best travel card for australia from india

Best Travel Cards in Australia in 2023 For Overseas Travel

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

From the multitude of bank fees and ATM charges to hidden currency conversion fees, there's no question that travelling abroad can be a costly endeavour — and that's saying nothing of the cost of the holiday itself!

As you prepare for your trip abroad, the golden rule is to pay using the local currency of your destination. This means accessing local cash with ATMs and using a prepaid debit card that can access the local currency. If it's not possible for you to spend in the local currency when travelling abroad, then spending in your home currency while using a card that doesn't charge any hidden exchange rate markups from your bank (e.g. only paying Visa or Mastercard exchange rates to convert currency) is still a good bet for most Australians when travelling abroad.

In this guide, we explore cards like Revolut and Wise that can lower ATM fees and hold multiple currencies. Spend on your holiday like a local and enjoy peace of mind after each tap and swipe.

In general, we consider Revolut to be the best travel card in Australia for all-around use, as its versatile account and card can be used to spend like a local pretty much anywhere in the world. With Revolut, you'll get a debit card, multi-currency account balance in 32 currencies, and a savvy mobile experience.

Best Travel Cards in Australia

• 01. Revolut — Best all-round travel card in Australia scroll down
• 02. Wise — Best for number of currencies and foreign account details scroll down
• 03. Considering going through your bank scroll down
• 04. Compare the best travel cards in Australia scroll down
• 05. Tips to save money when travelling overseas scroll down
• 06. FAQ about the best travel cards in Australia scroll down

Revolut: Best All-Round Travel Card in Australia

Revolut is impressive for its vast currency options and additional services, such as international money transfers and a money management interface. Revolut is one of the most well-known mobile finance platforms in the world because it offers services not only in Australia but also across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Like Wise, Revolut converts your currency to the local currency of your travel destination at the Revolut rate, which is close to the real mid-market exchange rate. It does set a cap on free allowances, however, since fair use limits and weekend surcharges may apply (Revolut's Standard Plan only allows free exchanges for transfers worth $1,000 per month). Once you make your exchange from AUD to the local currency of your destination, your card will be treated like a local card (avoiding foreign transaction fees or dynamic currency conversions ).

ATM withdrawals are also free for the first $350. These allowances can be waived by upgrading memberships. Bear in mind that third-party ATM fees may apply, even though Revolut doesn't charge any fees of its own for withdrawals up to $350 per month.

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4
• Account name: Standard
• Account type: Personal account (not a bank)
• Total cost: $0 per month .
• Noteworthy features: AUD account details, multi-currency balances.
• More info: See our full Revolut review .

Wise: Best for Number of Currencies and Foreign Bank Details

Wise has one of the best multi-currency cards available on the market. Load up to 54 currencies onto this card at the real exchange rate, giving you access to truly global travel.

Unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs, Wise is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your home currency into up to 54 currencies. The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with Wise. An industry-low commission fee per transaction will range from 0.35% to 2.85%, depending on the currency.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6
• Account name: Multi-Currency Account
• Account type: Electronic Money Account (held by local banks).
• Total cost: $0 per month.
• Noteworthy features: International money transfers, multiple account details, multi-currency balances.
• More info: See our full Wise Account review .

Consider Your Australian Bank Travel Money Card

Another option for spending abroad is to use your bank. Some Australian banks offer prepaid debit cards onto which you can load AUD and convert it into many countries around the world. These include the Commbank Travel Money Card. However, as of 2023, some banks such as ANZ, NAB, and Westpac have cancelled their travel card offerings, meaning you'll need to use a third-party prepaid card like Revolut .

You could also travel abroad with your ordinary debit or credit card, however, this will generally be the most expensive choice , as in most cases you'll pay an exchange rate fee plus a currency conversion fee. If you decide to use a standard bank card, make sure that you choose a card produce that explicitly waives foreign transasction fees .

What’s the Best Travel Card in Australia?

To discover the best travel money card in Australia to suit your overseas travel needs, compare the two fintech offerings we discussed above, Wise and Revolut, with a typical bank travel card like CBA's Travel Money Card:

Last updated: 6/1/2023 ¹ Bank account details in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, SGD, CAD, RON, HUN, and TRY

Money-Saving Tips When Traveling Abroad From Australia

When you convert Aussie dollars into a foreign currency, foreign exchange service providers will charge you two kinds of fees:

• Exchange rate margin:  Providers apply an exchange rate that is poorer than the true  "mid-market" exchange rate . They keep the difference, called an  exchange rate margin .
• Conversion fee:  This  fee  is usually a percentage of the amount converted or a fixed amount, which is charged for the service provided.

With these facts in mind, let's see what practices are useful to avoid ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges you may encounter while on your travels.

Tip 1: Avoid Bureaux de Change

Have you ever wondered how bureaux de change and currency exchange desks are able to secure prime real estate in touristic locations like the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Covent Carden in London while claiming to take no commission? It’s easy: they make (plenty of) money through hidden fees on the exchange rates they’re giving you. 

Our study shows that Bureaux de Change in Paris charges a margin ranging from 2.15% at CEN Change Dollar Boulevard de Strasbourg to 16.6% (!!) at Travelex Champs-Élysées when exchanging 500 US dollars into Euros for example. 

If you really want cash and can’t wait to withdraw it with a card at an ATM at your destination, ordering currencies online before your trip is usually cheaper than exchanging currencies at a bureau de change, but it’s still a very expensive way to get foreign currency which we, therefore, would not recommend.

Tip 2: Always Pay In the Local Currency

Don’t fall for the dynamic currency conversion trap! When using your card abroad to pay at a terminal or withdraw cash at an ATM, you’ve probably been asked whether you’d prefer to pay in your home currency (i.e. Australian dollars) instead of the local currency of the foreign country. This little trick is called dynamic currency conversion , and the right answer to this sneaky question will help you save big on currency exchange fees.

As a general rule, you always want to pay in the local currency (Euros in Europe, GBP in the UK, DKK in Denmark, THB in Thailand, etc.) when using your card abroad, instead of accepting the currency exchange and paying in Australian dollars. 

This seems like a trick question - why not opt to pay in AUD? On the plus side, you would know exactly what amount you would be paying in Aussie dollars instead of accepting the unknown exchange rate determined by your card issuer a few days later.

What is a Dynamic Currency Conversion?

When choosing to pay in AUD instead of the local one, you will carry out what’s called a “ dynamic currency conversion ”. This is just a complicated way of saying that you’re exchanging between the foreign currency and AUD at the exact time you use your card to pay or withdraw cash in a foreign currency, and not a few days later.

For this privilege, the local payment terminal or ATM will apply an exchange rate that is often significantly worse than even a traditional bank’s exchange rate (we’ve seen margins of up to 8%!), and of course, much worse than the exchange rate you would get by using an innovative multi-currency card.

Knowing what amount you will pay in Australian dollars is not worth the additional steep cost of the dynamic currency conversion, hence why we recommend always choosing to pay in the local currency.

Tip 3: Don't Use a Traditional Card To Pay

Only use traditional Australian bank cards for overseas travel if they waive international card transaction fees . As mentioned before, providers make money on foreign currency conversions by charging poor exchange rates — and pocketing the difference between that and the true mid-market rate. They also make money by charging commission fees, which can either come as flat fees or as a percentage of the transaction.

FAQ About the Best Travel Cards in Australia

Having reviewed and compared several of the industry's leading neobanks, experts at Monito have found Revolut to offer the best prepaid multi-currency card in 2023 in Australia.

In general, yes! You can get a much better deal with new innovative travel cards than traditional banks' debit/credit cards. However, not all cards are made equal, so make sure to compare the fees to withdraw cash abroad, the exchange rates and monthly fees to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.

• Sign up for a multi-currency account;
• Link your bank to the account and add Aussie dollars;
• Convert amount to the local currency of holiday destination ( Wise and Revolut convert at or near the actual mid-market rate);
• Tap and swipe like a local when you pay at vendors.

Yes, the Wise Multi-Currency Card is uniquely worthwhile because it actually converts AUD into foreign currency at the real mid-market exchange rate . Wise charges a transparent and industry-low commission fee for the service instead. More traditional currency cards like the Travelex Money Card are good alternatives, but they will apply an exchange rate that is weaker than the mid-market rate.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is the best money card for euros because unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs,  Wise  is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your local currency into euros with them.

The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with  Wise . An industry-low commission fee will range from 0.35% to 2.85%. USD to EUR transfers generally incur a 1.6% fee.

Learn more about how to buy Euros in the United States before your trip.

There are usually three types of travel cards, prepaid travel cards, debit travel cards and credit travel cards. Each have pros and cons, here's a short summary:

• Prepaid travel cards: You usually need to load cards with your home currency via a direct entry or credit/debit card top-up. You're then able to manage the balance from an attached mobile app and can use it to pay in foreign currencies or withdraw cash at an ATM abroad tapping into your home currency prepaid balance. With prepaid travel cards, as the name indicates, you can't spend more than what you've loaded before hand. Some prepaid card providers will provide ways to "auto top-up" when your balance reaches a certain level that you can customize. On Revolut for example, you can decide to top-up £100/£200/£500 from your debit card each time your balance reaches below £50.
• Debit travel cards: Some innovative digital banks, like N26 or Monzo, offer travel debit cards that have the same advantages than a Prepaid Travel Cards, except that they're debit card directly tapping into your current account balance. Like a Prepaid travel card, you can't spend more than the balance you have in your current account with N26 or Monzo, but you can activate an overdraft (between €1,000 or €10,000 for N26 or £1,000 for Monzo) if you need it, for a fee though.

Note that even if they're Prepaid or Debit cards, you can use them for Internet payments like a normal credit card.

• Credit travel cards: You can find credit cards made for international payments offering good exchange rates and low fees to withdraw money abroad, but you'll need to pay interests in your international payment if you don't pay in FULL at the end of every month and interest on your ATM withdrawals each day until you pay them back.

Other Monito Guides and Reviews on the Best Travel Cards in Australia and Top Multi Currency Cards

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

The 5 best travel money cards for india in 2024.

India is a large and mesmerising country that is rarely seen in one visit. Australians love travelling to India for its delicious food, cultural sites and difference in lifestyles.

In India you are likely to pay for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment as well as withdraw cash from ATMs with your card. So which is the best travel card to take with you?

It's easy, to save you lots of time, we have compared a large number of the best cash cards for overseas travel in 2024 and have summarised their best points.

Best 5 Travel Money Cards for India in 2024:

• Wise Multi Currency Card for best exchange rates
• Revolut Travel Card as the best all rounder
• HSBC Global Everyday Debit Card for ATM cash withdrawals
• Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card for lowest interest rate
• ING One Low Rate Credit Card with no annual fee

Wise Multi Currency Prepaid Card - Best Exchange Rates

Best features.

• 40+ currencies available
• Best exchange rates globally
• One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
• No international transaction fees
• No annual or monthly fees
• Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Read our Wise Travel Card Review

Wise Travel Card

• Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
• Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
• Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
• It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
• Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

The Wise Travel Card is an excellent option for those eager to experience India. It offers over 40 currencies at the intermarket exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. In addition you can buy goods online from overseas with no transaction fee plus get the best exchange rate. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Revolut - Low Fees

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card - Best Travel Card by Bank

• Great exchange rate offered for Indian rupee (INR)
• No fees at HSBC ATMs in India to withdraw rupee
• No initial card, closure, account keeping or monthly fees
• No cross currency conversion fees

HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card

• 10 Currencies can be loaded are USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, INR and CNY (currency restrictions on CNY)
• No maximum balance for any currency
• Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
• ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
• Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100.
• Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
• Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card is an excellent option to take travelling to India and to spend money in Australia with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees.

HSBC has branches and ATMS is India so you can avoid the nasty numerous ATM fees. In addition there is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate

• Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
• No international transaction fees on purchases
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

• Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
• Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
• $6,000 minimum credit card
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
• 21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
• Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling throughout India.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places in India.

ING One Low Rate Credit Card - No Annual Fee

• No annual fee
• Up to 45 days interest free on purchases
• Lowest cash advance interest rate of 11.99%
• Use instalment plans to pay off your purchases over time at a lower interest rate

ING One Low Rate Credit Card

• 11.99% interest rate on purchases
• Make payments from your mobile with pay with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• International ATM fee and Foreign currency conversion fee are waived when you deposit $1,000 into your Orange Everyday each month, and make 5+ card purchases that are settled. Otherwise they are the higher of 3% or at least $3
• Put repayments on auto payment each month to pay the minimum balance or full amount

The ING One Low Rate credit card is a great option to take to India as it charges no annual fee and offers a low interest rate for purchases and cash advances of 11.99%. The cash advance interest rate is very low and about 50% less than most of its competitors who charge around 22% on cash advances.

Furthermore the ING One Low Rate credit card has no international transaction fees, so you can save money on your travels and when you buy goods from overseas. It's a handy backup card to have in your wallet when travelling through India.

Learn more about the best credit, debit and prepaid cards for travel

Credit Card

Best Prepaid Travel Cards

The best way to take holiday money to India is through a Wise Multi Currency card, which offers the best exchange rate for Indian rupee, a Citibank Plus Everyday or HSBC Global card for ATM withdrawals and the BankWest Platinum Breeze or ING One Low Rate cards for credit purchases.

No you shouldn't get Indian rupee before travelling to India, as non-residents are not allowed to bring or take Indian rupee in or out of India. It is considered a ‘closed currency’. Indian residents are allowed to bring in 25,000 Indian rupee into India, which is approximately $450.

Yes, the Wise Multi Currency card can be used in India and it offers the best exchange rate on the market and no international transaction fees. All other prepaid currency cards in Australia do not offer Indian rupee including Australia Post, Travelex, Travel Money Oz, Commonwealth bank, Westpac and Qantas.

You can use your Australian debit card in India and to avoid large fees we advise you to use the Citibank Plus Everyday or HSBC Global debit cards. You can use both debit cards in Australia and India at ATMs without paying 3 types of different ATM fees.

ATMs from Citibank , HSBC , SBI, Axis, HDFC, IDBI, ICICI, Kotak Mahindra and Yes Bank are all banks in India that accept international credit cards. Not all banks accept international cards so you need to look for the Mastercard or Visa logo at the ATM.

The maximum amount per withdrawal is 10,000 Indian rupee or roughly $180. The maximum daily withdrawal amount is 40,000 Indian rupee or roughly $720. It's important to withdraw as much as possible per ATM withdrawal in India to reduce the fees.

Yes you can use a Visa debit card in India wherever the Visa logo is shown. Be aware not all ATMs accept international cards, so you need to look for the Visa logo. In tourist areas Visa is readily accepted however in rural areas, Visa is less accepted and you are advised to take Indian rupee with you.

No you can not use Australian dollars or US dollars in India. The currency of India is Indian rupee. It is recognised in shops with the letters ₹ before the numerals, for example ₹50.  There are 6 banknotes each with a different colour.

More Travel Card Guides

Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

The Best Travel Debit Cards for Australians In 2024

Tom Goward | 27/03/2024

TLDR ; our experts rated Up ($15 free bonus), Ubank ($10 free on with code C7N1TAZ ) & Revolut (Free $15 exclusive Flight Hacks bonus) as the best travel debit cards for 2024.

No matter where you’re going or for how long, making use of a good travel debit card is one of the easiest ways to save money overseas. The problem is that amidst the excitement, the importance of selecting the best travel debit card often slips the minds of many Australians until the eleventh hour. Most novice travellers fail to realise their mistake until arriving home with an overstuffed suitcase and card fees that could’ve been easily avoided.

The harsh reality is that banks and airport currency exchange services will often rip you off, despite their claims of ‘zero fees’ or ‘0% commission’. Think about it, how can an exchange booth afford the insane airport rent if they don’t make a cent from running their business?!

The good news is that Australians have a few brilliant options when it comes time to select a travel money card. While the array of choices can be overwhelming, with a little research and planning, you can save a considerable sum just by using the right card!

WATCH: our video comparing 11 of the most popular travel cards in Australia!

In this post:

What About Prepaid Travel-Branded Cards?

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Many amateur travellers will use their day-to-day debit card overseas, simply because it’s easy to use a card that already has your money loaded and ready to go. But before tapping away, it’s important to understand the fees you’ll be in for.

When making international purchases, there are three main fees you should understand;

• International Transaction Rate: Charged when you make a purchase with an overseas merchant, often as a percentage of the total transaction. In Australia, many banks charge a foreign transaction fee of 3% or higher.
• Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fee: Charged for the privilege of withdrawing your own money at an overseas ATM, typically a fixed dollar amount per withdrawal. Sometimes the ATM operator will charge an additional fee for using their ATM. How fun!
• Foreign Exchange Markup: This is where banks are especially sneaky. While you might think you’re getting the real exchange rate, like you’d see searching Google or XE, banks will make up their own rate which includes a hidden fee on top. Of course, you will only be shown the ‘final price’ to hide the fee applied to the real rate.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect card to use overseas, you would have seen big banks and loyalty schemes offering travel money cards. But just because your day-to-day bank offers a dedicated travel card, it doesn’t mean you should get one. In fact, if a card has the word “travel” as part of its name, RUN AWAY while you still can. That is, unless you like being shafted by some of the richest companies in Australia.

Prepaid options like the Commbank Travel Money Card and Qantas Travel Money Card typically offer a portal where you can preload a foreign currency, before arriving at your destination. While it might sound logical to have your money in the correct currency before payment, the fees involved can be astronomical. Despite the promise of “fee-free load options”, there’s almost always a huge foreign exchange markup when you send Australian Dollars to a prepaid card.

The other downside is that you’re forced to lock-in the exchange rate when loading Australian Dollars. While this is marketed as a perk, it’s also a potential disaster if the exchange rate moves against you, after you’ve transferred your entire spending money across. So, unless you have a crystal ball that predicts when the exchange rate is best, I wouldn’t see it as a benefit myself.

Although Visa and Mastercard don’t offer cards themselves, they do have a say in determining the foreign exchange rate you’ll get. While prepaid cards devise their own inflated rates, the best cards, which we will share below, utilise the Visa or Mastercard exchange rate without applying a markup. The difference between the two is almost non-existent, so there is no point in selecting your card based on the payment network.

The table below shows how much Visa and Mastercard offered for 1 AUD as of 27th March 2024. As you can see, the rates are identical, except for JPY where the difference is minuscule anyway.

How Much Can I Save By Using A Good Card?

How much you can save will depend on the fees associated with your day-to-day card, how much you spend and where you spend it. Let’s compare transactions if you were to use the Commbank Travel Money, Qantas Travel Money or Up Debit cards.

The Commbank Travel Money card charges a flat 3% fee for currency conversion on purchases and withdrawals. Qantas Travel Money claims to have “no fee” for purchases in their marketing material, but their foreign exchange rate adds an insane markup.

As an example, say you paid your 500 Euro hotel bill using one of these cards. Based on our testing (on 27th March 2024), Commbank would charge a $24.92 fee, while Qantas slaps a disgusting $47.13 or 5.67% markup on top of the real exchange rate. Remember – the Qantas card has access to Mastercard’s foreign exchange rates, and if they so pleased, could offer the same true fee-free rate as Up’s Mastercard option.

The Commbank Travel Money card charges $3.5 for ATM withdrawals, charged in the currency from which you’re making the withdrawal. Qantas charges a different rate depending on which currency you’re withdrawing, but for Euros, it’s €1.5. Of course, Up doesn’t charge a fee.

As an example, say you need to withdraw 500 Euros from an ATM. The conversion fees are the same as above, but you’d need to pay an additional fee for using the ATM. Keep in mind that the ATM you use could charge its own fee, but this will apply to most cards so it’s the same across the board.

Our Picks: Best Travel Debit Cards In 2024

Now that you understand how critical it is to utilise a good debit card overseas, it’s time to explore the best options for Australian travellers. Not all banks provide the same features, so be sure to shop around and find a good fit for you. We’d also recommend packing at least one backup card in the event your main card becomes lost or stolen.

• Payment Network: Mastercard
• International Transaction Rate: 0%
• Overseas ATM Fee: $0
• Account Fee: $0

Sign-Up Bonus: $15 – For a limited time, you can receive a $10 welcome bonus for becoming an Upsider! Join using our Up Bank invite code to score $15 after joining.

