Call or go to your local bank and ask them if you can buy British Pounds. If you are not in Canada, you will have to ask specifically if you can buy British Pounds using Canadian Dollars. Most banks, especially large banks, will allow you to buy different currencies, although they don't offer a full range of foreign monies. However, there are some other options.
Buy money from an online currency exchange. As of 2010, exforex.com and travelex.com are two of the many businesses that offer the purchase of foreign money online. Be sure to read their terms and services and check the fees they charge. This method will prevent you from having to exchange your money in a foreign country.
Visit a currency exchange booth at the nearest international airport, or an international airport you visit on the way to your destination. Many people choose to exchange currency once they have reached their foreign destination. International airports all have currency exchange booths, so if you are flying into a small local airport, be aware they may not have one. If you don't see them, ask airport staff and personnel where the booth is located in the airport.
Ask the concierge of your hotel. If your destination is Great Britain, and you weren't able to exchange money at the airport, ask the concierge of your hotel where you can exchange money in the town you are staying in. Again, this option may not work if you are staying in a small, rural area so try to exchange money at a large bank or international airport.
