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Travel money guide: Australia
Consider a credit card without foreign transaction fees to save money abroad.
In Australia, you can pay for almost anything with plastic — including taxis, souvenirs and incidentals. Using a credit card without foreign transaction fees that also earns rewards on purchases is a great way to save money abroad.
Though cards are widely accepted, it’s always a good idea to have some cash in your pocket, too.
Our pick for getting to Australia
Compare travel cards for Australia
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Travel card, debit card or credit card?
You shouldn’t have any problem using a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card in Australia. Just watch out for transaction fees that come with using a card.
Debit cards are typically the preferred option for making ATM cash withdrawals. If you don’t want to link your bank account to your card, however, consider a prepaid travel card — just watch out for its additional fees.
Pros and Cons of travel money options in Australia
| Travel money option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Debit cards |
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| Prepaid travel money cards |
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| Credit cards |
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| Traveler’s checks |
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| Cash |
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How credit cards, debit cards and travel cards work in Australia
Using a credit card
Since credit cards are a common payment method in Australia, you may want to consider a travel credit card. You could earn rewards on your purchases and get travel insurance, luggage insurance or car rental insurance. With some cards, you could even get a concierge service, which can be helpful when traveling abroad.
Another option could be an airline cobranded card. This type of card helps you save money on flights, checked bags, lounge access and more. Some cards also come with complimentary travel insurance and similar perks.
Using a debit card
A debit card comes in handy for cash withdrawals. You won’t pay any cash advance fees or a cash advance APR.
Using a prepaid travel card
When it comes to staying protected against theft, using a prepaid travel card is your best option as it’s not linked to your bank account. However, travel cards can have expensive fees.
To avoid foreign transaction fees, try loading your prepaid travel cards with Australian dollars.
Prepaid travel cards explained
Using traveler’s checks
Traveler’s checks aren’t widely accepted in Australia. This could make purchasing and cashing your checks a nuisance. Considering checks come with foreign transaction fees and purchasing fees, they could become more expensive than they’re worth. In Australia, the other payment options could be better alternatives.
Traveler’s checks guide
Paying with cash
In general, most establishments in Australia accept cards. However, carrying some cash is a good idea in case you stumble across a place that doesn’t.
You can either exchange US dollars at a bank or make an ATM cash withdrawal. If you go for the latter, consider using a debit card and preferably one without foreign transaction fees or ATM fees.
What’s the Australian currency and where can I get the best exchange rate?
Australia uses the Australian dollar with a symbol $ and a currency code AUD.
You could exchange US dollars upon arrival, but the conversion rates at the airport usually aren’t favorable. An ATM cash withdrawal could give you a better rate.
Using money transfers to safely travel with cash
With WorldRemit you can send money to Australia before you depart. Once you arrive, you can pick it up from a local WorldRemit agent.
To make the transfer, you need to submit an Australian phone number and an address. If you don’t have one, WorldRemit recommends submitting the phone and the address of the place you’ll be staying at. This is in case the local agent needs to contact you. But you can still pick up the money with only your passport.
What’s the current USD to AUD exchange rate?
Compare money transfer services for Australia
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
Verdict
Plastic is widely accepted throughout Australia. For best value, consider using a travel or an airline cobranded credit card for purchases, and a debit card for ATM cash withdrawals. But make sure your cards have no foreign transaction fees.
If you would like to know more about which payment method would work best overseas, check out our travel money guide page.
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