Up is a digital bank (owned by Bendigo & Adelaide Bank) that proves it’s possible to love your bank. Setup is a breeze, and of course, Up charges absolutely nothing when you use an Up Debit card overseas. As a neobank, Up doesn’t have any physical branches, with everything easily handled from within the best banking app I’ve ever used. It’s super clean by design and packed full of useful features like payment splitting, the ability to detect recurring charges, easy payments to friends by name and detailed spending insights.

Want the full story? Check out our detailed Up Debit Card Review !

• Payment Network: Visa

Sign-Up Bonus: $10 – For a limited time, you can use our Ubank referral code C7N1TAZ to score $10 in your new Ubank account after making 5 purchases within 30 days of signup.

Ubank is another digital bank with zero fees for using your connected debit card overseas. While the app isn’t quite as fantastic as Up’s offering, Ubank is still a great option. The upside is that Ubank also offers savings accounts that have consistently given some of the highest interest rates in Australia. Not to mention joining takes just a few minutes and they offer a joint account option.

After more info? Read out our complete Ubank Debit Card Review !

• Overseas ATM Fee: $0 ($350-$1400/m fee-free limit based on plan)
• Account Fee: $0-$24.99/month (based on plan)

Sign-Up Bonus: We’ve partnered with Revolut to offer Flight Hacks readers an exclusive $15 in their new account. Join via this link to score $15 after making 1 transaction within 14 days.

Everything money is accessible with Revolut, from spending on your debit card to investing in stocks and EFTs, crypto, gold and silver. From a travel perspective, Revolut offers minimal fees and the ability to preload your card with one of several currencies or spend using AUD at the current exchange rate. SmartDelay also offers complimentary airport lounge passes for you and up to 3 friends when your flight is delayed by more than an hour.

Revolut is also great for those travelling with anyone aged 6 to 17, thanks to the option for parents and legal guardians to create a linked account for their children. The main account holder gains access to a bunch of insights and controls, while under 18’s can spend their own funds with the same money-saving perks as the main account holder.

In Australia, Revolut offers users a free Standard plan, in addition to increased perks on a Premium ($9.99/month) or Metal ($24.99/month) membership. While also including a solid reinforced steel card, the Metal option offers monthly benefits like three fee-free international payments, unlimited fee-free weekday currency exchange and fee-free ATM withdrawals up to $1,400. Not willing to pay for a full year? You can always upgrade for your trip and cancel the plan once you return home.

Ready to learn more? View our Revolut Australia guide !

• I nternational Transaction Rate: 0%

If you’re after a debit card for travel from a big bank, but not quite big enough to rip you off, Macquarie has you covered. Although the app and online banking portal are in desperate need of an update, the product itself is hard to fault.

Macquarie also offers a few perks like a luggage return service that will pester the airline on your behalf, if they mishandle your checked baggage. There is a small service fee for this, but if your bag is not returned within 96 hours, you’ll receive a $100 payout per lost bag. In addition, cardholders have access to a concierge service, card purchase cover and wallet guard cover. Considering this is just a debit card, those are some nice benefits to have up your sleeve.

Deposits made on a Macquarie Transaction Account can also earn interest, up to 4.75% p.a (as of March 2024).

HSBC’s worldwide reach makes its Everyday Global Account an attractive offering. If you need to make an ATM withdrawal, you can visit a HSBC ATM to guarantee zero withdrawal fees around the world! The exception is in Argentina, France, Greece, Mexico, Malta and Turkey where there is a small fee.

There’s an option to buy and transfer between ten currencies (AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, CNY), although HSBC does hide a foreign markup here by using their own HSBC Daily Exchange Rate. For the best rate, simply load AUD onto the debit card before spending overseas, where the Visa exchange rate will apply with zero markup.

Plus, if you deposit at least $2,000 into your Everyday Global Account before the last business day of each calendar month, you can earn 2% cashback up to $50 per month. You’ll earn cashback on eligible purchases with Australian merchants under $100, when you spend via payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay. There are a few transactions that won’t be eligible, including public transport, car parking and vending machines.

• Overseas ATM Fee up to 350 AUD/month: $0
• Overseas ATM Fee over 350 AUD/month: $1.50 ($1.50+1.75% for 3+ withdrawals)
• Card Load Fee: 0% to 2% depending on currency
• Physical Card Fee: $10

Wise (previously Transferwise) used to offer one of the best cards out there, until moving to an overly complex fee structure that feels very ‘banky’. That includes a $10 fee if you’d like a physical debit card, and high fees for withdrawing money overseas, once you go over the small monthly allowance. We do appreciate that those fees aren’t hidden, and you’ll see the exact exchange rate and the Wise fee applied before completing a transfer.

Because they still offer a real mid-market rate and are one of the best options for transferring foreign currency between friends, Wise still makes our list. They also offer a cool virtual card feature, that can be useful for pesky subscriptions or transactions where you want to cancel your card afterwards, without the consequences.

All up, Wise is a solid option if you need to make a bunch of transfers, but one to avoid if you plan on using overseas ATMs.

Keen on Wise? Why not read our Wise Australia review !

We’d be here all day if we reviewed every Aussie debit card with zero foreign transaction fees and fee-free overseas ATM withdrawals. Our guide above covers the best options for most travellers, but there are a few cards that deserve an honourable mention.

• Bankwest Easy Transaction Account
• ME Bank SpendME Transaction Account
• Suncorp Everyday Options Account

Australia’s Worst Travel Debit Cards Revealed

Many big banks and frequent flyer schemes market travel money cards, but often, these come packed with hidden fees that make them completely useless. Unless you enjoy giving away your money (in which case you should send it directly to us), here are some popular options to avoid;

• International Transaction Rate: “free” with hidden markup
• Overseas ATM Fee : approx. $1.95 – $3.00 (varies with currency)
• Card Load Fee: 0.5%

Qantas Travel Money is possibly the worst travel card out there. While advertising zero exchange fees, the ridiculously expensive “Qantas Travel Money Daily Rate” is used when you transfer funds between currencies or make a purchase. For example, in our €500 spend test above, using the Qantas Travel Money would cost a whopping $47.13 more than using a fee-free Up debit card. That’s a hidden markup of 5.67% – and Qantas will still charge an ATM fee!

For international purchases, you can earn 1.5 Qantas Points for every $1 equivalent spent in foreign currency. Even though we love Qantas Points, the insane nearly 6% markup is a complete ripoff and not worth paying to earn points.

• Foreign Exchange Rate: 3%
• Overseas ATM Fee: A$3.50
• Card Load Fee: “free” with hidden markup

Despite its widespread usage, the Commbank Travel Money Card is another terrible option for overseas spending. That popularity comes from Commbank’s extensive customer base within Australia, with many travellers sticking with the one bank, instead of exploring better alternatives. But the thing is, each of the no-fee options listed above can be funded instantly from your existing Commbank account, so there is no upside to using Commbank Travel Money.

While the card itself is free to hold, there’s a 3% conversion fee applied with each transaction made in a different currency. Additionally, you’ll pay $3.50 for every overseas ATM withdrawal. Commbamk becomes an even worse option once you realise how misleading their advertising of “no reload fees” is. While technically true, Commbank makes up its own exchange rate for card loads, which is approximately 4.4% worse than the Visa rate (at the time of writing). Essentially, this translates to a 4.4% fee when loading foreign currency onto the Commbank Travel Money Card.

• Overseas ATM Fee: $5
• In-Store Load Fee: 1.1% or $15 (whichever is higher)
• Online Load Fee: $0
• Inactivity Fee: $4 monthly (once your card is inactive for 12 months)
• Closure Fee: $10

You only have to read the endless list of fees to realise the Travelex Money Card is about as deceptive as it gets. Travelex does offer unlimited fee-free overseas ATM withdrawals, which is nice, but once you realise the other fees that are adding up and decide to close your account – oh wait, there’s a fee for that! You’ll also need to pay Travelex a monthly fee for the privilege of NOT using your card, once it becomes inactive for 12 months.

Travelex’s PDS says their foreign exchange rate is “set and determined by Mastercard”. What they don’t openly admit is that there is a hidden markup, which is easily spotted when you compare the Travelex exchange rate to that offered by Mastercard.

• International Transaction Rate: 3%

When NAB acquired Citibank in Australia, they removed one of the best big-bank travel cards available (the Citibank Saver Plus) and directed new customers to the NAB Visa Debit Card. As far as international spending, this new option is an absolute waste of plastic.

Instead of guaranteed free transitions at Citibank’s enormous overseas ATM network, you’ll get charged $5 at every single overseas ATM – yay! There’s also a juicy 3% international transaction rate, so you’ll pay a fee regardless of how you spend your money overseas.

ANZ Plus is ANZ’s new digital banking service that comes with a transaction account and a linked savings account. ANZ and ANZ Plus are like two peas in a pod, except one pea decided to get a snazzy makeover and call itself ‘Plus’. It’s as if ANZ woke up one day and thought, ‘You know what this bank needs? Another version of itself that’s slightly better but nearly identical’.

In all honesty, ANZ Plus is a solid product to use within Australia, with a cool banking app, competitive interest rate and useful insights to help you save money. But the good news stops there, with ANZ’s better version of itself keeping the fees for international use. You’ll pay $5 for overseas ATM withdrawals and a 3% fee on foreign transactions.

• Foreign Exchange Rate: 0%
• Overseas ATM Fee: approx. $1.50-$3.50 (varies with currency)

As far as big-bank travel cards go, Westpac’s Travel Money Card (also known as the Westpac Worldwide Wallett) isn’t quite as terrible as the rest. Although there are still hidden fees when you load your card, as well as when you withdraw money from an overseas ATM. The only reason we say Westpac’s travel card isn’t as awful is that they use the Mastercard rate when spending in currencies you don’t have loaded, without a markup. But overall, this is still one to avoid.

We used to love ING’s Orange Everyday card for overseas spending. But as the card became more and more popular, ING decided to capitalise by introducing international transaction fees, and then raise them even higher.

You can get all international transaction fees rebated, but you’ll need to make at least 5 eligible purchases and deposit at least $1,000 to one of your personal ING accounts every month. The same can be said for overseas ATM withdrawals, of which the first five fees can be rebated provided you make at least 5 eligible purchases and deposit at least $2,000 to one of your personal ING accounts every month.

Because of this unnecessary step to qualify for zero fees, we no longer recommend the ING Orange Everyday for travel.

With so many fee-free travel debit cards available, there’s no reason why you should pay banks every time you need to spend money overseas. With a little research into a travel debit card that suits you, it’s pretty easy to save thousands in bank fees.

Alongside a fee-free card, be sure to employ these tips when spending overseas;

• Never pay in Australian Dollars: It’s one of the biggest travel card scams out there as merchants will make up their own terrible foreign exchange rate, and then charge a fee on top, to convert the local price to Australian dollars. You’ve probably paid with an EFTPOS machine or used an ATM that asks if you want to pay in AUD instead of the local currency. While it might sound like you’re getting a better deal with Australian dollars, this is almost never the case. Be sure to pay in the local currency, using a fee-free card above.
• Check for fees applied by the ATM: While any good debit card will offer zero ATM fees, that doesn’t stop ATM operators from charging their own fees. The machine should tell you before charging a fee.
• Be prepared with multiple card options: In case your card stops working, is stolen or becomes lost it’s a good idea to have a backup card.
• Use your travel debit card for online purchases: Avoid foreign transaction fees when shopping online with overseas merchants by using your card for travel.

I am going to visit [insert destination] – which card should I use?

The cards we recommend above are great for spending overseas. Be sure to consider the features important to you (eg. no ATM fees) when selecting a card for travel.

Which card uses the best currency conversion rates?

We have compared Visa and Mastercard’s spot rates above – there is little difference. Be sure to use a card that uses these spot rates, without applying a markup.

Can I use any Australian debit card overseas?

Nearly all Australian debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard symbol will work around the globe. There are a few exceptions, for example, many cards are currently blocked within Russia and other regions of conflict.

Should I tell my bank where I’m going?

It’s not something we regularly do, but it doesn’t hurt to notify your bank that you’ll be travelling overseas to avoid international purchases being mistaken for suspicious activity.

Why shouldn’t I transfer a bunch of AUD to the currency I will be spending?

It’s a bad idea to convert money ahead of your trip unless you have a crystal ball and know which way the exchange rate will move. If the exchange rate changes in your favour, you could lose out big time. The most accurate rate is achieved with a fee-free card loaded with AUD, using the payment provider’s spot rate

Can I use any frequent flyer credit card overseas?

While your Australian credit card will work overseas, most will charge a 3% fee when spending in a foreign currency. If your card earns a high number of points per dollar, that fee could be worth paying. It just depends how many points you’re going to get, and what fee you’ll be charged.

Which travel debit card is best for international travel?

The best travel debit card is going to have low or no international transaction fees, as well as the features that best suit you. Be sure to check out the best cards listed in this guide.

Chief Operating Officer & Aviation Nerd at Flight Hacks

Off to Singapore and KL in October, got the BankSA Worldide Wallet card. Unsure whether I’d be better off using a card like the Up debit card instead.

Seems like an “ok” product but they charge for ATM withdrawal, in Europe 2 euros per transaction, 2USD in the US and 1.5GBP in the UK unless you use one of their partner ATMs. I’d say use UP if you’re unsure about whether the ATM you’re about to use is affiliated with Bank SA to save on the fee.

Hi Emmanuel, with the up debit card an u bank card , can you load the money from central america on there to take out? and or can you use the card over there anyway?

No, you can’t. If you want to load a foreign currency, I’d use Revolut or Wise.

Re: unbanked & up – both are digital banks so when I go overseas to Europe how do I notify these digital ‘banking institutions’ of my overseas travel dates so they don’t block my cards?

Hi Jefr, digital bank only means they don’t have a physical branch you can walk into. Personally, I can’t recall the last time I went into a physical bank. As for letting them know you’re travelling, I’ve never done this with either Ubank and Up and have had zero problems. When it comes to fraud, 99% of happens online so they do have a function where you can turn on or off international payments within the app. When you’re traveling and shopping, most of the banks now are smart enough to detect genuine transactions and don’t block you.

I have the Citibank one, it’s fantastic I find. Good rate which I locked in before travel so I know exactly how much I have to spend, I am even in Hawaii at the moment and even though the ATM operator says it charges $4.35USD per withdrawal, my card has not charged it.

I think it’s a mistake to lock in rates before you travel unless you have a crystal ball and know which way the FX market is going to move. Personally, I prefer to convert on the spot which gets you the best rate each time.

Not sure why Wise (previously known as Transferwise) makes on the list but HSBC Everyday Global Account didn’t make the cut. They also offer $0 ATM fees (no cap on withdrawal per month) and 0% overseas transaction fee.

Hi JW, it’s definitely not a complete list and HSBC is a pretty good product as well. I’ve got an HSBC Everyday Global Account but don’t use it because the app is a pain.

how about Bankwest https://www.bankwest.com.au/personal/bank-and-save/bank-accounts/easy

Also not a bad product, does pretty much the same as Up/Ubank etc.

what do you think is the best travel card for Moldova? I know not many people go there, but being a non EU country whose currency isn’t in much demand, I think we get stung when withdrawing from an atm. I’m using the QANTAS travel card. It was many currency wallets, but no Moldovan Leu. In Chisinau, Moldova seems to default to taking US dollars. I get the feeling we are double converting. AUD to USD and then to Leu. Ouch!

Do you know any other alternative?

Hi Ben, one of the debit cards listed here will work just as well. You should never convert money beforehand unless you have a crystal ball and know which way the FX markets will move 😀 The Qantas travel debit card isn’t a great product as they take a much too large percentage on every transaction or conversion you make. I would just use a debit card (or credit card) that doesn’t charge FX and let your bank do the conversion on the spot, much easier.

Thanks for a very interesting article about these attractive products. However, a doubt remains – how do these cards make money out of you? That is, what they do not take with one hand, must be taken by the other.

Hi Tom, most products listed above are not advertised as a “travel card”; why is that you may ask? It’s because the features they offer don’t make them much money, sure they might get a cut from the Mastercard or Visa spot rate but that’s not their main breadwinner. These products offer these specific features in the hope that you will move away from your traditional bank (think Westpac, Commbank, ANZ) and do all your everyday banking with them.

What do you think is better the citibank card, ubank or travelwise? 🙂 Tossing between those 3.

I’d go with Ubank since they are an actual Australian bank and the limits of Transferwise are somewhat limiting (no pun intended). Citi is also good but the app and website are not user friendly IMO. Bonus of Ubank is that they give you $20!

Could you please elaborate more on what the limits are for the Transferwise?

No limits for card payments but there is a very restrictive limit for ATM withdrawals which is $350 a month with max 2 cash out transactions. After that, they charge a fee.

JEN, Citi have withdrawn from the multi currency markets since they where purchased BY NAB. SAD, they were a great card

I have been researching some of the reviews on the cards, some adamantly say don’t use ING because of poor customer support when something goes wrong. Do you know of any that standout as having a good track record for customer support?

I’ve used ING in the past, and didn’t have a bad experience. That said, I’ve never been in a situation where I would need real customer support. For what it’s worth, Up bank has a chat feature within the app so that’s handy when you need a replacement card or something.

Can confirm support is not great, had several issues lately. Call centre times 20-30+ minute wait minimum, which especially sucks while overseas. Need to use Skype, etc or request a call back which can take days. Trying to resolve via messages is useless, appears they are unable to authorise anything this way.

On the plus side only ones that refund ATM fees so unfortunately still recommend them, have saved me a significant amount. Make sure you have several backups, to be honest have all the cards recommended – no fees and no stress if issues occur.

Hey Immanuel, Which is the better of Ubank and Up and why, especially considering you say Mastercard gives better rates than Visa? Thanks in advance!

Also between those and Travelex which I keep reading about?

Maybe times have changed but Travelex offers the worst travel cards/services IMO. As a general rule it’s safe to avoid anything that has the word travel in its name.

I found out that Travelex have competitive rates on their card – and the fees are $0 from our point of view. We can’t protect ourselves from the other side, but at least we can protect ourselves from the Australian point of view.

Plus, you can talk to a physical person in store about it. You can’t do that with the others – I’ve tried wise – and you do a chat – which i hate. I prefer the customer in person approach – especially if things go wrong – you can talk to a person in person and over the phone – and they have toll free numbers around the world for help.

Rates and fees are one thing – BUT HELP AND SUPPORT is a big factor for me when using a Travel card overseas.

Hi Miguel, I would argue the opposite. Travelex makes some of the worst products on the market, that said they do offer convenience (exchange money at the airport). For this, you’re paying a conversion fee of 3.65% (based on the Visa spot rate AUD-USD calculated today), this might not sound like a lot but it’s a rip-off in my book. Up, Ubank, Revolut, Citi Bank, ING etc. offer far superior products with full support (they have a banking license) and best of all they don’t charge fees, on top of that they’re just everyday bank accounts which is an added bonus. The physical people you talk to at Travelex are just salespeople, I’m not sure what sort of support you would need/expect from them? Personally, I carry multiple (free) cards with me so if one gets blocked for whatever reason (which has never happened) I just switch to the other one. Cheers, Immanuel.

Both are pretty much the same, bonus is that you get $20 with Ubank. For rate difference between Visa and MasterCard to matter much you would need to spend a lot of $$, instead, I would prioritise ease of use.

Going to US in 2 weeks. Just wanted to check your advice please. You mentioned “You should never convert money beforehand unless you have a crystal ball and know which way the FX markets will move”. Does this mean I should load up a Ubank Card with AUD and use this for both direct purchases and ATM withdrawals & rely on spot rates? It seems from the discussions above that foreign exchange occur at the UBank end. Is this a correct understanding?

Hi Geoff, your understanding is spot on. Converting currency in advance, hoping you will get a good deal is the equivalent of gambling, nothing wrong with it but the chances you get it right are just as good as the chance of getting it wrong. Ubank is just like any other Australian bank account, free to have money in your account and once you pay with your card it will be converted on the spot by Ubank.

Is there a conversion fee when you buy on the spot with a Ubank or Up card? Also can i book accommodation here in Australia and then just pay at the hotel using the Ubank card and it will just convert with no transaction or conversion fees?

Ubank is an Australian bank, they issue a free debit card (just like any other bank in Australia). You can’t have any currency other than AU$ on it so yes, your account will always have AU$ and it will be converted on the spot to pay for any transaction in any currency that’s supported by Visa, as per our article there’s 0% conversion fee imposed by Ubank (that’s why we like it). The card and bank account have no fees so of course you wouldn’t be charged a fee for booking accommodation using this card either.

