It's much better to use an FX broker even for small amounts because you'll get close to the inter-bank rate and not the crappy tourist rates.
I've used MoneyCorp, HiFX and World First a few times. No problems with security and they are usually pretty even on exchange rates. HiFX usually make the fastest transfers and don't charge a fee, but then you have to trade a minimum of £5,000 GBP.
I haven't used MoneyCorp since the put me on hold and asked my broker if he wanted to speak with me. The fool on the phone didn't press the mute button, had a lengthy chat with my broker then came back on and told me my man was out of the office. Other to that, they were ok and let me trade smaller amounts without a fee.
Hannah, Ailsa and Giles at World First are by far the nicest money people to deal with. They don't have a minimum trade, but they charge a flat £15 fee for trades less than £5,000GBP. Unfortunately, transfers with WF seem to take a bit longer than the others. I usually arrange a deal on Monday (NZ time). The money leaves my UK bank account at close of business on Monday (UK time) and clears with World First in the UK by close of business on Friday (UK time). By that time, the NZ office has shut, so I have to wait until the following Monday for the NZ office to make the payment to my NZ bank. The funds don't clear until last thing Tuesday or first thing Wednesday (NZ). I've been told that things would be faster if I banked with Barclays in the UK because that's who World First use.
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