Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
though these transactions incur immediate interest. Diners Club and American Express (Amex) are not as widely accep-
ted.
Lost credit-card contact numbers:
American Express
(
1300 132 639;
www.americanexpress.com.au
)
Diners Club
(
1300 360 060;
www.dinersclub.com.au
)
MasterCard
(
1800 120 113;
www.mastercard.com.au
)
Visa
(
1800 450 346)
Debit Cards
A debit card allows you to draw money directly from your home bank account using ATMs, banks or Eftpos machines.
Any card connected to the international banking network - Cirrus, Maestro, Plus and Eurocard - should work with your
PIN. Expect substantial fees.
Companies such as Travelex offer debit cards (Travelex calls them 'Cash Passport' cards) with set withdrawal fees
and a balance you can top up from your personal account while on the road.
Exchanging Money
Changing foreign currency or travellers cheques is usually no problem at banks throughout Queensland, or at licensed
moneychangers such as Travelex or AmEx in big cities.
Tipping
Tipping isn't traditionally part of Australian etiquette, but it's increasingly the norm to tip around 10% for good service
in restaurants, and a few dollars for porters (bellhops) and taxi rides.
Travellers Cheques
The ubiquity and convenience of internationally linked credit and debit card facilities in Queensland means that travel-
lers cheques are virtually redundant - but AmEx and Travelex will cash travellers cheques, as will major banks.
TAX REFUNDS FOR TRAVELLERS
If you purchase new or second-hand goods with a total minimum value of $300 from any one supplier no more
than 30 days before you leave Australia, you are entitled under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) to a refund of
any Goods & Services Tax paid (GST, which is one-eleventh of the purchase price). The scheme only applies to
goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear onto the plane or ship. The refund is valid for goods bought
from more than one supplier, but only if at least $300 has been spent at each. For more information, contact the
Australian Customs & Border Protection Service
(
02-6275 6666, 1300 363 263;
www.customs.gov.au
)
.