Thanks for the article. Do the recommended cards offer travel insurance?

Hi Raymond, for cards with travel insurance you can check out our frequent flyer credit cards here , I can’t think of any debit cards that would offer free travel insurance. Since insurance is very personal, I can’t give you a recommendation as I don’t know your circumstances. However, I can tell you which one I personally use. For me I rely on Amex Business Platinum travel insurance as it’s activated even if I don’t use the card to purchase my flights, it also covers additional card holders so anyone I have listed on my account is automatically covered.

Amex non business credit card don’t give you travel insurance unless u buy your ticket with their card. The issue is if you buy a points flight, which is only technically paying tax, not actual flight, they won’t cover you with travel insurance when u claim as haven’t actually bought a fight. Hard lesson to learn.

ANZ Black or Platinum give you 6 months travel insurance per trip ( including family traveling with you) plus 6 months income protection of $1700/month(may be more $ now, they paid that much in 2017). As long as you spend $250 of your trip eg accommodation on your ANZ card and have a return ticket which can be a points bought one before leaving Australia. Also any auxiliary card holders are entitled to this insurance cover if travelling independently from you. Both my adult children used this to cover them on international trips at great savings. Also earn the most points / $ spend with ANZ black of any credit card except maybe business AMEX card. I never paid for travel insurance and have saved heaps over the years with this. Non cover you for extreme sports though or riding motor bikes if don’t have a bike licence in Australia or illegal to in the country you are riding eg Vietnam. Also can get a certificate prior to leaving saying they are covering you in certain countries of travel if needed.

Hi Immanuel I have a 15 year old daughter going on a 3 month student exchange to Italy at the end of this month. A number of travel websites recommend paying in cash in Italy so regular ATM use will be expected. She will be staying in a smalll village in Tuscany so may not have access to some of the “international/fee-free” ATMs. She will likely be spending around $600 per month (which exceeds some of the monthly fee-free ATM limits). A lot of the recommended debit cards have restrictions for under 18s. What do you recommend for her? Thanks

Hi Stephen, I believe all of these products have an age limit of 16 or older, not sure why but no doubt has something to do with government legislation. What I would do is open an account in your name and just give her the card to use and app login to manage her money. Paying by card is much more popular in Europe now than it ever was and it’s especially usefull when adding the card to a mobile wallet such as iPhone/Samsung etc. Ubank and Up are both very much geared towards young people so I think those would be good options to try out.

Great discussions. Thanks all. How about these cards Westpac – http://www.westpac.com.au/international-travel/travel-money-card/ Commbank Travle money card – https://www.commbank.com.au/travel/travel-money-card.html?ei=prod_TMC

Please advise. Thanks once again.

Westpac is alright but they charge ATM fees so I’d pass for that reason alone. Commbank, avoid unless you want to pay 3% on your transactions. The problem with these cards is that they want you to load it up with foreign currency, however, unless you’re a successful FX trader by profession, the chance of you timing the markets is slim. So essentially you’re gambling on the idea of currency either going up or down, if you were to just let your card convert it on the spot, you would always pay the market price which would then average out over time.

Thanks Immanuel, great discussions. How about wise card and what’s your opinion about it.

Also good but the limits are somewhat prohibitting.

Do you know if you need to convert currency with the Westpac worldwide wallet? I’m travelling to Vietnam and it’s not a listed currency. I would like to withdraw cash.

Hey Mae. Yes, Westpac Worldwide Wallet would require you to convert AUD before using the card, essentially gambling on the exchange rate. While that could work in your favour if the exchange rate worsens, you could also lose out big time. Westpac Worldwide Wallet does not currently support VND. Because of this and the extra fees Westpac charges, you might prefer the UBank or Up cards as mentioned above. Happy travels, Tom.

What is the best travel card for ATM withdrawals. We intend to pay for most things such as meals, taxifares and public transport by cash in the UK and Ireland. Is this the most cost effective method or are we better off just presenting our card when paying for goods and services. TIA

Hi David, Ubank and Up both don’t charge ATM fees so that would be my pick. When paying, it might be easier by card as then you don’t have to convert any leftover currency back but it depends where you go. Small towns in Europe for example sometimes don’t have card facilities so it’s just easier to pay in cash.

Hi Immanuel.

Just confirming, is the link below the ‘travel’ card for UBank, as it is coming up as a ‘transaction’ account rather than ‘travel’ card, so I want to make sure it is the right one?

https://www.ubank.com.au/banking/transaction-account

Any other advice regarding using this card (if the correct one) or UBank’s travel card (please send link) would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Hi Joe, they only have 1 type of account as far as I’m aware. The product isn’t advertised as a “travel card” because they don’t really make money from it. That said, it makes an excellent travel card because it doesn’t charge fees, it’s easy to manage, free and they give you $20 for joining. As previously mentioned, by warry when a product brands itself as “travel” related; there are usually fees associated.

Hi, I was just wondering with up bank do I have to create another account with wise. Just a bit confused. Thanks

Hi, no you don’t unless you plan to send money to family/friends via international transfer. If you just want to use the debit card to pay for stuff and take money out of the ATM, you don’t need to do anything.

Hi Immanuel, Do you know which card would be best to take to Bali? My son will be taking AUD cash as well to change over there for a more favourable rate but lots of cash is a risk.I’ve also heard that ATM’s charge their own fee (randomly) and when making purchases using a credit or debit card a 3% fee is charged. Can you confirm or deny? 🙂 Thanks

Hi Jenny, I wouldn’t take cash, the rate you would get from a vendor will most certainly be worse than what you can get at an ATM. The debit cards listed above such as Up, Ubank etc don’t charge any fees. If an ATM charges you fees, it will always disclose this before you proceed with the transaction, most often it’s a fixed amount. Always use reputable bank ATMs and you will be fine 🙂

Hi Immanuel, thanks for the advice above.

Which is the best card for us?

My partner is heading of the the USA, Canada. Then we are flying across to meet her in Netherlands, then Scotland followed by a trip to Italy for a holiday.

She likes the Wise Travel, I like the Macquarie. I think the limit on withdrawals from atms is a pain in the wise one. She thinks the Wise one has a better currency conversion rate since Macquarie uses Mastercard rate.

What are your thoughts? It’s hard to find detail on ubank and what their currency conversion rate is.

If you plan to use the ATM a lot, I’d stay clear from Wise as they are very limited on withdrawals. If the cards are free, get both that way you always have a backup. Personally, I take an Up debit card and Ubank debit card, if one gets blocked or I lose it somehow I have a backup and it takes seconds to transfer funds from one account to another.

Hi. Just trying to understand how you transfer money if one card has been lost/ stolen, wouldn’t every transaction be blocked ??

You can just lock the card it self. This means you can still use the account.

I just wanted to come here to say thank you Immanuel, so much information – exactly what I wanted to know and have been agonising over! The fact you are still answering the questions a few months after the article was written!

Hey Chantelle, thanks for the kind words! We’re actually planning to add more products to this article soon to expand the comparison for people.

Ditto from me – your info has been really helpful to me to choose the right card for travelling o/s. Just got word from Citibank that they will be closing down their travel card that I have used for last 10 years, so I am in the market for a new one. This article and the follow up discussions have been invaluable. I’m tossing up between UBank & Up Bank. Thanks again for a very informative article and more importantly, the follow up discussions.

Thanks Lisa! Both Ubank and Up are pretty much identical when it comes to real world use. It will come down to which app you find easiest to use. Try them both, it’s free after all 🙂

Totally agree!! How often do we find a site with an article and ability to comment…only to never hear from the author…way too often!

I travel internationally on occasion (Australia bound next month) and I think this discussion is incredibly valuable!! I’ll be getting both Up and Ubank as there is really only an upside to both.

Thanks for the feedback Bryan! When readers take time to comment, we take time to respond. It’s also very useful for others reading this article as it adds information that might not have been clear or mentioned in the main content.

Hi After reading all this I’m still not too sure. I’m traveling to UK and USA in December 22 and have applied for a Revolut card, what do you think? Regards Elly

Hey Elly, Revolut is also really good. You might even want to consider switching to their premium product for the duration of your travel as it might be worth it 🙂

Hi, Interesting article on paying for things overseas! One question/comment. I think it is necessary to advise the bank that your card will being used overseas? Otherwise the bank may put a stop on the account in case it is being used illegally.

Hi Neil, I personally don’t advise them and haven’t experienced any issues (with debit cards that is)

Hi Immanuel, we are travelling to Thailand next year. My sister uses Latitude 28 Degrees Global Platinum Mastercard. Is this any good? Otherwise, I’ll go with the Ubank card. Thanks for some great advice. Regards, Melissa

Yes, it’s good, no FX fees but it’s a credit card so not good if you want to take cash out. Ubank is a debit card/bank account so it’s perfect for taking cash out of ATMs etc.

Hi Just want to which debit card is best for Switzerland? I am traveling from Australia

Hi Ali. Any of the six cards we have listed above will suit your travel to Switzerland.

Im going to europe this year, ill be using card a lot, dont think i need to use atm much. Im considering either UP, wise or NAB platnium. I have considered the NAB platnium because they offer free travel insurance. Do you have any more advice, which would be best for me. Thank you.

Hi Karla, if you plan to use the card a lot it should work out ok since they charge $10 a month account-keeping fee which can be offset by the cashback rebate of up to $10 per month. Just make sure you read the T&C of the insurance to make sure it’d adequate for you.

Hi Immanuel going to Bali and if I get the UBank card do I just put aud in it, and when I pay at restaurants does it just convert to IDR then or do I have to change my Aud to idr.

Hi Chrissie. Good choice! Just load your UBank card with AUD and when you pay it will convert to IDR automatically. Blue skies, Tom.

Hi, thanks for providing such great information it’s really helped narrow down the search for the best debit card to use for our honeymoon. We are travelling to Cancun Mexico and considering either Citibank Plus or HSBC Global account. Do you think we will be fine with these cards?

Hey Adele. HSBC is a good product, although the app needs some serious work. Citi will serve you well along with the other cards listed here. Happy travels, Tom.

Am going on a six month trip – 3 months total in Morocco and Tanzania, and then 3 months in Europe. Am agonising over how to do the money thing – don’t want to carry wads of cash and don’t want to pay loads of fees if I pay by card or make frequent atm withdrawals. Would the Ucard be a good option for me if I just load it up with AUD before I go?

Ubank, Up, Revolut… all good options and will do exactly what you need.

Choosing a card is really hard as the reviews are not that great with any of them. Want to get a card which offers security for my money and easy access to it. I am planning to go to Europe and am worried I wont be able to use my card because its blocked or funds have disappeared (comments in a few google threads). Are all these cards covered by the government guarantee? Are these cards supported by large banks with good customer support should something go wrong?

Many thanks

Hi Diane. We have listed the best cards for travel above, you may wish to consider these for your trip to Europe. Under the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), deposits of up to $250,000 are protected at licenced banks in Australia. As for the neobanks cards above, Up is backed by Bendigo Bank and UBank by NAB. In my experience, their customer support is fantastic. Cheers, Tom.

Hi Diane. We have compared Visa and Mastercard currency conversion rates above – there is little difference here. As long as you are using a card with zero foreign transaction fees, these are the rates that will apply. Cheers, Tom.

Thank you for the article. My concern is how long will it take for money to be transferred from another bank account onto these Travel Cards so that funds are available? Are you better off getting a travel card from your current bank to get the instant transfer?

Hey Poppy. If your current bank and the the card you will use for travel both support Osko, deposits will be instant. You can check what banks support Osko by clicking here . Cheers, Tom.

Surely ING is worth a mention? As far as I know they’re the only one that offers ATM fee rebates. Unfortunately they’ve recently limited this to 5 per month (whether domestic or international), but depending on the country this could still be worth ~$50. If you only withdraw cash once a week or so while travelling this really isn’t an issue. It’s saved me 100s of dollars in the past while travelling so I’m happy to deal with some sub par support!

Hey Jordan. We did have the ING Orange Everyday card listed when putting this guide together a few years ago. ING was since removed after the benefits became slightly more restrictive, although it’s still a worthy contender for travel. Blue skies, Tom.

We’re going to Argentina in January, which is a money minefield! – with the official dollar rate via banks vs the blue dollar that is worth nearly twice as much when exchanged for USD cash. Apparently the govt is in the process of introducing blue dollar (or better) rates for tourists using foreign cards, so that makes taking a debit card instead of wads of USD cash much more feasible. Are you aware of this? Do you have any advice at all? If not, we’ll take a chance on one of your recommended cards and hope that it works over there. Thank you!

Hi Diane, yes Argentina isn’t your typical country haha the “blue dollar” is the black market exchange rate for USD to the native peso and indeed, you will be much better off bringing USD (make sure you get the newer bills) as everyone in the country wants them. You will still be able to use a debit card at ATMs but when doing so you will convert at the official rate which as you stated is far from favorable. Are you transiting via the USA before getting to Argentina? In this case, I would get USD cash from US ATMs using an Australian debit card, this way you will get the best exchange rate, then take the cash to Argentina and exchange it to Peso on the black market.

Thanks so much for your reply and advice Immanuel. We are flying direct from Sydney to Santiago and from there to Buenos Aires, so no opportunity to use a US ATM I’m afraid. We’ll continue to watch the situation (with a sceptical eye) and assume that USD cash is still the way to go. Sigh.

Hi Diane, if you use Western Union they give you the Blue $ exchange rate. Initially I thought this was only with US $ but according to a discussion on Travel Advisor, it works for other currencies as well. By setting up an account and have Argentina as your home, you can apparently transfer au $ to Pesos while you are in Argentina. Although sometimes hard to find a WU office that hasn’t run out of $, and not always an instant transfer. Apparently you can play around on the WU site to check your exchange rate before doing this. If you already have USD in $100 bills, all very new and clean, you can go to an Arbollito on Florida St and exchange. Remembering the Blue rate does fluctuate.

Cheers Annmarie

link to recent TA conversation if you want to read info https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g294266-i977-k13815837-o30-How_to_get_dollar_blue_exchange_rates_through_Western_Union-Argentina.html

Hi there, I am travelling to the UK and Europe for 4 weeks and tossing up between two options which I can’t choose from. Is it better to use a fee free card overseas (Up in particular) and convert on the spot and cop the varying exchange rate, or preload a travel card so I have converted funds, but risk the fees from ATMs and conversion fees when I need to do so? Cheers

Hi Michael. Check out our section on travel-branded cards above. It is just as likely to lock in a bad exchange rate as it is to lock in a good one. It’s up to you, but seeing I don’t hold a crystal ball I avoid gambling on the exchange rate. Once you pay in foreign currency using Up it will be converted to AUD at the current rate with no fees or markup. Cheers, Tom.

Thanks mate, I’ve made the decision to use Up and even going to change my regular banking there cause I love it! Thanks again

Signed up for the U Bank card, used the code – it appears that actually the referrer gets the $20 credit, not the new signed up customer. I used the code C7N1TAZ as mentioned above.

Hey Dinny. To score the $20 you will need to be a brand-new UBank member and make three card purchases. Cheers, Tom.

Hi! Im travelling to the UK and Europe for a month is December and would prefer to use a travel card as opposed to cash. I’ve looked at all of these options but the reviews are a little worrying. Have you used any personally? What would you suggest? Im ideally trying to not spend a whole heap on fees and things and I dont plan on taking much out at an ATM if at all. Also looking for a card that wont cost be a fortune to put the left over money back into my bank account once ive returned. I was originally going to get a qantas card but once again reviews arent very good. Thanks

Hi Hunta. We have tested and would recommend any of the above. Up or UBank might be your easiest option. Cheers, Tom.

Hi there! How about the Macquarie debit card? seems as good as Ubank!

Yes just as good but you don’t get free money for signing up haha! Also, I’m not sure if their application process is as straightforward. Both Up and Ubank instantly activate your digital wallet while you wait for a physical card.

Thanks for the detailed articles team, I’ve always used cash when I travelled in the past but after reading this article I’ll use debit card instead.

Quick question though, would you recommend using Australian credit card overseas? I understand there’re fees (1-5%) but it earn points in return. Still tossing if points are worth the additional fees.

Hi Daniela, most Australian credit cards will charge you a 3% fee on each converted amount. It’s pretty high but if you earn points it can somewhat offset the cost. There are some credit cards that have no fees and earn points but the earn rate is generally pretty bad + they also have annual fees which might outweigh the benefit of saving 3% Macquarie Platinum Qantas, ANZ Travel Adventures, and Bankwest are a few you can look into.

Hi Immanuel, My 15 year old daughter is going to Japan on exchange for a year. I am a bit worried about sending her with a card in my name in case she is questioned (why she has a card in another person’s name). Other kids are going with CommBank as kids 14 and over can use it but I don’t like the sound of their fees. Any suggestions? Thanks

hey Elizabeth, to play it safe you can always have a Commbank account as a backup. Transferring money from Australian banks is instant via Osko so in theory you could give your daughter a card in your name (to take advantage of the low fees) and have a Commbank card as back up if it should be required. That said, you can also use mobile wallets to store Up, Ubank etc for contactless payments, this way the name on the card isn’t shared or displayed.

If I already have a Ubank account (for savings), will this suffice for using on overseas trip? Don’t have a card attached to it, but daresay I could apply for one. Travelling in the new year to UK and France. Thanks

Hi Denise, yes the Up savings account you got now is what you can use overseas. If you don’t have a physical card, you can order it via the app. It usually takes a week or so.

Which is the best card for recieving overseas payments like the japanese yen, etc. ?

Hi Zara. Any of the above cards can receive overseas payments, but Wise was designed especially with regular international payments in mind. Cheers, Tom.

Hi Zara – this is an excellent site and your advice much appreciated. My 19 year old son is going to Japan for working ski holiday next week for 7 weeks. He will need to use cash Yen in most places and hence, a number of ATM withdrawals. From what I read above, he would probably be best off just using his existing Bendigo Bank debit Mastercard – as he can use for payments as well as ATM withdrawals. Do you agree? Thanks in advance – Ian

Hi Ian, Bendigo bank charges 3% on each converted transaction overseas (that’s very high). Since your son is 19, he would be much better off switching to a bank that doesn’t charge those fees. Up bank, Ubank, Revolut, ING etc all offer better banking features and no fees.

Hi Immanuel, I plan to use Macquarie debit card for my upcoming overseas travel. How does Macquarie debit card compare to Citibank? And would Aud convert to other currencies automatically when I pay with my debit card?

Hey Linh. Your Australian Dollars will convert automatically for all cards listed above. Both Macquarie and Citibank offer good products with zero fees, although I’m not a fan of their mobile apps. At least Citi has a worldwide presence. Cheers, Tom.

Hi, I’m travelling to Vietnam, I have the 28 degree MasterCard but need a debit card to withdraw cash. What are your thoughts on Westpac worldwide wallet? I don’t want to lock in a currency.

Hey Mae. I wouldn’t recommend the Westpac Worldwide Wallet as you will pay extra fees compared to any of the cards we have listed above, for no reason. You would also need to lock in the currency, plus the card does not support VND. The 28-degree MasterCard is also one I would avoid, as you can’t make fee-free withdrawals and they apply a markup to overseas transactions. You might prefer the UBank or Up cards as mentioned above. Happy travels, Tom.

Just fyi – ubank is no allowing joint accounts at the moment. Very annoying as all their marketing says they do, but you get to the “new account” section and get a weird error message. Only after 50mins on hold to the call centre did it all become clear.

The argument is that they are being used for phishing which seems odd/unlikely – each of the joint owners need to give over ID but after Optus etc who knows.

I’ll be checking out some of the others – thanks for the tips!

Interesting, I didn’t know! Any benefit to having a joint account?

I’m hoping to take advantage of the exchange rate for japAn before it drops, I have a trip booked in April.

Can you please advise which travel card would be best. I want to transfer $2000 across as a piggy bank. And then continue to use my up account for purchases once this $2000 is gone.

Would it be better to do this or go to a cash exchange in Australia and change money before I leave as a lot of purchases will be in cash?

How do you know the Aussie will drop against the JPY? If you know for sure, why only bet $2,000? Jokes aside, Revolut would be my #1 choice for converting currency.

