What's the best way to make my US dollars go longer in the UK?

Hello all! I'm a newbie here. My fiance told me about this site, and he wasn't wrong, this site is awesome!

I'm an American and my fiance lives in the UK...I often visit the UK and was wondering what is the best way for my money to go further. I've purchased money beforehand, used a credit card on purchases, and also used ATM while over there. There doesn't seem to be a better way, considering all the fees. I even tried to set up a bank account over there, but without a permanent UK address, i was unable to do so. I'd love to hear any suggestions or other money saving tips. Thanks so much for reading my post.

Not much to say. Whichever method you use, take the biggest chunk out at a time that you can afford, so you only pay the fees once. When I was going back and forth, I tended to use the ATM and get a couple hundred pounds at a go. Then stuck my fiance with most of the bills 

Welcome to the forum!

Another option is to use paypal. I set up a paypal account for my mom and transfer money over to her account before I go visit and then she takes it out as cash for e. The fees are lower and the exchange rate is usually pretty decent.

I have a paypal debit card with my account, and I find that the exchange fees are much lower via paypal. So I just put all my money into my paypal account before I go and exclusively use the card. 

Thank you all! Paypal....now that's interesting...

My bank wanted $5 per each transaction on my card.  Paypal only charged $1 or less, depending on what I was spending. Plus, the Paypal debit card gives 1% cash back, so in some cases I made back the fee!

Another option is to use paypal. I set up a paypal account for my mom and transfer money over to her account before I go visit and then she takes it out as cash for e. The fees are lower and the exchange rate is usually pretty decent.

Great tip, thanks!!

Hello! Thanks again to Stoatula, pkmac, and BeccaJaneStClair, your comments are appreciated and very useful. As per your idea, I completed an application for a Paypal debit card today! I was surprised to read it will take 2-3 WEEKS to receive it! Keep your fingers crossed for me, hopefully i will get it sooner, as I leave to visit my love on July 17! Thanks again, all!

Hello! Thanks again to Stoatula, pkmac, and BeccaJaneStClair, your comments are appreciated and very useful. As per your idea, I completed an application for a Paypal debit card today! I was surprised to read it will take 2-3 WEEKS to receive it! Keep your fingers crossed for me, hopefully i will get it sooner, as I leave to visit my love on July 17! Thanks again, all!

It took mine about a week to get here, so you shouldn't see too long of a delay.