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back to resources...
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money:
currency converter
· atm & credit cards
· travellers cheques
· bargaining
· begging
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Over the past few years, plastic has quickly become the preferred way to access your cash while
you're on the road and most cards are widely accepted throughout Australia.
There are several types of cards, each with their advantages. Most travelers have at least one credit card, and also a card to draw cash from an ATM.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are great for getting out of trouble and are often tied to a frequent flyer
program. One of the main advantages of credit cards is the favorable currency exchange rate as well the freedom to spend more money than you have. Of course this spending can get out of hand and you'll end up paying for it later on.
The most useful cards are MasterCard and Visa, Bankcard (only issued by banks in Australia, New Zealand and some Pacific Islands), American Express and Diners Club. In tourist areas you may find some places that accept JCB card, but Discover card is not accepted in Australia.
Most credit cards can be replaced quickly if they are lost or stolen. Call one of the following numbers if you need a new card:
American Express
tel: 1300 132 639
website
Diners Club
Lost card hotline 1800 360 060
website
Mastercard
Lost card hotline 1800 120 113
website
Visa
Lost card hotline 1800 450 346
website
ATM Cards
ATM cards are a popular way to access your cash, particularly if your card is part of an international network allowing you to use Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). If the bank that issued your card is part of the Plus, Cirrus or Visa networks you should find plenty of ATMs
where you can withdraw money.
Despite the favorable exchange rate and the ease of drawing your money from a cash dispenser, there are sometimes problems using your cash card abroad. Before leaving home you should check with your bank whether it is possible to use your card in
the countries you will be traveling. In some cases you may need to change your PIN or even have a new card issued.
Need to get some cash but don't know where the closest ATM is? Check out these locators:
· American Express ATM Locator
· Mastercard ATM Locator
· Visa ATM Locator
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