I feel that when you recommend these cards you take customer service into account. UBank has been in the news of late for poor service and I wouldn’t have believed it unless I experienced this myself. My daughter is in Rome with a UBank card, that we got for her because we read this review. They did an upgrade last night during the early hours of the morning AEDT but that was peak time in Europe. She was not able to use her card and then when they came back online, she still can’t use the card. I was in a queue for over two hours, which is minimum for them, no chat option, which is terrible for a bank. I spoke to someone and they assured me they would fix it and they still haven’t. Luckily her friends are with her and they are paying for her items, but this is a terrible bank it really is. Please factor this into your reviews and don’t worry about the referral fees, think about the people this affects.

Hi Bill. Sorry to hear about your daughter’s poor experience. I have never had an issue using my UBank card overseas, including getting through on the phone. In my experience their customer service is fantastic, but perhaps following the NAB takeover this is no longer the case. Of course, we would always recommend having a few good travel debit cards at hand, in the event that one card is stolen or stops working. Limiting yourself to a single card is undoubtedly risky, hence why we have listed several above. All the best, Tom.

Hi, I’ll be traveling to Germany and Denmark at the start of next year, all of these cards look viable. Is there a specific one that you would recommend…maybe location-wise? Thanks

Hi David. I am a fan of Up Bank for their outstanding customer support and ideal app layout. But yes, all of the above could work for your travels. Cheers, Tom.

Hey Tom, just opened both an Up Bank and Wise account for my Europe trip , thanks for your help there. If I understood correctly, if I tap and buy something with the Up Bank card, it converts the Australian dollar I have in my account at the Mastercard rate and if I tap and buy something using the Wise card, it converts using the Wise Transfer rate? (assuming I haven’t preloaded the Wise card with Euros already)

Hi Tom So is this correct? I miss my choice if card(atm between Up, UBank & Wise) with AUD and use it to pay for things OS (Canada). Therefore I won’t be charged any fees and the money is converted to CAD at the time of transaction? If I choose to withdraw actual cash OS then I may incur a fee of over $350 is withdrawn for the month?

Hi Jo, each card is different: Up, Ubank don’t have withdrawal limits, Wise & Revolut do have limits on free withdrawal, go over and you will incur a fee. Hope that helps?

Hi Immanuel Yes thanks so if I’m mainly using the card as a debit card and not to withdraw cash, then any of those 4 would be ok? If I want to withdraw cash – more than $350 a month- (I’m assuming it’s withdrawn as CAD) then Up & Ubank are best? Is this correct?

Hi, Im going to Europe for 2 months next year which would be the best travel card with the lowest fees? as i will only be using euros and pounds for the trip. My last pre- covid trip I used an ANZ travel card but they dont offer them anymore.

I would go for either Ubank or Up if you want unlimited ATM use with no fees. If you won’t take out much cash but prefer to pay via card, go with Revolut .

Hi Immanual, I’m travelling to Mexico and Hawaii in feb for the whole month and I’m stuck on which card to get. I’m unsure if I should get a prepaid or a debit card. Do you have any tips? I assume in Hawaii I’ll be using eftpos (transaction) more, whereas Mexico I think cash. But I’m really not sure, I’m just going off what people have said in travel blogs. Thanks!

Hi Ava, the answer to your question is in the article, but in short: pre-paid travel cards suck. Get a debit card or if you want to convert currency before your trip, get Revolut. Pro tip: get 2 accounts, that way you have a backup in case you lose a card or it gets blocked.

Can you sign up to revolut as an Australian? I was looking into Up too. What would be better?

I’ve got HSBC, Revolut, Wise and Qantas. Don’t know why people criticise the HSBC website and app, I’ve never had any issues. Exchange rates are pretty good and there’s 2% cashback on paywave purchases under AUD$100 (not sure if this applies OS). Revolut and Wise have the best exchange rates. Revolut Metal plan offers more ATM withdrawals. Lounge access is nothing special (slightly below normal fee unless there’s a +1 hour delay). Wise has no subscription fee. Qantas exchange rates are terrible, points bonus kicks in for overseas spending. I think Wise is the best all-round option if you don’t need many ATM withdrawals.

Hey John. I find the HSBC app outdated and clunky, but if it works for you that’s great. The HSBC 2% cashback will only apply to purchases made in AUD. Personally, I feel Wise and Revolut are far superior as above. Cheers, Tom.

Hi Emmanuel Travelling overseas first time to Europe for five and half weeks. Spain, France, Italy and Greece. I’m looking at both of these, Up Mastercard Debit card and UBank Visa Debit card, as you said have a back up. 1- I have a westpac bank account, how do I transfer money onto these cards from westpac, will I be charged any fees for transferring? 2- For security is it best to have a seperate westpac account with x amount $ in it that is for transferring onto these two debit cards while over seas? 3- Reason I ask about seperate westpac account, if scammed or the debit card is hacked can the scammers get into my main westpac accounts? 4- Do I transfer onto both cards or just one at a time? 5- Would I only have one as back up with no funds on it, and if needed can I transfer while in Europe? 6- As you mentioned, if the card I’m using eg: Up Mastercard Debit card is stolen, lost or blocked can I automatically transfer the funds on that card to my back up card eg: UBank Visa Debit card? Or because it’s compromised I wont be able to transfer those funds to my back up Debit card? 7- If that happens are my funds gone/ lost. Or will the banks that back these cards reinburst me for funds lost? 8- Is Up Mastercard Debit card backed by Bendigo Bank and UBank Visa Debit card backed by NAB bank? 9- With any funds left on these two cards once back in Australia can all the funds be transferred back into my westpac accounts, is there fees to do this? Thanking you in advance for your reply to all my questions.

1 – You can make a bank transfer the same way as any other bank account/debit card. 2 – Personally I don’t worry about this. 3 – No they are separate banks in the same way Westpac and Commbank are separate. 4 – Up to you, but it can be nice to have a backup. 5 – It is good to have a backup loaded with enough cash to get you out of trouble, but it is very easy to transfer in a pinch. 6 – Yes you can transfer funds and lock the card. 7 – It depends but you might be protected under the FCS. 8 – Yes. 9 – Yes you can transfer AUD back with no fees.

Cheers, Tom.

Hi my grand daughter is travelling to the U.S.A, For sport competition, what would be the best travelcard for her as she is a minor.

Hi, the Revolut card will be the best option as you can set up a free sub-account for a minor. See our full review for more details on this feature: https://flighthacks.com.au/revolut-australia-review/

Hi Immanuel I’m travelling for the fist time overseas to the Pacific Islands of Fiji for a 2 week holiday with family and kids. What card would best suit me? I do have accounts with Commonwealth and ANZ if it matters? Regards Mick

Hi Mick. Any of the cards we have covered in this article could work well for your trip. Enjoy Fiji! Blue skies, Tom.

I’m off to Nepal and Bhutan shortly. What is your opinion on the NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card? I believe it’s targeted at o/s travel but I wonder why it hasn’t made your recommendation list. Cheers

Hi Simone. We haven’t included the NAB Platinum Visa Debit as there are better cards out there (eg. Up Bank, UBank and Revolut). NAB charges a $10 monthly card fee, $5 per overseas ATM withdrawal and $1 per overseas ATM balance enquiry (in addition to what the ATM itself charges). You might be better off with one of the cards mentioned in this article, as many won’t charge these fees. Cheers, Tom.

Hi Tom, We are going to the Maldives in Feb and Europe in June/July, it looks like UP or Revolut are our best options. We are with HSBC which doesnt have OSKO. Would we be best to open an account with these other banks for easy transfer. Do you know if you can get multiple cards for the one account with UP & Revolut?

Hi Heidi, I find that transfers from HSBC usually take 1 business day so while it’s not instant like it is with Australian-based banks, it’s also not that slow. You can only get 1 card for your Up/Revolut account but both options also allow you to generate digital cards which you can generate as often as you want.

Hi – I am curious about the markup fees on these cards. Upbank clearly states they don’t do forex markup fees, but I cannot find information on the others. HSBC Everyday Global Rewards does have a forex mark up fee for the currencies you can load into the card for example. What about Ubank?

Hi Alee, HSBC charges a markup if you exchange money within your account; there’s no fee if you exchange it using the spot rate by paying or using your card in a foreign country. As I’ve said many times in these comments: there’s no benefit in exchanging money beforehand UNLESS you have a crystal ball and know what a currency will be worth at the time that you need it. So I never exchange money, all the cards we listed here do that automatically when you pay or use an ATM and do so without any fees.Ubank doesn’t have any exchange fees for the fact that it doesn’t have the option to convert currencies ahead of time, it simply converts based on the best spot rate as stated above.

Hey! Firstly this is the greatest thread regarding travel cards! Thanks for the replies!

I am travelling to Europe in June with my partner, we are heading to Denmark, UK, Greece, Croatia, Albania, UAE, Italy, France, Macedonia and Lebanon (just over 3 months).

I was originally considering Wise, however I see your point on withdrawal caps without fee.

Tossing between the Citibank plus, Wise, HSBC global and now the UP and UBank (open to others)

What would be your best recommendation for no fees and best exchange rate for these countries?

Could I get 4 best card recommendations for;

1/ Exchange rate and fees? 2/ Exchange rate, fees and atm withdrawal 3/ Atm withdrawal 4/ A extra card to carry to withdraw USD dollars to take to Lebanon (don’t want to be carrying a large amount of cash that I need for my last destination)

Thank you in advance! 🙂

Hi Faydi, personally, I use Revolut, Up and Ubank. Mostly because I like the apps they have; my issue with Citi and HSBC is that the mobile applications are somewhat clunky and not as user-friendly. When it comes to rates, all the cards we’ve listed here either use Visa or Mastercard spot rates (these are the best you can access as a consumer), all the cards listed above have no fees. In any case, I would made sure to have at least 2 debit cards (they are free anyway) so you can transfer money between if one stops working for whatever reason or if you lose a card. With Lebanon, from what I hear, it’s best to avoid ATMs because they will exchange your money at the official rate, since the people there want USD, there is a “black market” rate which is much more favourable but this would mean you have to carry some USD with you.

Hi Emmanuel,

Regarding withdrawing USD to use in Lebanon, my plan was to withdraw the USD in a different country (possibly from Macedonia) so I’m not carrying the cash for 2 months around Europe.

Any cards that are best for withdrawing money from ATM’S?

There’s also ING Orange everyday card? Similar product/benifets?

Thank you for taking the time to hear me out. What would be your best recommendation as I am trying to do a lot of research on what would be the best debit card to use for overseas this year. Travelling through to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, London and Dubai. Would probably mainly try to use the debit card mostly for purchases if that’s what would be best recommended and do minimal cash withdrawals from the ATM. What would be best for saving money on 0 fees and also what would offer the best exchange rate? Secondly would you recommend to load whichever card with AUD and then spend overseas and then apparently when I go through the eftpos machine select the purchase in euro option or exchange the AUD to euro before travelling? And lastly with taking out cash in euro or gbp would you recommend to take out at an exchange rate or public ATM when overseas or exchange it in AUS before travelling ?

Hi Nicholas, in the article, we have listed all our favourite cards. These are the best you can get (in our opinion). While features and fees might vary slightly, it’s negligible. If you plan to mostly pay using the card, I’d go for Revolut as the app is my favourite. As a backup, take Up or Ubank. You can’t go wrong. As for loading money: ALWAYS load AUD. Unless you like to be ripped off. Your card will do the conversion for you at the ATM or eftpos machines. And yes, always chose to pay in local currency overseas, never let the machine offer you a converted AUD rate. As for ATM, again, always take out cash at your destination if you can. This way, you will avoid the fees.

Hi. In regard to using an ATM with an Australian account, do I press the debit or credit option using a debit card??

Debit card because that’s what it is 🙂

Hi there. You mention… many of our top picks use either Visa or Mastercard’s exchange rates, without applying any markup. which ones are these?

All the cards we mention in this article 😀

Between Wise and Revolut which one do you think is better? and why?

Revolut, as they have no fees and the app is better/more functionality.

Hi Immanuel, What a great article! Thank you so much. Can I ask how you think the Mastercard rate compares to the mid-market rate offered by Wise? Thank you.

Wise has a variable fee of 0.44, so the Mastercard spot rate is still better. I’m planning a real-life comparison between all the cards so that should interesting 😀

Hi there. I’m slightly confused with all these options. I have been flying to EU in past and using INg.. would UBank compare? What do I go for? Thank you.

Hi Irena, nothing wrong with ING; it’s actually a really good travel card. The only reason we haven’t listed it is because in order to get the benefits out of ING it takes a lot of requirements to maintain. In our opinion, it’s too annoying to keep track of. Ie: in order to get the fees waived you need to make 5 purchases a month and deposit $1000. This is ok if you use it all the time but it’s too much work if you casually use it as a travel card.

How would you compare the Qantas Frequent Flyer Card thet can be loaded with dollars and used overseas

We have a whole section in the article dedicated to this product and even compared it with the spot rates, did you read it?

hello , we are travelling from AUS to US and staying in multiple hotels and conscious of the Hotel pre-auth holds whilst using Debit cards – could you recommend the best travel credit card for first time users

Hi Ren, there are a few credit cards that don’t charge 3% on top of each converted transaction but the downside is that they have poor points earn rates, and usually they also have high annual fees. Personally, I have Amex Platinum but also use Macquarie Qantas Platinum Visa (only because I get this product fee free). Key ones to look at are Bankwest Platinum & World Mastercard, ANZ Adventures Visa, and Commbank Ultimate Mastercard. There are probably some others I’ve missed but these are the main ones that earn points. I avoid credit cards that don’t offer rewards as they have no purpose other than to create debt. One exception might be 28 Degrees as they have a fee-free card with no annual fee.

Thank you for your reply , totally on your same page about not wanting to get a credit card either but unsure on other options when hotels will take large holds which can take some time to be released , have you used debit cards previously ?

Regarding withdrawing USD to use in Lebanon, my plan is to withdraw the USD in a different country (possibly from Macedonia) so I’m not carrying the cash for 2 months around Europe. Any cards that are best for withdrawing money from ATM’S? Thanks! 🙂

Hey Great article! I am travelling to Japan and Mexico in a month and was wondering what cards I should use while travelling and why. I have the following transaction accounts/cards already Up, Ubank, ING and Commbank debit. I also have a Westpac altitude black credit card. Thanks

Hi Wade. Glad you enjoyed the article. Check out our six cards listed above as we have outlined what you should use while travelling. Cheers, Tom.

Hi thank you this article was very useful for me as I was planning on using a travel money card with preloaded converted currency. I will be travelling to Europe soon, I currently have a Bankwest Easy Transaction account. They do not charge international transaction fees or ATM withdrawal fees. However I don’t know whether they charge any hidden foreign exchange markup fees. Would you recommend this card for travelling.

Hi Fiona, the Bankwest debit card is actually another good one! They also use Mastercard spot rates, so it will be comparable to the likes of Ubank/Up. They have no hidden fees from what I can see. One thing I didn’t like about BW in the past is their somewhat clunky mobile app, but maybe this has been updated since? In any case, make sure you have a backup card of some sort; transferring money from a Bankwest to another OSKO-supported account such as Up, Ubank etc, would be instant.

Thanks for this article, it is really helpful as we try and narrow down our best option. Do you happen to know if the UBank one lets you have a joint account for the times my partner and I are not together ? I will control the app (not his forte) but I would prefer we both have a card we can load to Apple Pay so we can go our own ways at times.

Hey Karen! Yes, they do offer a shared account, you can choose this option during the sign-up process. It will also give you 2 debit cards (one purple and one aqua) to keep it simple to manage. Both of you will need to download the app to verify your identity etc.

Great article – I got the Ubank card without fuss and it has worked without hassle – at a good exchange rate too (way better than i could get cash pre departure).

Only concert is in Apple Wallet you have to choose between Visa, eftpos Savings, eftpos Cheque. Neither of the first 2 worked, i didn’t try Cheque, but the physical card worked. Don’t know why this would be

Hey Alex, thanks for the kind words! As for Apple pay, sounds odd? Which country did you experience the issue? I’ve got Ubank added to apple pay but never had an issue.

Hi Great advice. I am travelling to America, England and Switzerland this year. I will mainly use a card for tap and go purchases what would you suggest. With the CHF is it costing me twice as it appears most options is Euro and not CHF. Thank you

Hi Sarah, both CHF and EUR are very much on par at the moment. Nor sure why it would cost you double? If you don’t take out much cash, I would go with Revolut.

Hello. What would be the best card to use in New Zealand (I am in Australia).

Thanks in advance.

Hi Chris, all the cards we mention here are our favourites. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Personally I use Ubank, Up and Revolut.

Hi! Great article! Have planned a trip to Japan and Korea for March and this is exactly what I needed do THANKS. I’m thinking of getting the Citibank and the UBank cards — thoughts on these for Japan and Korea? I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on the Citibank card since they have been acquired by NAB. Or do you have any other recommendations on top of the previous ones in the article?

Additionally, along with my current NAB debit card (for emergency, if the previous two cards fail), would you recommend bringing a credit card as well? Thanks again!!

Hi! Yes, Citi is now part of NAB, but NAB also owns Ubank. The key difference would be in the user-friendly side of the apps. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the clunky Citi mobile app. Also, Ubank gives new members $30 with zero strings attached… might as well have a free beer in Japan at their expense 😉

Hi, I’m travelling to Hawaii in a few months and need a new travel card. I’ve always used the Virgin one which was great, but it’s now closed. I’ve been looking at the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, just keen to here your thoughts? They seem to have no fees and the best conversion rate at the moment. The downside it seems is I have to be a Westpac customer. I’ve had poor customer service with uBank before so I want to steer clear of them.

Hi Sam, it’s an “OK” product; however, they do charge ATM fees which we’re not a huge fan of. In Hawaii, you’d be stung US$2 each time you take out cash. As for the exchange rate, it’s a MasterCard, so the spot rate will be identical to Up & Ubank (owned by NAB) and all other debit cards that use Mastercard for their product.

Hi, is it true that Wise has one distinct benefit for travel….it allows purchase verification codes via the app….not SMS? This would be a game changer for me when using o/s sim in phone.

Hi Gary, yes both Wise and Revolut use the app for the verification of payments (usually happens when you make a purchase online)

Hi Immanuel,

I’m travelling to Europe and with NAB – and they don’t seem to have a free option! I’ve clicked the link to Up included in your article. I just followed the prompts and now have a digital card – am I now free to use the digital card on my phone in Europe and incur no fees? Thanks so much for this article by the way!

Hi Micaela, yes that’s correct! You can use the digital card with your phone to tap and pay without fees. Make sure to always pay in the currency of the country you’re in. Sometimes (actually most of the time) the machine will prompt you to choose between Euro or Australian dollar. Always chose Euro as otherwise, you’ll pay 5% for no reason. Up should get you a free physical card within a few days as well though.

Is the westpac worlwide wallet able to be used in unsupported countries such as Denmark? Will it just convert the aud in the account at the time of a purchase?

It will just convert at time of purchase using Mastercard spot rate with no markup. The card is ok but we don’t rate it highly since they charge ATM fees for taking out cash overseas.

Thank you for the article and recommendations. I have been leaning towards the Citi Debit Card to use alongside the Latitude 28 degrees credit card for my 6 weeks overseas trip to Italy in May. This was because the Citi Debit Card has essentially no fees and a worldwide presence (although I am concerned about the constant reference to non user-friendly app). I have just read that NAB will cease sign up to new Citi accounts from May 20th 2023 but will still support active Citi accounts which were opened prior to that date (I’m guessing they are trying to move customers to their UBank product???). Sounds to me that there would be extra risk going abroad with a Citi debit card and it seems from posts by your readers, that there is some question surrounding recent customer service with UBank. I plan to use the Latitude card for most of my purchases and the Debit card for incidentals and ATM withdrawals where necessary. This will be my first foray into the world of internet banking and as such I’m still uncomfortable with the idea of a ‘digital bank’. I will therefore hold my savings in my regular bank account and transfer money from there to my ‘travel debit card’ and my Latitude 28Degrees account. I am thinking to get another debit card as a backup for my Citi card and to cover bases am thinking to go with a Visa network card. I have read your article in Flighthacks re: Revolut Premium. I note that the Standard card does not have 24/7 customer support and I am not keen on paying the monthly account keeping fees when I return to Australia. Could you suggest a pair of Debit cards that can team with my Latitude card to see me comfortably through my travel?

