international theme with competitors being scouted from the US, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil. These athletes will compete for national pride as they’re put through the toughest of courses, known in each episode as “The Beast”, with each contestant yearning to be crowned the Ultimate Beastmaster after they battle it out on the final episode.
Best Netflix Originals in 2017
Expect all that and a lot more this year from Netflix. We’ll update the list once the release dates get announced, but here’s what you could also expect to come out soon:
-The Crown
-F is for Family
-Bloodline
-Bojack Horseman
-Black Mirror
-Fuller House (Season 3)
Keep in mind that these release dates are all based on viewers on the American Netflix region. Whether these shows will also be released at the same time in UK, Canada, Australia, or other countries is yet to be seen
Taking care of your oral health is essential to good overall well-being – after all, a bright and healthy smile will make you feel more confident and comfortable in everything that you do. Having a good dentist that you feel happy about seeing regularly is a key part of that, but choosing a practice to sign up to isn’t always straightforward.
If you’re not sure about what to consider when looking for a dentist, read on for some useful tips to help guide you.
1. Location and schedule
A key part of having a dentist is being able to schedule appointments easily. You don’t want to choose a practice that involves a lengthy commute, or one that has awkward hours that do not fit with your own work or life timings, especially in cases where you have a sudden dental emergency, and need to see someone as a matter of urgency.
Start your search with those that are in a comfortable distance from you – this may mean somewhere you can walk, drive or get public transport to easily. Make sure you review their working hours and any particular policies they have about booking appointments, to ensure they suit your needs.
2. Friendliness and approachability
A good practice will be happy to advise their patients on what to do to take care of their teeth, and explain any procedures or issues calmly and clearly. While you can stock up on Kent Express dental supplies to make sure that you have everything you need, having some professional advice on what to get is always going to be helpful.
You can often judge from the reception desk to see how communicative and welcoming the practice is. If you have particular dental concerns, it’s always a good idea to chat to the practicing dentist before joining.
3. What kind of dentist are they?
Different dentists may specialise in particular areas of oral health, including orthodontists, specialist surgeons, cosmetic dentists and general dentists.
If you’re looking for general oral health care, then a general dentist will serve you well. However, if you have specific concerns, such as wanting to achieve a specific look, or help with a particular condition, it’s worth choosing a more specialised practice for your treatment.
4. Check their accreditations
Dental practices must be registered with the General Dental Council in the UK in order to practice. This includes dentists and other therapeutic staff, including dental nurses, hygienists and anyone else you might see.
They will normally have their certificates displayed clearly in the main reception area, and you can also check online. If you’re not sure, then steer clear.
5. Personal recommendations
Recommendations from trusted family or friends are always helpful, as you know that they will have had a good experience with someone.
However, remember that everyone has a unique dental health experience, and what works for someone else may not necessarily be the best option for you. It’s always worth reviewing closely before making a final decision.