Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
transactions (up to $5 or more) than
for domestic ones (where they're rarely
more than $1.50). On top of this, the
bank from which you withdraw cash
may charge its own fee. For interna-
tional withdrawal fees, ask your bank.
You can also get cash advances on
your credit card at an ATM. Keep in
mind that credit card companies try to
protect themselves from theft by lim-
iting the funds someone can withdraw
outside their home country, so call
your credit card company before you
leave home.
Most ATMs in Australia will be
linked to a network that likely
includes your bank at home, but in
Outback areas, carry cash and a credit
card because ATMs can be hard to
find in small country towns, and
shopkeepers in remote parts may not
cash traveler's checks.
TRAVELER'S CHECKS
Traveler's checks are something of an
anachronism from the days before the
ATM made cash accessible at any
time. Traveler's checks used to be the
only sound alternative to traveling
with dangerously large amounts of
cash. They were as reliable as currency,
but, unlike cash, could be replaced if
lost or stolen.
These days, traveler's checks are less
necessary because most cities have 24-
hour ATMs that allow you to with-
draw small amounts of cash as needed.
However, keep in mind that you will
likely be charged an ATM withdrawal
fee if the bank is not your own, so if
you're withdrawing money every day,
you might be better off with traveler's
checks—provided that you don't mind
showing identification every time you
want to cash one.
However, be warned that traveler's
checks are not as widely accepted in
Australia, and if you do opt for them,
get them in Australian dollars. Checks
in U.S. dollars are accepted at banks,
big hotels, currency exchanges, and
some shops in major tourist regions,
but smaller shops, restaurants, and
other businesses will have no idea what
the exchange rate is when you present
a U.S. check. Another advantage of
Australian-dollar checks is that the two
largest Aussie banks, ANZ and West-
pac, cash them for free; it will cost you
around A$5 (US$3.25) to A$11
(US$7) to cash checks in foreign cur-
rency at most Australian banks.
You can get traveler's checks at
almost any bank.
American Express
offers denominations of $20, $50,
$100, $500, and (for cardholders
only) $1,000. You'll pay a service
charge ranging from 1% to 4%. You
can also get American Express trav-
eler's checks over the phone by calling
&
800/221-7282;
Amex gold and
platinum cardholders who use this
number are exempt from the 1% fee.
Visa
offers traveler's checks at
Citibank locations nationwide, as well
as at several other banks. The service
charge ranges between 1.5% and 2%;
checks come in denominations of
$20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000.
Call
&
800/732-1322
for informa-
tion. AAA members can obtain Visa
checks without a fee at most AAA
offices or by calling
&
866/339-
3378. MasterCard
also offers trav-
eler's checks. Call
&
800/223-9920
for a location near you.
Small Change
When you change money, ask for some small bills or loose change. Petty
cash will come in handy for tipping and public transportation. Consider
keeping the change separate from your larger bills, so that it's readily
accessible and you'll be less of a target for theft.
Tips