Hi G, digital bank just means they don’t have a physical branch, apart from that they have to comply with all the regulations like any other bank. For example Ubank is just a brand from NAB but geared to a younger audience which means everything can be done via their mobile app. I can’t recall the last time I visited a bank branch. As for support, I have all of these cards and travel frequently. Not once have I had to get support, so for me, it’s not a priority. As always, when it comes to feedback regarding banking support, you will be able to find negative comments on every bank… it’s simply because people don’t complain when everything works as it should. For me the priority for a travel debit card is that it A) has no fees and B) user user friendly app where I can check balances, make transfers and do things efficiently on to go. As for Citi, nothing wrong with it but it’s pretty much the same as all the other products we mentioned with the key difference being an outdated app that will probably lose updates and supports going forward as NAB attempts to integrate these into their own ecosystem. In any case, it’s always smart to have 2 debit cards (since they are free) incase something happens with one you can transfer money to the other one.

I have read most of the comments and will go with one of your suggestions for sure. Only question I have is that I have a few grands of EURO in cash from my last trip and I don’t want to carry it on with myself to spend it. Is there anyway that I load that money to one of the above cards so that I can use it in Europe?

Hi Sam, no you can’t. There’s no way to load Euro to an Australian account without converting it twice. If you were to deposit it, it’s always going to get converted to AUD first. I’d just keep it in cash, alternatively lose a few % and convert it back to AUD at a currency exchange.

Hi there, we have Citi and 28 degrees and have always found them to have the best exchange rates when paying local currencies overseas. Has this changed at all in the last 3 years since we’ve travelled? I did notice on Citi with the new feature to add a global wallet, the exchange rate to lock in a transfer now seems quite a bit lower than the wholesale rate. Is this the new rate that Citi uses even for on the spot transactions overseas?

Citi just uses the Mastercard spot rates so it’s the same as all the other ones that use Mastercard. Exchanging currency within a wallet is always a bad idea, the spot rate will give the best rate on the date as no one can predict FX movements.

Hi Can you tell me if there is a daily withdrawal limit for both Up & Ubank cards.

It’s $1000 for Up and $2000 for Ubank

UBank and Up Bank have appalling review on ‘Product Review’ website, mostly related to customer support and account accessibility. I had personally experienced that with UBank when trying to open a term deposit account and ended up giving up. If one has difficulty, stress, time pressure and frustration getting customer support at home in your comfort zone, imagine what you will experience if you need customer support while overseas. I am sure it will spoil your holidays or might end your holidays with a fatal heart attack. Very afraid and concern about given UBank anothergo and Up Bank ago. I believe online and/or neobanks have less than satisfactory and acceptable customer support. One may also say that customer support by most business are substandard and not meeting consumer expectations and neeeds.

From what I read and understand, Up Bank is not actually a ‘bank’ and not listed as an ADI by APRA but a brand of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited covered by it.

Relating to the above mentioned, do you have any comments or advice regarding other products mentioned in your article or any others not mentioned such as Bankwest, HSBC or Suncorp? Are you aware of any credible and sizable database review by real people using these or any cards while travellig overseas particularly in Europe and ASIA?

Finally, I complement Flighhacks for a well presented article on the topic and so glad that I came across it. Your ongoing discussions and support to readers via this forum is highly commmendable. The fact that I joined the discussion group speaks for itself because I rarely do so. It has been tremendous help and I thank you. I am sure my appreciation is shared by all your readers. Keep up the good work. If banks and businesses are as good and committed as you guys, the world would be different.

Hi Bill, I do my business banking with Commbank. Normally I can do everything online but the other day I got locked out after entering a wrong password. After being on the phone for 2h waiting for “Australian support” the guy told me he couldn’t help because they were also doing a system upgrade. Annoying… yes. Will I run off to “product review” to leave a negative review, probably not but a lot of people would. In any case, my point is that whatever bank you use… sometimes you will run into a less-than-ideal experience. It’s wort noting that Product Review is full of people who are pissed off and want to vent their frustration, people that are happy don’t tend to bother writing reviews about these kinda services so take it with a grain of salt as reviews are skewed to the negative side. I’ve been with Up (Yes they are owned by Bendigo Bank) for 3 years and 10 months. Never had an issue. Customer support is done via their app chat system which for me is super convenient. The only time I’ve hat to reach out was to request a new debit card after mine was stolen. Apart from that it just works… I’m not sure what your issue was opening a Ubank account but I’ve also been using them and had no issues. Bankwest, HSBC, Suncorp also offer similar products. I’ve actually just signed up to Suncorpt to test out their debit card as it has no atm fees and no FX markup which is good for what’s a bigger bank.

Are there any advantages of Ubank over Citibank??

From a fee perspective, no. The only difference: you get $30 for signing up for a free account + the app is lightyears ahead of Citi so it’s just more user friendly.

Hi there. I’m off to Japan in May and I’m considering using the Westpac Worldwide Wallet. I’ve seen your comments about not recommending this option because of ATM withdrawal fees but according to the Westpac website there are no ATM withdrawal fees. Just wondering if I’ve read it wrong.

Hi Tom, Westpac only allows free ATM use when you use a “Global Alliance”. There are no such ATM’s in Japan, so you will be paying the fee. While you did read it correctly on their product page, you should also read the fine print as that’s where they tell you about all the fees.

Hi there, I’m 18 and going to be travelling around europe for 2 months. I’ve read all the comments and it seems like Up or Ubank is the way to go… is there much difference between them which could help me decide what to pick? Would getting both cards be a good idea incase one has issues (lost, not working, etc)? Thanks heaps

Not a huge difference. I think Up is easier to deal with because you can message them in the app. But otherwise just as good, both are free and offer a welcome bonus to sign up 🙂

Im heading to Europe for 2 months and will be in countries that use the pound and euro. What would be my best option regarding what would be the best travel card to take, I’ve been looking online and there is so many options that its kind of confusing me (wise/revolout/aus post/travelex just to name a few) and are travel cards the best option to take?

Just wondering what your opinion would be for the best options, thanks!

Hi Ash, all the products we’ve listed in this article are very good and will suit your purpose. Avoid Aus Post and Travelex unless you want to pay fees for no reason. As I’ve mentioned a few times, personally I use Revolut, Up and Ubank.

Hi Tom, I am going to Europe for 7 months. I have got the basic Revolut plan with the cards. I have already put some Aud and Euro on the card. I have added the Revolut card as my payment card on booking.com and Airbnb. If I choose to pay this accommodation now using this card will they take the money out in Euros or Aud( as I have both on my card?) Also, for a longer stay trip like this should I upgrade my plan? Thankyou for all your advice Leanne

Hi Leanne, it depends on what currency AirBnb is going to charge you in. For example, if AirBnb says AUD$100, you will be charged in Australian Dollars so long as you have enough of that currency in your account. If you had AUD$0 and EUR$200 on your card, you would be charged in EUR as it is the only currency loaded to your Revolut card. As far as upgrading your plan I can’t provide financial advice but can suggest you work out how much you plan to spend, and then compare the fees on a Basic and Metal account. Hope this helps, Tom.

I will be doing some travel in Europe (Malta, Greece, Spain, France etc) before living and working in the UK for a couple of years, paid in GBP. Do you think I should open a local UK bank account to get paid or will one of these travel debit cards work for me as a good allrounder? If yes, which would work best. Just looking to keep it simple.

Hi David. If you are looking to keep it simple and will be in Europe for several years, you might as well open a UK account. You can also get a travel card for when you travel. Cheers, Tom.

Great article / recommendations 🙂

I’m travelling from OZ to the UK, stopping at potentially some European countries (for a few days) I have a bank acc in the UK so can transfer money there (and use UK card in UK where I’ll spend the majority of my time) I’ll probably use the travel card to pay for all bills if possible (rather that use cash)

I’m tossing up between UP card / U Bank?

Any advice from yourself on a preference, and can I get an additional card linked for my partner or do I have to get a separate card?

Thanks in advance for your help 🙂

Hi Matt. Both are good options but I think the Up app is superior, plus the customer service is better and you can message them directly from the app. Both are free and offer a welcome bonus to sign up. Cheers, Tom.

We are a family of 4 (2+2) going to be travelling in India for 1.5 months. Just wanted to get your thoughts on what’s the best card to carry to cover our expenses in India (ATM withdrawal, paying for restaurant/shopping etc.).

Hi Alap. Please read the article for a list of the best travel debit cards. Any of these would work in India. For ATM withdrawals and general spending, I like my Up Debit Card. Cheers, Tom.

Hi I’m travelling to Europe in June for a month with my husband and I’m wondering if wise or Revolut would be best to use? Not sure which one is better but they seem to be very similar, or do you have any recommendations on any other cards Thanks!

Hi Rebecca. Both Wise and Revolut offer a cheap way to spend overseas and you are right in saying they are very similar. The major difference is when you go to make an ATM withdrawal. Both offer AU$350 equivalent of fee-free ATM withdrawals per month before Wise charges 1.75% plus AU$1.50 where Reolut charges 2%. If you subscribe to Revolut Metal for AU$24.99 per month (cancel anytime), you can withdraw AU$1,400 every month before that same fee kicks in (remember the ATM itself might charge a fee). Personally, I like the Wise app more, and use my Up card for unlimited fee-free withdrawals. Safe travels, Tom.

Hi there Thanks so much for this article , it was so helpful I opened a Citibank currency card but they are now closing . I’ve got an Ing orange everyday card which I’ve used before I’ve traveled to japan. Apart from the other comments saying about the bad customer service If you needed to call . And keeping in mind the 5 withdrawals fee free . Do you think it’s on the same level as one u bank ? Much of a muchness ? I won’t be missing out on much if I just take my ing card for convenience sake ? Thanks again

Hi Kath. My preference is UBank has a superior app and more features. Cheers, Tom.

Im travelling Europe later in the year and was wondering with the UP bank card do you convert AUD currency into (euro/pound) or is it payed in AUD? so would you just transfer AUD currency to the card and it withdraws from that?

Hi Jessica, the card automatically converts the money for you using the spot rate. If you use a product that allows you to convert currencies, you’re essentially betting on FX rates going either up or down. Unless you can predict the future, it’s probably smarter to average your FX rates at the time of transaction.

Hi im traveling to Malta soon .Im i better off to use u bank or Up .

Same same really. I use both 🙂

Hi Immanuel, Thanks for the great article and all the chat.

We’re going to France for 10 weeks in late June. We’ll want to be able to pay for some things by card and also withdraw cash. I note you recommend Revolut for paying by card and Up or Ubank for withdrawing cash from ATMs. Is it not possible to pay for things using a debit card? For example, could I pay for hotel accommodation, or some clothing using an Up debit card for example?

We’ve not had a Debit card before, always just had one credit card (NAB Platinum). When travelling in the past we used a NAB travel card and if necessary we used our credit card and accepted any fees that applied. A couple of questions:

1. If we open an Up or Ubank account should we just open it as an individual account for one of us rather than a joint account?

2. You suggest having more than one debit card. Would it be worth getting both an Up and a Ubank debit card or would we be better to get a Revolut card, and either an Up or Ubank debit card?

As we are in WA we might also look into a Bankwest account with a debit card. Thanks.

Hi Michelle, Revolut is a debit card as well. I just like the app interface and they have some extended functionality. It’s definitely possible to pay for things with a debit card. If you have a bank account in Australia, you also have a debit card. Joint or personal… it’s up to you. It would depend on how you like to manage your money. You can try both Up and Ubank and see which one you like the best. The difference would come down to how easy you find the app to use, apart from that they are pretty much the same. As for Bankwest, their debit cards are also pretty good. Just avoid Travelex and Commbank Travel Money card and you’ll be fine 🙂

Thanks for responding Immanuel. I got an Up in my name and my husband got a UBank in his. We haven’t got the physical cards as yet and we haven’t tried the Apps yet so not sure which one we will find the best to use. I think two debit cards will be sufficient so I probably won’t worry about Bankwest. It seems easy to transfer funds from our NAB account to the cards so it should work well overseas. We now just need to decide how to manage internet access whilst out and about in France! Any hacks on best e-sims for data when travelling in Europe?

Hi Michelle, perfect! Yes, you’ll have no issues funding either account from NAB as it’s all instant using the OSKO protocol. For eSim I’ve used Airalo in the past, they are one of the biggest providers. We actually partner with them and we have a discount code for 10% off all their plans with code “HACKS10”. If you do sign up, consider using our affiliate link 🙂

• https://flighthacks.com.au/recommends/airalo/

I am wanting to go overseas and currently have a 28Degrees, Up and Citi account.

With the recent cyber attacks on Latitude would you still use the card while overseas? Would you recommend getting another card together with the Up and Citi or will these two cards be enough.

Also with Citi not taking new customers from May 23 am concerned there will be issues with this card as well.

I am worried as I do not want to be without access to funds should I go overseas?

Appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Thanks so much.

Hi Alisha, I think the Latitude issues only revolve around them exposing your personal information (which is bad), however it shouldn’t affect their credit card product. Up has been great for me and hasn’t skipped a beat. My understanding with Citi bank is that they will be closing down account sometime in the future since NAB now owns them and they are probably not getting much money out of the debit card side of the business.

Hi, what is quickest way to get a travel card in Australia- Westpac travel card any good as believe I can pick up one in person at bank? Thanks RA

We recently did a test and the Westpac Worldwide Wallet card came out as one of the worst options, from our tests you would be 4.6% worse off compared to using the Up debit card. Most cards take about 1 week to arrive so I would go for Up, Ubank, ING, Macquarie, Revolut or Wise. I’d say from all of them my Revolut was the fastest one to get to me.

Hi Immanuel, As we are tight on time, and only travelling to NY for 10 days we would only use the Westpac card for direct purchases (ie: no ATM use as we’ll take a little cash). Would that be a feasible option? Kind regards RA

Hi Immanuel, When comparing the Ubank Visa Debit foreign exchange rate versus the Wise mid market rate + Wise exchange fee, which provides a better exchange rate usually for UK and America? Or is there a general trend, where one is just better than the other?

They are pretty much the same, on the test we did, Wise came out slightly worse. We cashed out 10k JPY, Wise converted that to AU$114.98 and Ubank converted it to AU$114.76 (all fees included). If you’re sending money overseas, the contenders would be Wise and Revolut.

Hi Immanuel, Thanks for the reply. May be a bit of a silly question, but are you saying, if I want to pay by card when overseas, Ubank is marginally better, whereas if I want to send money overseas, Ubank can’t do that, and you recommend Wise and Revolut?

Thanks so much for doing the real world comparison between wise and ubank. I read right through the entire thread to find it after you suggested you might do one. I have to say your responses are outstanding and it’s a rare thing to see an author so committed to sharing useful information.. Also I would like to commend you for your polite manner in the face of so many people asking questions that could easily be answered by actually reading the article and your previous responses. That must be very frustrating. Impressive!

Thank you! I really appreciate it : )

Hi Immanuel, thanks for your dedication to this post and the discussion thread – both insightful and incredible! I’d be grateful for your opinion on the best card for travelling through Taiwan for a couple of months. I expect to be able to pay with a card at most places in the city centres (Taipei, Taichung, etc) but many places only accept cash. So I’ll need the occasional ATM withdrawal facility, preferably with a bank that has a strong local presence in Taiwan. I’d be grateful for your recommendations. Thanks in advance Tony

Hi Tony, any of the card we’ve mentioned here will work perfectly fine for you. Visa/Mastercard are some of the most accepted worldwide and in Taiwan. In our recent test, both Ubank and Up came out on top in terms of the best rates.

What are your thoughts on the ING Everyday Debit Card for travel in The UK and Europe?

Great card, as long as you meet the minimum spend requirements and funding requirements each month. The reason we don’t list it here is because if you are a casual user, the ING Everyday debit card actually works out very expensive. FYI; you need to make 5 card purchases each month as well as deposit $1000 each month to get the benefits.

Hi Immanuel

My partner and I are travelling to Spain/Portugual/Morroco in June. We would like to usE a combination of ATMs (take out a larger sum of money) and travel cards. We also current customers of Macquarie Bank. My partner is a little hesitant in using banks/travel cards of merchants she’s not heard of. Should we contact Macquarie and use one off their Visa cards or get a travel card. Any advice would be great

Hi Scott, yes the Macquarie Platinum Debit card is just as good as Up/Ubank etc. Only difference is that it doesn’t come with free $$ to open one 😀

I was about to open up a CBA Travel Money Card (Visa) and a Westpac World Wide Wallet (Mastercard) today with foreign currencies pre-loaded, but fortunately I stumbled across your site and I’m now going to open up 2 debit cards instead because they have $0/low transaction/international fees. I do like taking both a Visa and a Mastercard overseas in case one of them is not accepted. I’ll probably be applying for an Up Bank (Mastercard) debit card and a UBank (Visa) debit card. Many thanks for your advice.

Glad to hear that David! We’re currently working on a video comparing 11 different debit cards and so far CBA came out as one of the worst options on our real-world test taking out money and spending on the card.

Hi, Great content here and advice – thank you! Quick question though – Have you evaluated the different fx rates between Wise, Ubank or Up at one point in time? Considering either one of these and leaning to Ubank or Up given no ATM withdrawal fees but are there rates worse than Wise?

Hi Adam, yes we have! I’m actually making a video about it but it’s still being edited. We tested both ATM withdrawals overseas and in-store transactions for 11 different cards. Up & Ubank both came out on top with the same rate for cash out at ATM and also the same rate for in-store purchases. Wise came out slightly worse but only by 1c ($1.34 vs $1.35). For cash-out, 10k JPY converted to $114.57 for both Up and Ubank and $114.98 for Wise. Hope that helps!

Hey, I’m off to Japan in a few weeks. Last year when I went to South Korea I got a Wise card/account which is still active. I’m also a Westpac customer and while at the bank today mentioned I’m going to Japan and they gave me a Worldwide Wallet pack with the two cards (why two cards?). What would be the better option? Sticking with Wise, or going Westpac WWC?

They give 2 cards in case you lose one or it gets eaten by an ATM machine or stolen etc. Westpac Worldwide Wallet is one of the worst products we’ve tested. I’d avoid it. Your Wise card is exponentially better.

Hi, just about to go travelling to Europe and came across your article which is very helpful – thank you. I will now be getting an Upbank and U bank debit card based on your recommendation. I was also wondering if you could recommend a good credit card for large purchases when overseas. I currently have a CW platinum Visa. TIA

Hi Colette, for credit cards the ones that don’t surcharge overseas usually have a poor earn rate for reward points. In general, I never recommend credit cards that don’t provide rewards as there’s no real benefit. For reward-earning cards with no 3% surcharge: Commank Diamond, ANZ Adventurers, Bankwest QF Platinum & World Mastercard, Macquarie Qantas Platinum Visa (that’s all i can think off top of my head).

We are travelling to USA/Canada in a few weeks & are still unsure whether to take cash & a credit card or cash & travel card (currently have Stgeorge World Wide Wallet).Any advice would be appreciated TIA

Hi Michael, why would you take cash? Just leave it in your bank account and use an ATM when you’re in the USA/Canada to take out cash when you need it using one of the travel cards we suggested. Converting your AUD to USD in Australia (or US) in an exchange is a rip-off.

Thanks Immanuel – Great advice

Thank you for this article. I am frequent visitor on your website. Always great content. Just a quick question, I have had Citibank card for decade and have enjoyed benefits while travelling overseas. Since they have been bought by NAB and they are changing product services one by one. Have their transaction account been affected as well or they still offering same benefits? Website doesn’t give clear information either.

Hi Manish, from what I understand they will be closing down the free debit card at some stage this year. Personally, I’ve switched to Up/Ubank for my ATM cash-out needs overseas and Revolut for sending money internationally as they have the best rates.

Hi Immanuel, Just wandering if there is much difference between using my standard Suncorp debit card while travelling Europe in comparison to actually getting a travel card like UP? thanky ou

I don’t think there is, I’ve been wanting to test Suncorp as they also offer no fees but I’m yet to receive my debit card after waiting a month!.

I have the Westpac worldwide wallet travel card that I have loaded money into. I was told it is fee free. So I hope that’s true. I also have the Qantas cash card, but the exchange rate is not as good as the westpac card.

Both are pretty bad. We recently did a test of 11 of the most popular debit cards in Australia and Westpac Worldwide Wallet came in 7th place. Their rates where 4.63808% higher than what Up Bank charged. Qantas Money came in 19th place…

Hi, tossing up between UBank, Up or Wise debit card? I can’t decide, which one would you go with? And, was looking at getting the BankWest Breeze Platinum Credit Card? Is this a good credit card to use when travelling in Europe? Lastly, is it best to order Euros before i travel (was going to order thru S Money) or use an ATM in Italy with my Debit card? Many thanks 🙂

Hi Mel, I’ve just posted a video today which answers all your questions. We tested 11 different debit cards to see which one came out best: https://youtu.be/5KjgrNJTe1s

Firstly let me say this site has been extremely helpful and your recent video comparing 11 cards in Japan was also very informative.

