It
is very simple to open an account at zero cost, and it is advisable
to open accounts with a number of different brokers so that you
can compare the rates you are offered. It is often possible to
negotiate a better rate than the rate you are initially offered
by ‘shopping around’ as the brokers will try to better
each others' rates. Also ask if the broker is prepared to refund
any receipt fees charged by the receiving bank.
Once you have agreed upon a rate it is simply a case of faxing
a signed contract to the broker with the details of the account
where the money is coming from (your account) and the account
where the money is going to (generally the Notary’s account).
You then just need to make a BACS or CHAPS transfer from you bank
and the broker will take care of the rest.
Links to a number of currency brokers are provided below:
Currencies
Direct
www.currenciesdirect.com
HiFX
www.hifx.co.uk
Moneycorp
www.moneycorp.com
First Rate
FX
www.firstratefx.com