dilly
Jan 22, 03, 10:40 am
Going to OZ next week. Are US $ accepted? Or is it better to convert to AUD $? If converting, where is the best place to do this? (Going to SYD, Cairnes, TAZ, MEL)Thanks, Bob
Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Should I convert to OZ $
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msbuni1
Jan 22, 03, 3:36 pm
Why don't you just take a debit card? We used one all over Australia with only one bank giving us problems (Bank of Adelaide). Plus, we didn't have to carry around alot of cash and could get more money from an ATM or use it as a credit card when needed.
Buni
Buni
MrsDrD
Jan 22, 03, 7:35 pm
dilly, You will most definitely need A$ - US$ are no more widely accepted in Australia than if I tried to pay for goods ore services in the US with Aussie dollars.
Bank exchange rates are always best value for changing $, that's why credit card or withdrawing from ATMs is such a good option. Really try to avoid money changing counters in airports - the rate is never good (not just an Australian phenomneon, same everywhere I've ever been), you'd kick yourself if you stopped to work it out!
I would suggest doing as many transactions on credit card as you can. For cash, "Plus" or "cirrus" enabled ATM cards will work in most ATMs in Australia (look for those symbols on the back of your own ATM card). And call into your local bank at home before you leave to change a chunk of cash, for back-up. (Banks in Australia may also change cash for you, but for non-customers there will be an extra fee.) If you give your local bank a couple of days notice, it should be able to get foreign currency in for you. You'll quite likely need some local currency when you hit the ground, as buses/cabs etc. don't take a wide range of credit cards.
Hope that helps.
Bank exchange rates are always best value for changing $, that's why credit card or withdrawing from ATMs is such a good option. Really try to avoid money changing counters in airports - the rate is never good (not just an Australian phenomneon, same everywhere I've ever been), you'd kick yourself if you stopped to work it out!
I would suggest doing as many transactions on credit card as you can. For cash, "Plus" or "cirrus" enabled ATM cards will work in most ATMs in Australia (look for those symbols on the back of your own ATM card). And call into your local bank at home before you leave to change a chunk of cash, for back-up. (Banks in Australia may also change cash for you, but for non-customers there will be an extra fee.) If you give your local bank a couple of days notice, it should be able to get foreign currency in for you. You'll quite likely need some local currency when you hit the ground, as buses/cabs etc. don't take a wide range of credit cards.
Hope that helps.
number_6
Jan 22, 03, 7:44 pm
Do not buy AUD in the US! The exchange rate is much better in Australia, and all Australian airports have excellent foreign exchange facilities (you will save over 10% this way). Travelex gives FF miles, if that matters to you. But using an ATM card is usually the best, along with credit cards (very little cash is needed). Unlike Canada, the stores will not accept USD.