A big thank you for creating this site and spending time to make things easier for travellers who need clarity around this topic.

I am about to travel to Europe and thanks to your post have both an Up and Ubank account. I understand there are no fees from these banks to use these cards overseas however I have been told I will still be charged fees by the overseas banks when using their ATMs to make withdrawls and making overseas instore card purchases? What are these fees? Is there any way these fees can be avoided?

Ideally I dont want to pay any fees to banks while I’m overseas and would like to maximise my funds while on my holiday.

Appreciate your time and advise

Hi Dianne, there are no fees charged by Up/Ubank but the owners of the ATM you use will generally charge a fee (that’s how they make money). It varies, for example for the video we made the ATM charged us AU$1.25 for taking out cash. My tip would be to use the ATM of big brand banks as their fees will be reasonable. The fee is always displayed on the screen and the machine will prompt you to accept it or deny. If you deny, your card comes out. There’s no fee for making in-store card purchases with these cards, your AUD is converted on the spot by Mastercard or Visa which is the best rate you can get as a consumer using a card to pay.

Thanks for this awesome up to date review and the video – so helpful. I’ve been reading up the last few weeks in prep. for our next trip knowing you have to be organised well ahead.

I’ve been a UBank and ING customer for years and was planning on using ING for Cash withdrawls on our next trip but was reassessing because they dropped the ATM reimbursement.

I’ve always used 28degrees Mastercard for purchases thinking it would be a better exchange rate than UBank or ING – I don’t know whether they are or not.

Anyway, reason I’m commenting because there are many many articles online saying how good Wise is. Unfortunately, last night, before reading your article and watching the video I joined Wise and was charged $10 for the Card. I paid before reading this article and am really annoyed about it. I paid because I thought they were way ahead on exchange rate so thought overall I’d be better off. But it seems ING and UBank are as good if not better and their cards don’t cost anything.

I’m thinking of cancelling my Wise card – in principle.

What do you think ?

Did you know there was a $10 fee to get the Wise Card ?

Hi Barbara, thanks for the kind words! Your 28 Degrees credit card will use the same Mastercard spot rate used by Up for example. Therefore I’d expect the conversion to be pretty much the same. Wise is really good for sending money overseas but I feel their debit card (although it’s also one of the best) is somewhat lacking compared to the free options out there. My key concerns with them are: card fee for ordering a card as you mentioned, limitation to cash withdrawal and as per our test their conversion rates on in-person payments and ATM cashouts where beaten by Up and Ubank which are both free and have zero limitations.

The Westpac World Wide Wallet card will cost you hundreds of dollars. Westpac claim no fees, but their exchange rate is always poor and slow to change. I have already lost hundreds of dollars converting to Euros. My cousin has one, and he consistently gets a higher exchange rate than myself, because he has more money in his Australian account than I do. I complained and was blown off, my cousin’s higher exchange rate wasn’t even addressed. I wish I’d read some reviews before blindly accepting their lies. There are better cards out there, you might pay a fee, but the better exchange rate will save you a lot of money.

Absolutely! It was one of the worst cards we tested. The best cards are actually free, for our tests Up and Ubank came out on top: zero cost to get it!

So confused with debit cards, travel cards, varying reviews on which one is best and worst. Please help.

Travelling to Europe for 7 weeks in June and we already use a NAB visa credit and an AMEX card so do we need yet another card?

I understand we have fees to tap and use at places and also for atm withdrawal etc but from what i can find its not a lot of $ but guess over 7 weeks it will add up.

Should i get a NAB Ultimate or Mastercard debit card or just use our current visa amex cards? Thanks for any help in advance everyone. Thank you

Hi Chris, this article is mainly focused on debit cards which you’ll need if you want to take money out of an ATM. Credit cards are good for in-person payments but you’ll get charged cash advance fees if you use credit cards to take money out. Also, keep in mind that a lot of credit cards will charge a 3% fee on the converted amount (if you’re earning reward points this is somewhat offset by the value you get back). As for debit cards, we’ve compared 11 of them in our latest video: https://youtu.be/5KjgrNJTe1s

Thank you for the link to video and very informative. When you check out reviews of both Ubank and Up however there is more unhappy customers than happy. Again my confusion grows as to whats best and who actually tells the truth about these cards.

Currently a ING customer. Travelling to Greece,Crotia and Italy. Looking at Up & UBank any preferences on either? Will be hopefully using card most of the time. Should I look at other options? Should I get hung up on currency conversions that HSBC and Wise offer?

Thanks again for the article

Hi Grant, we compare them all in our video so you’ll see that the difference between the top cards is pretty negligible vs the worst offenders. Personally, I’d go with whichever app/website you prefer. https://youtu.be/5KjgrNJTe1s

Hi Immanuel, the Bankwest Debit card seems to offer no fees for international transactions. Is this a good option for travelling overseas, paying and also withdrawing?

AWESOME REVIEW! Just what we’re looking into right now. What do you think would be the best option for travel to the UK.

I previously used the Qantas Cash Card but that was a disaster

Hi Steven, any of the cards mentioned here or in our video will be exponentially better than the Qantas Cash one and will do the job just fine.

Hi I intend travelling to Europe late next year and want to start saving now by putting a certain amount in a card monthly now. I will probably lean toward the ubank option because of their benefits. Is it too early to apply for a card now

Hi Gordon, it’s a free bank account so there’s no such thing as too early 🙂

Hi Immanuel, your article and answers here are incredibly useful. Thank you so much! I will be touing in Morocco for 2 weeks, and of course will have to buy things!. What is best card for me to use please? I have a Wise card already. Should I get another one as well? many thanks

Hi Christina, Wise is great but they do limit how much money you can take out. From our tests Up and Ubank had the best conversion rates.

Hi Immanuel, My wife and I are travelling to Europe for 3 months and whilst we already have Cash Passport cards pre-loaded with some Euros from last year, we are considering debit cards, but need one that provides 2 cards for joint access to the one account. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Hi Kym, from our tests, Cash Passport came out as one of the worst in terms of fees and conversion rates. As for joint account, it’s probably much easier to open a new account for your other half. Up/Ubank both use OSKO which means transfers from 1 account to the other are instant. From what I know, Ubank does offer join accounts during sign up.

Hi there We are travelling to UK/France/Italy next month. Originally we were going to get the card from Travel Guides TV show LOL travelmoneyoz.com/travel-money-card – after reading the comments and your article would it be safe to say the UBank option would likely be better as i think you have to preload the currency onto the Travel Guides one?

Hi Dan, from what I can tell it’s pretty much the same as AusPost and the likes. The giveaway is in their name “travel money oz”, golden rule is to avoid any company that really advertises the travel aspect of their product as the best cards don’t really advertise or push these features (because they don’t make much money from it). You will 100% be better of with Ubank, Up, Wise, Revolut etc.

Hi, thank you for the advice above. As yet, I don’t think anyone has asked about cards for India and Nepal. Do your suggestions of Up, UBank and Revolut still the best for these countries. They do prefer cash in many places so am guessing atms will be needed regularly.

Same rule applies for all countries where mastercard/visa are accepted.

Hi, great review. The one thing I am not clear about is the difference between the VISA or MasterCard exchange rates vs the mid point rate that WISE provides. Can that be a big difference? Also not clear which rate Revolut uses

Hi, Wise uses Visa so to convert transactions on the spot, the mid point rate you refer to only applies when you’re converting money within your Wise account. However, it’s always smarter to convert on the spot. From our tests, the Mastercard spot rate is slightly better than Visa at the moment but it’s negligible. You can check out our video where we test 11 travel debit cards: https://youtu.be/5KjgrNJTe1s

Presently in Japan on vacay, and signed up for the UP BANK, thanks for the referral bonus. As a digital card in Apple Wallet it works well, except a lot of places (regardless of store size) here “no touch, insert card only.” So if coming to Japan, grab UP’s physical card as well. The SUICA travel card is also available in Apple Wallet, and is easiest topped up from your UP BANK. This reduces your need for cash. The exchange rate for UP BANK Mastercard is so much better than CommBank Visa, and am only using the Visa when paying with the phone is not accepted. UP will probably end up being my default bank when we get back.

Hi 🙂 I’m heading off to Singapore in Sept/Oct, in which you can use mostly debit but I will likely withdraw small amounts of money. I already have a ubank card (from back when they were 86 400). I am looking to grab a backup card. Do you think the Wise or Up Bank, and would you suggest 1 VISA and 1 Mastercard to cover all bases? Thanks so much, Bianca

Hi, Up Bank came out on top during our tests. Probably a good back up (no pun intended!).

My partner and I are going around Europe for a month during December and a deciding what cards to take over with us. Based off your article and the majority of the comments I have read through I am thinking the Up or Ubank will be the way to go and also easiest as we won’t have to worry about have lots of different curriences or enough of each currency like a travel card. I also have a Suncorp banking debit card that has no international conversion fees I can take as a backup.

We are just wondering about security deposits for hotels that are paid when checking in- I have read that using a debit card for these can be a disadvantage as the money is withdrawn and can take a while to come back into your account after checkout, leaving you down a few hundred dollars in the meantime. Do you think it would be beneficial to have a credit card for these type of situations? Or would all associated fees make it better to just cut the losses with the debit card and factor in that “missing money” when planning budgets.

Hi Keely, looks like you got it sorted for debit cards! Personally I try use my credit cards as much as possible in order to earn points and have added benefits of not having to touch your own funds as well as the insurance benefits etc. However, I do understand that a lot of people don’t like using credit cards for whatever reason which is one of the main reasons this article exists 🙂 I use my debit cards to take out cash mainly as doing this on a credit card would attract cash advance fees and currency conversion fees. As for credit cards, there are a few that don’t attract foreign exchange fees but their annual fees might make it a not so attractive proposition. I mainly rely on my American Express (Platinum) and Macquarie Qantas Platinum Visa for daily use. I don’t hold any cards that don’t earn points but if you’re after a fee free card that doesn’t earn points but also doesn’t charge exchange fees, 28 Degrees by Latitude is an ok option.

Hi, is one better than the other hsbc vs ubank? Looking at switching from Citibank.

HSBC uses Visa so it would be mostly a Visa vs Mastercard thing. Difference will be minimal but from our testing, Mastercard is currently slightly better. One other downside of HSBC is that they don’t participate in OSKO so if you transfer money it usually takes 1-2 days.

I am travelling to Japan in couple of weeks and interested to hear what debit card is best to use in Japan? Hoping to be able to get actual physical card within a coming week.

Appreciate all your insights, so amazing is come across this article!

Hi Dragan, we answer this exact question in our video, you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/5KjgrNJTe1s

Hi Immanuel, I’m travelling to Egypt in October, and trying to figure out how to handle my money there… This is a great article and has given lots of good info, but wondering if these recommended cards would be OK for travel in Egypt?

Hi Zelly, the same rules apply in Egypt. The Egyptian pound is what they use there and Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted so you shouldn’t have any issues taking out the local currency via an ATM.

I’m travelling in October and was researching cards and saw your site. I was sold on Ubank but not only can’t I complete registration on the App which is so frustrating , I also checked out Customer Reviews on various sites and nearly all the reviews weren’t only bad, they were horrendous. Confused but definitely no longer confident

Hi Deb, with many review sites people are usually incentivised when something goes wrong. That said, I can only speak from personal experience. Having banked with Up since 2019, I have had zero issues. What a lot of people do is just transfer money from their “everyday bank” for example, Westpac, Commbank etc. to Up, Wise, Ubank etc when they need the money for overseas use and just transfer as much as you need.

Hi Deb, we have been with UBank for a very long time with multiple accounts – including travelling overseas very recently. They have been awesome. Hopefully this gives you some confidence, cheers Barbara

I saw ‘Revolut’ on the list above and I wouldn’t touch them with a bargepole. They hold the accounts of, in particular, the Microsoft Scammers. I stupidly got scammed and wrote a VERY bad review on Trustpilot and Revolut responded with a link to address the issue and reimburse the money but the link didn’t work and I never got a refund.

If you get scammed it’s hard to put the blame on anyone other than yourself… not exactly the fault of Revolut.

Update 23 October – Singapore, Spain and Portugal

sorry, some of this might be a repeat of what you have already provided:

I’m not sure where is the best place to put this up to date information as of October 2023: Have just been to Singapore, Spain and Portugal. I hope this information is helpful. Full disclosure – I am allergic to Bank Fees.

Cash – Good News: before leaving Australia how to obtain cash in a cost effective way took a lot of effort searching the internet and I still wasn’t sure until actually travelling and testing ATMs whether we would be successful keeping fees to a minimum.

First Rule: in case you have not read this before – Do Not Use any ATMs associated with Euronet – ever! The charges are outrageous. And Euronet are everywhere, outside convenience stores, restaurants etc… so very tempting – I cringed everytime I saw someone at an Euronet.

ATM machines – Debit Cards (hopefully you know not to use your Credit Card at a ATM) UBank Debit Card & ING Card were equivalent to each other with no fees and the same fair exchange rate: ING has more rules – but I was already used to their rules and managed to do my 5 transactions at the beginning of every month to meet the requirements. If that is too difficult – UBank is awesome. I used UBank and kept ING as my back-up. You need a back-up.

ATM machines – countries Singapore – one ATM was going to charge 8SGD we walked around the corner to Maybank (yellow colour) and it was zero fee. Suggest google the nearest Maybank to your accommodation – there might even be one at Changi. I took out $20 with ING, UBank and Wise to test their exchange rates (fee free so it was a worthwhile exercise as I was travelling for 66 days). All 3 were similar. I don’l like Wise because they charge you to move your money around. UBank and ING are truly fee free.

Spain – The first banks we tried charged Euro8 or more; the 3rd bank we tried was Deutsche Bank, charged Euro3 on a withdrawl maximum of Euro300, and we went with that. I would google Deutsche Bank and go to the nearest one to your accommodation.

Portugal we used Multibanco – Caixa Geral de Depositos and got charged zero fees. Apparently all Multibancos do not charge a fee – but we stuck with the same brand after having success at Caixa Geral de Depositos in Lisbon. We found that brand everywhere in Portugal.

The maximum withdrawl at one time was Euro200. It didn’t matter because 3mins later or after someone else used the ATM or using a different card accessing the same account you can get another Euro200. We got Euro600 out at a time, (3 times) because in Portugal they appreciate cash – and some smaller businesses only accept cash – fair enough.

Note that during the process the ATM asked if we wanted to accept their exchange rate and we pressed Decline, then it asked a second time in a different way, like do you want to lock in the the exchange rate?, we pressed Decline again – then it processed the withdrawl at our banks exchange rate – which is many many Euros better than the rate offered by the ATM – for us anyway as we were using a Debit card with Australian UBank and Australian ING and both give the best exchange rates on offer.

Credit Card – Lattitude 28 degrees: for good exchange rate and no fees is still the best Credit Card for overseas travelling – in my opinion. Unless you are a points gatherer the best fee free / no points earning credit card. As a couple we have an account each and each of us has an additional card with the others account. We use one card / one account all the time – it’s easier to track our transactions using only one card – and therefore to know quickly whether there is a fraudulent transaction. We have the other card as our back-up. You need a back-up. Travelling alone I would either use my UBank Debit Card for everything and keep the 28 degrees Credit Card as back up – or the other way around.

I hope this is helpful

Thanks for sharing such a detailed report!

Thank you for all this information. I have poured over all the posts several times. For three weeks in EU countries, making ATM withdrawals where we have to pay cash (local transport costs mainly, I guess) but mainly using a card to pay for expenses, am I correct in thinking that UBank or Up would be the best options? I read that you personally use these two, but then I also saw that you recommended Revolut for card payments, with UBank or Up as backups (for ATM withdrawals, I assume). I have poured over your comments and exhaustively researched other sites, but I cannot find out why you would use Revolut as your first option for card payments. They seem to offer the same exchange rate as UBank and Wise, whilst Up seems to offer a very slightly higher rate (MasterCard rate). Would you mind telling me what would be the advantage of using Revolut (or Wise) ahead of UBank or Up as your main payment option please? I am not concerned about ATM withdrawal fees in relation to Revolut or Wise, as we would use UBank or Up for these. I am just trying to figure out whether we should open both a UBank and an Up account and nothing else, or whether we should open either a UBank or an Up account and then also get a Revolut or Wise card – two bank debit cards OR one bank debit card and one travel money card? I would really value your advice! Thank you.

Hi Julie, you can check out our video review of 11 of the most popular cards. Up and Ubank do come out on top, I have accounts with all of them (cause it’s free). I use Revolut mostly for sending money overseas (it has the best rates for that) and also as a back up. If you go for their Metal plans they do offer cash back as well overseas which can be handy.

We currently have Commbank Travel Cards, a friend said she tried the Ubank and UpBank cards and said they were good no fees, but can you load more money onto them whilst you’re away? Can the Citibank one be loaded as well.

Hello Fay. You can load money onto a debit card when you have an internet connection, reguardless of your location. Cheers, Tom.

Thank you for this article- I’ve since decided on an Up card for my travels! Out of interest have you encountered many places that only accept Visa and not MasterCard or vice versa?

I don’t think i’ve ever found a place that only accept visa or only mastercard

Went to sign up to the Ubank Debit Card and followed the link, and it says it’s $10 sign up bonus.

Is it now $10 or is it actually $20 if you enter the code?

I can confirm that the $20 bonus is no longer, it is only $10 from FlightHacks.

Money landed in my account this morning.

Citibank Plus account is gone now, except for those grandfathered in who got given a special version of the a NAB account with no forex/ATM fees.

Hasn’t been taking new applications for months, and will close for existing customers in the coming months (except for the aforementioned NAB account, which isn’t available to new customers, afaik).

Thank you for the comprehensive replies and generosity of info provided. It seems Wise & Revolut have the advantage of international money transfers over and above their use as a debit card. However there is little mention of whether fees are charged moving money in or out of these accounts?

I have a number of cards similar to your good self. I also find the Macquarie card of a high standard. Moreover they have an Authenticator app that may be useful if there are issues with a transaction and you don’t have an internet connection

Thanks again for the invaluable advice

Why is Citibank Plus still on this page? It no longer exists. Sadly.

Not to worry! We’ve got a big update to this article coming out soon 😉

Hi. Will your update be available by mid April? I am hoping so as I am off overseas from the 1st week in May.

Hi Jen, we just updated this article a few days ago 🙂

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Best Travel Card for Australians

By Will Ellis

When you spend money abroad, the fees can quickly make the trip more expensive, especially when using your regular debit card and bank account. T

here are usually foreign currency fees and additional fees when you withdraw money and the exchange rates, too. Using a travel card can reduce the cost of fees when you use one for spending money outside of Australia.

There are three types of travel cards: prepaid travel money cards, travel reward credit cards, and travel debit cards. In this article, you’ll learn all about travel cards, and we’ll introduce you to the best ones on the market.

Table of Contents:

• What Is a Travel Card
• Travel Cards: Pros and Cons
• 1. Travelex Money Card
• 2. Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard
• 3. Qantas Money Travel Money Card
• 4. Wise Travel Money Card
• 5. Revolut Travel Money Card
• 6. HSBC Everyday Global Account Debit Card
• 7. Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card
• 8. ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card
• 9. 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard
• The Verdict

What Is a Travel Card? 💳️

A travel card is a card that is specifically to be used when someone is planning to travel outside of their home country. Travel cards allow you to spend money abroad with lower fees than expected with your everyday bank account . Most travel card providers will tell you about the currency conversion fee, interest rates and other fees before you make a transaction so you know exactly how you could spend abroad on fees.

You can use different types of travel cards; each will depend on your spending needs and financial situation. Before diving into the best travel cards on the market, we’ve provided a list of all three types of travel cards.

