IC Sydney Master Thread [merged] - after January 2011
#871
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#873
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#874
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#875
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Oh really? I didn't realize that was the norm in Australia. So does everything else in Australia, especially Sydney include surcharges when paying by credit card? I know I'm going a bit off-topic here.
#877
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#878
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Not aware of hotels taking Apple Pay, but if they do, I would expect that it would incur a surcharge. I don't see that it is terrible - any business in Australia is allowed to pass card processing fees onto the customer ; hotels are one type of business that generally do
#879
Join Date: Dec 2011
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I thought I read somewhere that prepaid stays do not incur the 1.5% surcharge whereas charges paid by credit card at checkout do have the added fee. Is this correct? Is it universal in Australia? Thanks.
#880
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Join Date: Jul 2007
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I knew it is true for Hilton in Australia where I stayed (Gold Coast and Brisbane). Also HI Sydney Airport I stayed in June seems to have deposit transferred to the folio without mentioning of card fees. Maybe that is case, but need someone who really knows Australia credit card fees to confirm.
#881
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I am just saying, that if your credit card does not have Foreign Transaction Fees, it is still worth to considering using your card, as the ATM fees/unfavourable exchange rates or money exchange fees in airport would be around 2% or more. Of course you may find fee free cash machines or foreign exchange venders, but the overall cost may not worth it. I have learned to accept credit card fees while in Australia as the alternatives are not that great for a foreigner. I do take cash with me for small purchases but tend to use card when the amount is at certain level.
#882
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Not aware of hotels taking Apple Pay, but if they do, I would expect that it would incur a surcharge. I don't see that it is terrible - any business in Australia is allowed to pass card processing fees onto the customer ; hotels are one type of business that generally do
#883
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
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I am just saying, that if your credit card does not have Foreign Transaction Fees, it is still worth to considering using your card, as the ATM fees/unfavourable exchange rates or money exchange fees in airport would be around 2% or more. Of course you may find fee free cash machines or foreign exchange venders, but the overall cost may not worth it. I have learned to accept credit card fees while in Australia as the alternatives are not that great for a foreigner. I do take cash with me for small purchases but tend to use card when the amount is at certain level.
#884
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Join Date: Jan 2002
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Where payment is made at the hotel, then a card surcharge is normal
Different countries, different norms. In Australia, companies are allowed to pass on the cost of credit card transactions to the customer.