Exchanging Money in Sydney
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Washington DC
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Exchanging Money in Sydney
My friend and I will be in Sydney from 3/31 thru 4/9 and we were wondering if there is one place that is better than another to cash travellers checks or do a foreign currency exchange.
When I say better what I really mean is who offers the most "bang for our buck" (i.e. fees). We are staying in Surrey Hills at the Medina on Crowne so someplace within walking distance would be even better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
By the way, are there any other FTers going to be in Sydney during this period who would be interested in getting together for a drink? Thanks for the info.
Darren
When I say better what I really mean is who offers the most "bang for our buck" (i.e. fees). We are staying in Surrey Hills at the Medina on Crowne so someplace within walking distance would be even better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
By the way, are there any other FTers going to be in Sydney during this period who would be interested in getting together for a drink? Thanks for the info.
Darren
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Nov 2002
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Originally Posted by Darren64
My friend and I will be in Sydney from 3/31 thru 4/9 and we were wondering if there is one place that is better than another to cash travellers checks or do a foreign currency exchange.
When I say better what I really mean is who offers the most "bang for our buck" (i.e. fees). We are staying in Surrey Hills at the Medina on Crowne so someplace within walking distance would be even better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
When I say better what I really mean is who offers the most "bang for our buck" (i.e. fees). We are staying in Surrey Hills at the Medina on Crowne so someplace within walking distance would be even better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
#3
Original Member




Join Date: May 1998
Location: NY, NY, USA
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As much as I despise Etrade Bank, the one thing they don't do is charge me any fees for ATM usage overseas. I don't know if it's because I pay a monthly fee on the account, or if it's their standard policy.
Also, Commerce Bank might not charge fees as well. But I'd verify w/ them. I know they don't domestically.
Also, Commerce Bank might not charge fees as well. But I'd verify w/ them. I know they don't domestically.
#6
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Originally Posted by Darren64
My friend and I will be in Sydney from 3/31 thru 4/9 and we were wondering if there is one place that is better than another to cash travellers checks or do a foreign currency exchange.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: MEL
Programs: SQ
Posts: 174
If you MUST exchange traveller cheques or cash, then the banks seem to offer slightly better rates than private exchange booths over here. Any branch of any major bank should exchange for you.
And the Aussie dollar is on the slide -- might be good news for you!
And the Aussie dollar is on the slide -- might be good news for you!
#8
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Join Date: Jun 2000
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Originally Posted by LZ-HMI
And the Aussie dollar is on the slide -- might be good news for you!
On my first trip over in 1993 or so the Australian dollar was at 75 cents, and every time since, of 10 additional trips, it's been lower. I gather it's made it back up there, and is on the way down again (I'll get to see for myself when I'm over for the Brisbane Do in May).
#9
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Exchange rate wise, yes banks are better than the domestic money changers of travelex, Exchange group and so on and for some reason, sydyey is one place where its cheaper to exchange money in the city than the airport.
If you can, i would suggest exchanging money at either yr transit city if you have a transit or in USA. To get a gauge of how much money changers would charge you, get the current rate(available on smh.com.au) and add 3 cents more unfavourably. Thats the basic rate plus commision charges.
cheers
If you can, i would suggest exchanging money at either yr transit city if you have a transit or in USA. To get a gauge of how much money changers would charge you, get the current rate(available on smh.com.au) and add 3 cents more unfavourably. Thats the basic rate plus commision charges.
cheers
Last edited by trekkie; Mar 23, 2006 at 4:16 pm