There are three types of travel cards:

• Prepaid travel card: A prepaid travel card is a card you load money onto. You can use a prepaid card wherever Mastercard is accepted. You can use it like your everyday debit card, but it helps you shop safely and stick to a budget, as you can’t spend more than the balance allows. You can load more than one foreign currency onto the card, so it’s perfect for travelling overseas. You simply need to bank transfer money across to the prepaid debit card.
• Travel debit card: A travel debit card is part of a travel bank account, usually known as a multi-currency account; you can use it just like your everyday bank account, but it’s for travelling. If planning a long trip, you may benefit from opening a travel bank account.
• Travel credit card: Travel credit cards are similar to credit cards you can apply from your main bank provider. However, they usually offer better currency conversion fees and reward you with travel points or perks for using the credit card and repaying the balance on time. Travel credit cards typically require a good or excellent credit score.

Travel Cards: Pros and Cons ➡️

You may be unsure if a travel card is the right option, so we’ve compiled a list of all the pros and cons of using one for travelling overseas.

• Cheaper foreign transaction fees: Travel cards typically have lower foreign currency conversion fees. Plus, you won’t be charged as much as you were if you used your everyday bank account.
• Easy access: You can apply for and access your travel money card online. Most prepaid cards allow you to reload money onto the card via an app on your phone.
• Hold multiple currencies: When you have a travel debit card, you will get a multi-current account, which allows you to hold multiple currencies on one account. You can use this bank account for spending abroad; currency conversion fees are usually the lowest with these types of accounts. Prepaid travel cards also allow you to hold and use multiple currencies on one card.
• Earn reward points: When you use a travel credit card, you can earn reward points when you use the credit card for spending. You can use the points for travel perks, discounts, cheaper flights, and lounge access.
• Helps to budget: With a prepaid card, you can only use the balance as there is no credit option. So, if you’re trying to stay on a budget, it’s easier when there is no temptation of an overdraft or credit balance.
• Locked-in exchange rates: Most prepaid cards have a locked-in exchange rate, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuation of exchange rates when transferring money into a different currency. Some companies may use a live exchange rate; always check with the provider about fees before you use your card abroad.
• Use just like a debit card: A prepaid debit card allows you to spend and pay for things like your regular debit card. If you choose a prepaid debit card, it will be attached to a bank account that works like your everyday account.
• Backup card: Most prepaid card providers will send you a backup card if you lose or damage the first one. They will send you two cards together, so keep one separate from the other for safekeeping so you don’t lose them both together.
• Currency conversion: When you use a travel card overseas, especially a travel debit card, the provider will automatically transfer funds into the currency you’re paying with.
• Potential reload delay: Sometimes, there can be a delay in reloading prepaid cards. To prevent potential delays, try to transfer all the money you need before you travel so you don’t have to worry about it whilst you’re away.
• Travel money card fees: A travel money card has its own fees, such as account fees, reload fees, and inactivity fees. Some travel credit cards have monthly fees.
• ATM fees: Depending on the country you visit, there may be overseas ATM withdrawal fees and which ATM operators are used. Some ATMs charge fees when you withdraw cash, so you should look out for that.

Best Travel Cards: Reviews 🔎️

As there are three types of travel credit cards, we’ve provided a list of the top three of each type so you can pick which card suits your needs the best.

1. Travelex Money Card: Award-Winning Prepaid Travel Card

• Exchange rates: Locked-in exchange rates that vary between foreign currencies
• Currency conversion fees: None
• Loading money fee: Free online AUD load and top-ups
• ATM fees: There are no ATM fees outside of Australia

With the Travelex Money Card, you can load up to 15 currencies onto the card, including AUD, GBP, EUR, UDS, NZD, CAV, TJB, SGB, JPY and HKD. There are no fees for cash withdrawals overseas. However, you may be charged for withdrawals in Australia using this card. The prepaid card is accepted at millions of locations worldwide; look out for the Mastercard logo, and you can use your prepaid card at that location.

There is currently an offer online that offers free online AUS load funds and top-ups. If you apply for a prepaid card in-store, there will be a 1.1% fee of 1% of the transaction amount for adding AUD. However, if you load a foreign currency, the top-ups are free. If your prepaid card is inactive for over 12 months, there will be AU$4 monthly inactivity fees.

The minimum top-up amount is AU$50, and the maximum you can load on initial purchase is AU$5,000 so if you want to add a large sum of money to the card, you will have to do it once you’ve applied for the card and already have funds on it. The maximum balance during any 12 months is AU$75,000.

Benefits of this prepaid card include free Wi-Fi worldwide; you can reduce your data usage without worrying about roaming fees with on-the-go internet access using free Boingo Wi-Fi. If your card is lost or stolen, Travelex offers 24/7 global assistance to help replace the card or provide emergency cash so you’re not stuck without money when travelling. You can also add an optional additional emergency card at checkout.

2. Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard: A Low Fee Prepaid Travel Card

• Exchange rates: The exchange rate will vary between each foreign currency
• International transaction fees: None
• Loading money fee: Free for bank transfer, but there is a 1.1% for instore and 1% for BPAY
• ATM fees: $3.50 for international cash withdrawals and 2.95% for domestic cash withdrawals

The Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard is a prepaid card that allows you to load with 11 different foreign currencies and easily switch between currencies as you travel. There are fixed exchange rates, but they may vary depending on the currency you’re converting. You can manage and load your prepaid card on the go by accessing your ‘My account’ on the website or using the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard app.

There is no direct link to your bank account, and your prepaid card is Mastercard’s Zero liability protection against fraudulent and unauthorised transactions; you can travel and spend safely without worrying about compromised data or funds.

Benefits include three months of access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide when you reload $100 onto your card. You can reload money onto your prepaid card at any Australia Post Branch or online in the app.

3. Qantas Money Travel Money Card: Earn Reward Points With a Prepaid Travel Money Card

• Exchange rates: Locked in
• Currency Conversion fees: 0%
• Loading money fee: Fee-free load options; otherwise, a 0.5% debit card instant load fee
• ATM fees: $1.95

To make the most of a prepaid card, you can earn Qantas points with the Qantas Travel Money Card. You can load up to 10 foreign currencies, lock in exchange rates before you travel, and transfer between currencies.

Using the prepaid card, you earn 1.5 Qantas Points for every AU$1 spent in a foreign currency. You’ll earn 1 Qantas Points for every AU$4 spent in Australian dollars. You can earn double points when you spend with Qantas Frequent Flyer program partners using Qantas Travel Money. If you load over AU$1,500 equivalent of foreign currency by 20 November, you can earn up to 10,000 bonus points. For shopping discounts, you can use your Qantas Points for cheaper travel at select airlines or popular retailers.

If you lose your card or it’s stolen, you can temporarily lock it and access emergency funds while travelling. You’ll also have access to the 24/7 Mastercard Global Support team, who can help you if you have any issues or are seeking help while travelling. You will also receive fraud protection against unauthorised transactions.

4. Wise Travel Money Card: Travel Debit Card and Multi-Currency Account

• Exchange rates: Competitive exchange rate
• Currency conversion fees: From 0.43%, fees vary by currency
• Loading money fee: $2
• ATM fees: 2 free ATM withdrawals per month up to AU$350

With the Wise card and multi-currency account, you can spend and withdraw money in over 40 currencies at a live exchange rate. You can transfer money between banks, use the wise debit card overseas, receive and add money to your account and hold different currencies in one account. It’s free to register for a Wise account.

The wise card works just like your regular debit card, but it’s designed to help make spending money abroad cheaper. The card costs $10, but you also get a free digital card that you can use on your smartphone to spend online, in-store and overseas safely with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

So, while waiting for your debit card to be delivered, you can start spending using your virtual card. There are no markups, monthly or hidden fees; you can spend overseas with the real exchange rate. You’ll know how much each transaction will cost upfront.

The application process is simple; you can create an account and order a card within five minutes. So, if you’re travelling soon, you still have time to order a wise travel debit card. With the account and card, you can manage your finances from the Wise app. On the app, you can freeze and unfreeze your card whenever you want, generate digital cards and get notifications for all your transitions to keep in control of your spending.

5. Revolut Travel Money Card: Low Fee Travel Debit Card

• Exchange rates: Competitive rates
• Loading money fee: No loading fee
• ATM fees: Fee-free for withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days

There are over 30 currencies available with the Revolut Travel Money Card, that you can spend in over 150 currencies. You can spend overseas with one of the best exchange rates globally. With this travel debit card, there are no fees. You simply pay the exchange rate and for any additional cash withdrawals above the free amount with the standard free plan. You can transfer money across borders at low rates, and the transactions are quick to complete no matter where in the world you are.

You can choose the colour of your Revolut travel debit card and even personalise it. With a Revolut account and card, you can create one-use virtual cards to help make shopping online more secure. Additionally, if you want to control your spending whilst travelling, you can set up spending limits and freeze your card immediately if you lose it.

Revolut offers paid plans, but they’re optional. If you want to invest in cryptocurrency and save more globally, you can apply for the Premium account for $9.99 monthly. Additionally, if you want all available benefits, plus earning cashback and getting a metal card, you can pay A$24.99 monthly for the Metal plan. Whatever your budget, you can still benefit from the Revolut debit travel card.

6. HSBC Everyday Global Account Debit Card: Banking for Home and Overseas

• Exchange rates: Competitive real-time exchange rates
• Loading money fee: None
• ATM fees: None for ATMs with a VISA or VISA plus logo

If you’re looking for a bank account that you can use at home and on your travels, the HSBC Everyday Global Account allows you to do fee-free everyday banking across 10 currencies. You don’t need to pay a monthly HSBC ATM or transaction fees. You can switch between 10 currencies seamlessly with the HSBC Mobile Banking App; available currencies are EUR, GBP, AUD, USD HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, and CNY (with some restrictions with CNY).

If you’re sending money overseas, there are no HSBC fees for you to worry about. You don’t have to worry about ATM fees either. When you’re in Australia, you can get free cash withdrawals from HSBC ATMs, and when you’re overseas, you have to look out for ATMs with the VISA logo.

You can earn up to 2% cashback for contactless payments under $100, so you can earn money just by using your travel debit card to make purchases when you’re home in Australia. You can use your card with Visa payWave, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

7. Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card: Complimentary Travel Insurance

• Annual fees: No annual fee for the first year, then $69 yearly
• Interest rates: 12.99% after the introductory period
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Minimum credit limit: $6,000

If you’re looking for a travel credit card with low-interest rates, consider Bankwest’s Breeze Platinum credit card. You can spend interest-free for the first 55 interest-free days on purchases if the balance is repaid in full and on time, then you’ll only have to pay 12.99%. When using your credit card overseas, there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can spend knowing there won’t be additional fees to pay. You can use the credit card anywhere that accepts Mastercard.

There is no annual fee for the first year; after the first year, there is a $69 annual fee. A perk of the Breeze Platinum card is complimentary overseas travel insurance, interstate flight inconvenience insurance and 90-day purchase security insurance. Additionally, new customers will benefit from a 2% balance transfer fee.

To be eligible for this credit card, you must be a permanent Australian resident over 18 with a regular income of over $15,000.

8. ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card: No Annual Fee Travel Credit Card

• Annual fees: No annual fee
• Interest rates: 11.99% variable
• Foreign transaction fees: No international transaction fees
• Minimum credit limit: $1,000

The ING Orange One Low Rate credit cards are ideal if you’re concerned about additional fees when spending overseas. There are two Low Rate cards, classic and platinum, to choose from. Both cards have no annual costs, and there are no international transaction fees either.

To benefit from no international transaction fees, you need to make a $1,000 monthly deposit to any of your ING accounts (Super and Orange One accounts not included) and make more than five credit card purchases that are settled each month.

The most significant difference with the cards is credit limits. With the Low Rate Classic, the credit limit ranges from $1,000 to $5,999. The Low Rate Platinum has a credit limit range of $6,000 to $30,000. The interest rate is 11.99%, but if you use instalment plans to pay off your purchases, you can lock in a lower interest rate plus manage your repayments to ensure they’re on time.

To be eligible for this credit card, you will need to be aged 18+, be an Australian citizen, New Zealand or Australian permanent resident, earn $36,000 or more a year, have a good credit rating and have an active Orange Everyday account (or you can open one alongside your credit card application).

9. 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard: Low Fee Travel Credit Card

• Interest rates: 26.99% after the introductory period

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has low fees, with no annual fee, no overseas purchase fee, currency conversion fee or foreign transaction fee. So, you can use your card without worrying about payments racking up. With this travel credit card, you get 55 days interest-free on purchases and access to free 24/7 concierge service.

Perks of this credit card include a complimentary Flight Delay Pass and Global Data Roaming. Additionally, you can get a discount on upcoming trips with 10% discounts on selected hotels at Wotif and Expedia when you have your 28 Degree card before 30 September 2024 and when you stay before 31 December 2024. If you lose your card whilst on holiday, 28 Degrees offers worldwide emergency card replacement.

To be eligible for this credit card, you must be 18 years old and over and be a permanent Australian resident.

Leading Travel Cards for Australians: The Verdict 💡️

Using a travel card for your spending abroad can help you stick to a budget, avoiding credit options to reduce debts, and you can use one just like your debit card so you can seamlessly spend whilst on your adventure overseas. You don’t need to meet any specific requirements to get a travel prepaid card, so that you can get one with little to no fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions 📢️

What is the difference between a prepaid travel card and a travel debit card.

A prepaid travel card is a card you load money onto. You can use a prepaid card wherever Mastercard is accepted. You can load more than one foreign currency onto the card and transfer money to the prepaid card. A travel debit card is part of a travel bank account, usually a multi-currency account; you can use it just like your everyday bank account, but it’s for travelling.

What Are the Benefits of Travel Money Cards?

There are many benefits to travel cards, the main benefits include:

• Lower foreign currency conversion fees, as you won’t be charged as much as you were if you used your everyday bank account.
• Most travel cards will allow you to hold multiple currencies, so if you’re travelling to a few different countries with different currencies, you can hold more than one at a time.
• Most prepaid travel cards have a locked-in exchange rate, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuating exchange rates when transferring money into a different currency.

What Fees Are There for Using a Travel Money Card?

The fees involved for a travel money card will depend on the type of travel card you have. In general, a travel money card will have costs for annual or monthly fees, exchange rates, currency conversion fees, interest rates, and international transaction fees. How high the fees are will vary from card type and provider.

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• Best 0% Purchase Credit Cards
• How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud in Australia
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10 Of The Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia in 2024

• Compare travel credit cards based on foreign exchange fees, travel perks and more.
• Plus get expert tips on using your credit card overseas from a veteran frequent flyer.

Featured offer: American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card

$0 annual card fee (usually $195) in first year when you apply online and are approved. T&Cs apply, new members only. Plus, get $200 each year to spend on eligible domestic and international flights, hotels or car hire with American Express Travel.

Top travel credit cards in Australia

Bankwest Breeze Zero Platinum Mastercard

Bankwest breeze platinum mastercard, coles rewards mastercard, hsbc low rate credit card, american express platinum, bendigo bank ready credit card, latitude 28° global platinum mastercard, westpac lite card, ing orange one rewards platinum, american express platinum edge.

• International transaction fee: 0%
• Interest rate on purchases: 14.99% p.a.
• Up to 55 interest-free days
• Annual card fee: $0
• Complimentary international travel insurance: Included

What to know about the card

What’s good? By any standard, the Bankwest Breeze Zero Platinum Mastercard is a low-cost credit card that will save travellers money, with a 0% foreign transaction fee, a relatively low ongoing interest rate on purchases and no annual credit card fee . Yet it still comes with complimentary credit card travel insurance , a travel perk rarely found on low-cost cards.

What’s not so good? Despite being positioned as a ‘Platinum’ card, aside from the complimentary travel insurance, the card offers little in the way of perks and rewards.

• Interest rate on purchases: 19.99% p.a.

What’s good? Another low cost card (assuming you repay the card balance in full each statement period) with no foreign transaction fees. There are no hoops to jump through to avoid the annual fee, which is rare for a card offering complimentary travel insurance.

What’s not so good? There’s not much to dislike here if you want a low-fee card. That said, the interest rate is on the high side. For travellers covering the cost of a holiday across multiple statement periods, this could be an issue.

• International transaction fee: 0% on purchases
• Interest rate on purchases: 27.49% p.a.
• Complimentary international travel insurance: Not included

What’s good? No international transaction fees and no annual fee, plus a couple of other eye-catching travel perks: Access to global roaming data from eligible telco networks in 150 countries; and a flight delay pass which offers access to airport lounges if your flight is delayed.

What’s not so good? Even by credit card standards, Latitude’s 28° Global Platinum Mastercard has a remarkebly high interest rate, meaning carrying a balance could be extremely expensive of you have a revolving balance.

• Interest rate on purchases: 0% p.a. for 12 months, then 12.99% p.a.
• Annual card fee: $69

What’s good? Offers the same travel-friendly advantages as Bankwest’s Breeze Zero Platinum Mastercard but with a slightly lower ongoing interest rate that’s waived for the first 12 months. This could be an option for new cardholders looking to pay off an expensive trip over time with what is effectively an interest-free credit card for the first year.

What’s not so good? There’s an annual fee and also relatively few card perks (not surprising given the annual fee is fairly modest).

• Annual card fee: $99

What’s good? This is one of the 0% international purchase fee credit cards that also offers rewards points (Flybuys), with a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points if you apply by 30 June 2024 and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of approval.

What’s not so good? There’s an annual fee – it’s not massive for a rewards credit card but there are other cards out there arguably offering more travel perks (e.g complimentary travel insurance) with no annual fee.

• Interest rate on purchases: 12.99% p.a.
• Complimentary international travel insurance: Not included, but comes with domestic travel cover.

What’s good? The HSBC Low Rate Credit Card comes with no international transaction fees and a low interest rate on purchases of 12.99% p.a. It also offers domestic travel insurance, and an offer of 0% on balance transfers for 20 months.

What’s not so good? The annual fee takes some of the gloss off what is otherwise a low-cost, low-frills card. The cash advance rate is 25.99% which is very high if you need to withdraw cash using your card.

• Interest rate on purchases: 9.90% p.a.
• Up to 45 interest-free days
• Annual card fee: $108 ($9 monthly)

What’s good? The 0% fee on international transactions is the standout feature, along with the low interest rate on purchases (one of the lowest available of any card with no foreign transaction fees).

What’s not so good? For a card with a ‘Lite’ offering, the annual fee (charged monthly) is not particularly ‘Lite’. There’s also no cash advance option. Although expensive, a cash advance facility can be handy when travelling if you need cash from an ATM in an emergency.

• International transaction fee: 0% (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Interest rate on purchases: 16.99% p.a.
• Annual card fee: $149

What’s good? ING’s Orange One Rewards Platinum ticks two major boxes for travellers: No foreign transaction fees (although there’s a big asterisk on this) and complimentary travel insurance is included. There’s also a credit card cashback offer with the potential to earn cardholders up to $360 per year, comfortably enough to offset the card’s annual fee.

What’s not so good? The main caveat with this card is that the 0% international transaction fee is conditional on the cardholder also having one of ING’s Orange Everyday accounts, depositing at least $1,000 into it each month and making at least five card purchases each month. It’s not an insurmountable hurdle but it’s not ideal unless you already have ING as your main bank.

• International transaction fee: 3%
• Interest rate on purchases: 23.99% p.a.
• Annual card fee: $195 (waived in the first year)

What’s good? Amex’s Platinum Edge Credit Card also offers plenty of travel perks but with a much lower annual fee than the Platinum Card. Cardholders get complimentary travel insurance, a $200 travel credit (completely offsetting the card’s annual fee), plus 2 rewards points per $1 spent on purchases in a foreign currency (overseas and online).

What’s not so good? The 3% currency conversion fee is high compared to other cards, as is the interest rate on purchases. This is another card that could be expensive if not used strategically.

• Interest rate on purchases: n/a
• Up to 44 cash flow days
• Annual card fee: $1,450
• Plus new card members get 150,000 bonus points when they apply online by 25 June 2024, are approved and spend $5k on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of approval. T&Cs apply.

What’s good? The American Express Platinum card is certainly not a cheap option, but it arguably offers more frequent flyer travel perks than any other card in Australia: complimentary travel insurance, an annual $450 travel credit, a $400 dining credit, lounge access, up to 2.25 rewards point per $1 spent on eligible purchases, bonus sign up points subject to conditions), plus a lot more. It’s also a charge card , meaning there are no interest costs but the balance must be cleared in full each month.

What’s not so good? The $1,450 annual fee is a lot, so you really need to be taking advantage of the rewards to offset that cost. The 3% currency conversion fee on American Express credit cards is also high, meaning it’s perhaps a card best used for booking travel, and left in your wallet while spending overseas.

How to compare travel credit cards: 6 key questions to ask

What’s the foreign transaction fee.

