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If like how cash feels in your pocket, you’ll find ATMs across most of Australia. Keep in mind that cash withdrawals come with additional fees when you use a credit card.
A travel card is a good choice if you travel frequently outside of the US. You’ll save money on foreign transactions by avoiding extra fees, and you’ll earn points you can use toward travel purchases. Even if you don’t travel often, you could look into a no-annual-fee travel card and only use it when you’re abroad.
When you pay with a credit card in Australia, you may be hit with the two types of fees, depending on your provider:
You might. Even the most basic travel card can save you from paying foreign transaction fees. And by simply paying in local currency, you’ll avoid an unfavorable exchange rate and additional fees.
American Express and Discover cards are accepted in Australia, but Mastercard and Visa take the lead when it comes to reliable acceptance.
If you’re looking for an ATM that accepts your Amex, know that major banks like ANZ, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, St. George Bank and WBC allow cash withdrawals with your card. For Discover cards, look for Bank of China, Bank West, HSBC, iCash or ING ATMs.
| Visa |  High | High |
| Mastercard | High | High |
| American Express | High | High |
| Discover |  Medium | High |
You may not need much cash in Australia, given the wide acceptance of credit cards. But if you prefer keeping some cash for smaller expenses, you can withdraw cash from an ATM with your credit card — it’s just not your cheapest method of getting cash. Credit card providers charge fees of up to a 5% of your cash advance, and you’ll also pay a cash advance APR from the moment you make the withdrawal.
Avoid these fees by using your debit card instead. Debit cards generally impose no cash advance fees. And there’s no APR to worry about, because you withdraw from your own money, and not the bank’s credit.
Yes, but you may pay a 5% surcharge for the convenience. An alternative to taxis is Uber rideshares, which are cheaper and also accept credit card payments through the Uber app.
Chip-and-PIN cards — also called EMV microchip cards — are widely accepted throughout Australia. But the US has some catching up to do when it comes to embedded EMV microchips.
As of 2018, you may find that your newer cards include chip-and-PIN technology. If not, your cards requiring a signature are also accepted.
Yes. Even so, you should take the same precautions you would anywhere else in the world:
Travel money guide to Australia
If you frequently travel between Australia and the US, learn more about cards designed to reward your adventures:
All three cards offer $0 foreign transaction fees, and you’ll earn miles to redeem for flights between Australia and the US.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. But to avoid foreign transaction fees that can come with most cashback cards, look into a good travel card and decline to pay in US dollars, if it’s offered.
If you enjoy having cash around, you can easily withdraw money from an ATM. But using a debit card abroad can help you avoid cash withdrawal fees that come with credit cards.
See more guides on using a credit card in other countries.