It will be somewhere between 0% and 3% of the transaction value depending on the card. If you spend a lot overseas, it’s worth minimising this fee as much as possible.

Will the card be accepted where I’m travelling?

Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. Amex is a bit more limited but still widely accepted in the countries Australians travel to in numbers.

What’s the interest rate?

Ideally you’ll be clearing the balance of the card within the interest-free period, but if not, a lower interest rate will help you minimise your travel costs.

What’s the annual card fee?

There are some travel credit cards with no annual fee that offer benefits for travellers, but most do come with a fee. If there is a fee, look carefully at what you’re getting in return.

Is travel insurance included?

A credit card that comes with travel insurance included could save you hundreds of dollars if it means you don’t need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy. Pay attention to what is covered by the policy and if it’s suitable for you.

Are there any other travel benefits thrown in?

Some travel credit cards offer lounge access (usually a limited number of passes per year), plus travel discounts credits you can put towards flights, accommodation and dining. These can be a nice ‘cherry on top’ if the rest of the card fits the bill.

Expert tips for using your credit card while travelling

Insider tips from Money.com.au’s credit cards expert (and frequent flyer), Brad Kelly.

Cover as many of your costs as you can before you travel

As soon as you leave Australia (or buy from an overseas retailer) you become a much more profitable customer for your bank because of the fees they charge.

Avoid foreign exchange fees by prepaying for as many expenses as you can (e.g. your accommodation) assuming you can do so in AUD.

Get clear on fees

If you’re going to be spending overseas regularly, it’s worth seriously considering a credit card with 0% foreign transaction fees . This could save you up to 3.65% on every transaction. This fee is often overlooked when people apply for a credit card .

Also be clear on what you’ll be charged for using an ATM. Chances are it will be a lot.

Make sure you ‘trigger’ your card’s travel insurance

Even if your credit card comes with travel insurance, there’s a good chance it won’t cover your trip automatically. You usually need to trigger the cover, in many cases by booking the travel/accommodation using the card itself. If you pay in full with card points (e.g. with Qantas credit card points ), that mightn’t be enough to trigger the insurance – you usually need to make an actual card purchase.

Don’t withdraw cash overseas using your credit card

Using a credit card to withdraw cash at an overseas ATM is going to be very expensive. You’ll be stung with a fee from the local ATM operator (unless it happens to be a Westpac card and the ATM is part of the Global ATM alliance), a foreign transaction fee, plus a cash advance fee. You won’t get any interest-free days, meaning you’ll immediately be paying a high rate of interest on the funds you withdrew. Basically unless it’s an emergency, don’t go near an ATM with your credit card.

Brad Kelly , Money.com.au's credit card expert

Don’t accept the “Do you want to pay in Australian Dollars” option

A lot of people get caught out by this one. When you’re making a card payment overseas, a lot of the time you’ll get the option to pay in the local currency or have the amount converted to Australian dollars.

Paying the AUD amount shown would seem like the sensible choice here, but trust me, it’s almost always a rip off. That option involves what’s called dynamic currency conversion which means the conversion rate is determined by the merchant and it’s usually a much worse rate than what your credit card provider will give you if you pay in the local currency.

Bring the physical card with you

In Australia we’re very used to paying through a phone or watch using the likes of Apple Pay and Google Pay. But that kind of payment is not as widely accepted overseas. You’ll need to use the physical card and, for a dose of nostalgia, you may even need to insert it into a card chip reader and enter a PIN.

You will also likely need to have the physical card if you’re using your card for pre-authorisation when checking into a hotel or renting a car.

Have at least one backup payment option

When it comes to travel in particular, one card does not fit all. You might like the idea of using a single card for all your spending, but there are situations when a debit card will be better. Having a card from a different financial institution can also be a life-saver if your primary bank has an outage while you’re away.

You've got to be a bit strategic about how you’ll spend money overseas. So plan ahead. The truth is, if you don’t, the potential for getting walloped with fees or being massively inconvenienced is far greater than it is when you’re using your card in Australia.

Sean Callery

Reviewed by.

Credit Cards Expert

As featured in.

The 10 Best Forex Card in India

Introduction

At a glance, what is a forex card, benefits of using forex cards over traditional methods, 1. niyo global card, 2. bookmyforex yes bank forex card, 3. icici bank forex prepaid card, 4. axis bank multi-currency forex card, 5. hdfc multi-currency forex card, 6. indusind bank multi-currency card, 7. axis bank world traveller forex card, 8. state bank multi-currency foreign travel card, 9. goibibo icici bank forex prepaid card, 10. hdfc bank regalia forexplus card, how to use a forex card: your guide to hassle-free transactions, why using a forex card on a foreign travel is recommended: advantages and benefits.

In a world where international travel has become a part of our lifestyle, managing finances across borders efficiently is crucial. This is where Forex cards step in as a game-changer. These cards are specially designed to simplify foreign currency transactions during your travels.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top 10 Forex cards available in India for 2023, assisting you in making an informed decision for your globetrotting needs.

Forex cards, also known as travel or currency cards, are preloaded debit cards that allow you to store foreign currency for spending abroad. They provide a convenient and secure way to manage your money while travelling, offering the benefits of cash without the associated risks.

• Exchange Rate Advantage:  Forex cards often provide competitive exchange rates compared to cash exchange kiosks or traveller’s cheques.
• Convenience:  With a Forex card, you can avoid the hassle of carrying large amounts of cash. It’s safer and more convenient.
• Global Acceptance:  These cards are widely accepted at ATMs, POS terminals, and online merchants worldwide.
• Security:  Forex cards are equipped with security features such as PIN protection and chip technology, minimizing the risk of theft or fraud.

Key Features

• Foreign MarkUp Charges: NIL
• Zero TCS on spends up to Rs 7 Lakhs
• Free Lounge Access
• Up to 1% Cashback on domestic spends

The NIYO Global Card is a stellar choice for savvy travellers seeking a seamless and cost-effective way to manage their finances while journeying across borders.

With a range of benefits tailored to modern travel needs, here’s why you should seriously consider the NIYO Global Card for your next international adventure:

• Zero Forex Markup:  One of the standout features of the NIYO Global Card is its zero forex markup. This means you can enjoy transactions in foreign currencies without the extra burden of conversion fees, giving you more value for your money.
• Real-Time Currency Conversion:  The card offers real-time currency conversion at competitive rates, ensuring you get the most favourable exchange rate possible during your transactions.
• User-Friendly App:  NIYO’s user-friendly app empowers you to manage your card on the go. From checking balances to tracking transactions and even blocking the card if needed, the app ensures you’re always in control of your finances.
• Reloadable Anytime:  The NIYO Global Card can be reloaded anytime, anywhere, giving you the flexibility to manage your funds according to your needs.

In summary, the NIYO Global Card is an excellent choice for travellers who want to make the most of their financial transactions abroad.

• Load up to 14 currencies
• Accepted everywhere ( Across 30+ million stores, 2+ million ATMs, and 1+ million e-commerce sites.)
• Easy Reloads/Unloads

The BookMyForex YES Bank Forex Card is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a reliable and efficient way to manage their finances during international trips.

Packed with features tailored to the needs of modern globetrotters, here’s why you should seriously consider the BookMyForex YES Bank Forex Card for your next venture abroad:

• Multicurrency Convenience:  The card offers the convenience of carrying multiple currencies on a single card, eliminating the need to juggle between various currency notes. This flexibility proves invaluable when you’re traversing diverse destinations.
• Emergency Cash Assistance:  In the unlikely event you run out of funds, the BookMyForex YES Bank Forex Card provides emergency cash assistance, ensuring you’re not stranded during your travels.
• Travel Offers and Discounts:  BookMyForex YES Bank Forex Card often comes with exclusive travel offers and discounts, enhancing your travel experience with added perks.
• Convenient Reloading:  The card can be conveniently reloaded online or at BookMyForex outlets, ensuring you can access funds whenever needed.

In essence, the BookMyForex YES Bank Forex Card is an exceptional choice for travellers seeking a blend of convenience, security, and competitive exchange rates.

• Buy/Reload/Refund online
• Free replacement card with the kit
• Wallet-to-wallet facility
• Duty-Free shopping at Indian Airports

The ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card is ideal for travellers seeking a convenient and secure financial companion during their international journeys.

Packed with features tailored to meet the needs of modern travellers, here’s why you should seriously consider the ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card for your next adventure abroad:

• Multi-Currency Convenience:  The card supports multiple currencies, allowing you to load and spend in the local currency of the country you’re visiting. This eliminates the hassle of carrying different currency notes.
• Competitive Exchange Rates:  With competitive exchange rates, the ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card ensures you get more value for your money when converting currencies.
• User-Friendly App:  ICICI Bank’s app enables you to manage your card on the go. Check your balance, track transactions, and reload the card effortlessly.

The ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card offers a range of advantages for travellers seeking convenience, security, and cost-effectiveness.

• Available in 16 currencies
• Accepted over 10 Million ATMs & 80 Million merchants
• Digital Reload & Balance Enquiry
• Emergency Cash Assistance
• Insurance Cover up to Rs 3 Lakhs

The Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card is an exceptional choice for travellers seeking a reliable and versatile financial solution for their international expeditions.

Tailored to cater to modern travel needs, here’s why you should give serious thought to the Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card for your upcoming global escapades:

• Multi-Currency Convenience:  With the ability to load multiple currencies onto a single card, the Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card provides unparalleled convenience. This eliminates the need to carry various currency notes and simplifies transactions across multiple countries.
• Competitive Exchange Rates:  The card offers competitive exchange rates, ensuring optimal value for your money when converting between currencies.
• Real-Time Currency Conversion:  Real-time currency conversion ensures you receive accurate exchange rates during your transaction, avoiding surprises caused by currency fluctuations.

The Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card presents many advantages for travellers seeking a seamless, secure, and cost-effective way to handle their finances abroad.

• Major 22 currencies in one card
• Protection against Foreign Exchange Rate fluctuation
• Online currency management
• Complimentary Insurance Cover
• Multiple Reloading options

The HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card is an exceptional choice for travellers seeking a versatile and convenient financial solution for their international expeditions.

Tailored to meet the demands of modern travel, here’s why you should give careful consideration to the HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card for your upcoming global adventures:

• Multi-Currency Convenience:  Load multiple foreign currencies onto a single card, granting you the flexibility to transact in the local currency of the country you’re visiting. Bid farewell to the inconvenience of carrying various currency notes.
• Competitive Exchange Rates:  Enjoy competitive exchange rates that ensure you receive the utmost value for your money during currency conversions.
• Real-Time Currency Conversion:  Experience real-time currency conversion during transactions, ensuring you receive accurate exchange rates and shielding you from unpredictable currency fluctuations.
• Online Reload Options:  Reload your card seamlessly through HDFC Bank’s online banking platform, ensuring you always have access to funds as and when needed.

The HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card offers a range of advantages for travellers seeking a streamlined, secure, and versatile method to manage their finances abroad.

• Load up to 14 major currencies
• Protection against currency fluctuations
• Make international bookings/ payments for hotels, restaurants, airlines, stores, and petrol pumps through the Travel Card at no extra charge
• Cash Withdrawal facility from all Visa enabled ATM’s worldwide

The IndusInd Bank Multi-Currency Card is a remarkable choice for travellers seeking a comprehensive and convenient financial companion for their international exploits.

Crafted to cater to the demands of modern travel, here’s why you should give serious thought to the IndusInd Bank Multi-Currency Card for your upcoming global adventures:

• Multi-Currency Convenience:  Load multiple currencies onto a single card, allowing you to transact seamlessly in the local currency of the country you’re exploring. Bid farewell to the hassle of carrying different currency notes.
• Competitive Exchange Rates:  Enjoy competitive exchange rates that ensure you receive optimal value for your money during currency conversions.
• Real-Time Currency Conversion:  Experience real-time currency conversion during transactions, providing accurate exchange rates and safeguarding you from unexpected currency fluctuations.

The IndusInd Bank Multi-Currency Card offers a range of advantages for travellers seeking a streamlined, secure, and versatile method to manage their finances abroad.

• Load up to 16 widely used currencies.
• Accepted across 30 million retail & online stores.
• Free enrollment to the prestigious “Miles & More ” membership
• Earn award miles

The Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a seamless and efficient financial solution for their global explorations.

Designed to cater to the needs of modern travel, here’s why you should give serious consideration to the Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card for your upcoming journeys:

• Multi-Currency Convenience:  Load multiple foreign currencies onto a single card, allowing you to transact effortlessly in the local currency of the country you’re visiting. Say goodbye to the complexities of carrying different currency notes.
• Competitive Exchange Rates:  Enjoy competitive exchange rates that ensure you maximize the value of your money during currency conversions.
• Travel Benefits:  Some variants of the Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card offer exclusive travel-related perks such as travel insurance, discounts on flight and hotel bookings, and access to airport lounges, enhancing your journey with added advantages.
• Online Reload Options:  Reload your card seamlessly through Axis Bank’s online banking platform, ensuring you always have access to funds as and when required.

In conclusion, the Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card offers a range of benefits for travellers seeking a streamlined, secure, and efficient way to manage their finances abroad.

• 27/7 Global Assistance
• Load multiple currencies on the card
• Facility of locking card balance
• Withdraw facility from over 2 million ATMs worldwide

The State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card presents a compelling option for travellers seeking a versatile and secure financial companion for their international escapades.

Crafted to cater to modern travel requirements, here’s why you should seriously contemplate the State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card for your next journey across borders:

• Multi-Currency Convenience:  Load multiple currencies onto a single card, enabling seamless transactions in the local currency of the country you’re visiting. This eliminates the need to carry various currency notes and simplifies your financial interactions.
• Travel Perks and Offers:  Select variants of the State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card to extend exclusive travel-centric offers and discounts, enhancing your voyage with added benefits.
• Online Reload Options:  Reload your card effortlessly through State Bank’s online banking platform, ensuring you have access to funds whenever needed.
• Budget Management:  Load a predetermined amount onto the card to maintain financial discipline while relishing your travels.

The State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card offers a range of advantages for travellers seeking a streamlined, secure, and cost-effective method to manage their finances overseas.

• Accepted across 200+ countries
• Rs 15,000 Goibibo vouchers
• Flat 15% off on Dining in 6 countries

The Goibibo ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card is a prime choice for travellers seeking a comprehensive and hassle-free financial solution for their international journeys.

Tailored to cater to the demands of modern travel, here’s why you should give serious thought to the Goibibo ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card for your upcoming adventures:

• Multi-Currency Convenience:  The card’s multi-currency feature allows you to load and transact in various currencies on a single card. This flexibility eliminates the need for multiple currency notes and simplifies financial interactions abroad.
• Competitive Exchange Rates:  The card offers competitive exchange rates, ensuring that you receive optimal value for your money when converting between currencies.
• Global Acceptance:  Widely accepted at many merchant establishments, ATMs, and online platforms worldwide, the Goibibo ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card ensures a seamless payment experience across diverse geographical locations

The Goibibo ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card offers a spectrum of advantages for travellers seeking a streamlined, secure, and cost-effective method to manage their finances abroad.

• Single currency forex card.
• Available in US Dollars
• Zero Cross Currency Mark-up charges
• Complimentary Lounge Access

The HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a premium and hassle-free financial solution for their international vacations.

Crafted to cater to the demands of modern travel, here’s why you should seriously contemplate the HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card for your upcoming global adventures:

• Global Acceptance:  Widely accepted at countless merchant establishments, ATMs, and online platforms worldwide, the HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card guarantees a smooth payment experience across various regions.
• Travel Benefits:  The HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card often comes with various travel benefits, including travel insurance, airport lounge access, and exclusive offers, enhancing your journey with added perks.
• User-Friendly App:  HDFC Bank’s user-friendly mobile app allows you to manage your card effortlessly. Keep track of transactions, check balances, and reload the card seamlessly using the app.
• Online Reload Options:  Reload your card conveniently through HDFC Bank’s online banking platform, ensuring you have access to funds whenever needed.

The HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card offers various advantages for travellers seeking a streamlined, secure, and premium method to manage their finances abroad.

Activation and Loading

• Obtain a Forex card from a bank or financial institution.
• Complete the required documentation and KYC process.
• Choose the desired currency(ies) for loading onto the card.
• Load the card with the desired amount in the chosen currency through online banking or at a physical branch.

ATM Withdrawals

• Locate an ATM that supports your Forex card’s network (Visa/Mastercard).
• Insert the card, select the desired language, and follow the prompts.
• Enter your PIN for authentication.
• Choose the currency you wish to withdraw (if applicable).
• Collect the dispensed cash and the receipt.

Currency Conversion

• Multi-currency Forex cards automatically convert the transaction amount into the local currency of the country you’re in.
• The card uses the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

Security Measures

• Treat your Forex card like cash and keep it in a secure place.
• Safeguard your PIN and card details to prevent unauthorized use.
• In case of loss or theft, immediately report it to the bank to block the card and prevent misuse.
• Forex cards typically offer better exchange rates than currency exchange kiosks or airport counters.
• You can lock in the exchange rate when loading the card, protecting against fluctuations.
• Forex cards are widely accepted worldwide at POS terminals, online merchants, and ATMs.
• They provide hassle-free access to local currency for seamless transactions.
• Multi-currency Forex cards allow you to load multiple currencies onto a single card.
• This eliminates the need to carry various currency notes or exchange money at each destination.
• Forex cards are equipped with chip-and-PIN technology, adding an extra layer of security.
• Lost or stolen cards can be easily blocked to prevent unauthorized transactions.
• Forex cards enable cashless transactions, reducing the risk of carrying large amounts of cash.
• They are beneficial for payments at hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres.
• Multi-currency Forex cards offer real-time currency conversion at competitive rates.
• This allows you to spend in the local currency without worrying about currency conversion fees.
• You can load a specific amount onto the card, helping you stick to a travel budget.
• This prevents overspending and keeps your expenses under control.
• Forex cards allow you to withdraw cash from ATMs in the local currency.
• Some Forex cards offer fee waivers or reduced fees for ATM withdrawals.
• Forex cards provide emergency services such as card replacement, emergency cash, and customer support.
• This ensures you’re stranded in a foreign country with access to funds.
• Most banks offer online platforms or mobile apps to manage your Forex card account.
• You can track transactions, check balances, and reload the card from anywhere.
• Some Forex cards include travel-related offers like flight discounts, hotels, and more.
• These perks can enhance your travel experience and save you money.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve embarked on a journey through the world of Forex cards, uncovering the top 10 options available in India for 2023.

We’ve explored each card’s essential features, performance, pros, and cons, aiming to equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision for your international adventures.

Whether you’re a frequent traveller seeking multi-currency convenience, a student studying abroad, a business professional managing expenses, or a leisure traveller exploring the world, there’s a Forex card tailored to your needs.

Please read other interesting blogs:

• Niyo Global Forex Card Review
• ICICI Bank Sapphiro Forex Prepaid Card Review
• Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card Review

HDFC Bank Multicurrency ForexPlus Card Review

What is a forex card, and why should i use one during my travels.

A Forex card, also known as a travel card, is a preloaded debit card that allows you to carry foreign currency conveniently while travelling. It offers benefits such as favourable exchange rates, security, and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for international transactions.

How do I choose the best Forex card from the options mentioned in the article?

Consider your travel destinations, spending patterns, and specific requirements. Evaluate features like exchange rates, fees, accepted currencies, and additional benefits to find the card that aligns with your needs.

Can I use a multi-currency Forex card in a country that doesn’t use any of the loaded currencies?

Yes, you can. Multi-currency Forex cards automatically convert transactions into the local currency of the country you’re in, even if it’s not one of the loaded currencies. This feature eliminates the need to carry different currencies.

How do I reload funds onto my Forex card while I’m abroad?

Most banks offer online platforms or mobile apps for reloading your Forex card while you’re abroad. You can transfer funds from your bank account in India to your Forex card.

What should I do if I lose my Forex card during my trip?

Immediately contact customer care of the respective bank to report the loss and block the card. They will guide you through getting a replacement card and ensuring the security of your funds.

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Travel Money Card Comparison

How to find the best card for your next overseas trip.

In this guide

Travel money card comparison

What is a travel money card, the pros and cons of different options, what are the travel money card fees i should know about, how to find the best travel money card, top travel money tips, australian travel statistics, faqs about prepaid travel money cards.

Travel Money Cards

What you need to know

• The most important features to compare are the foreign transaction fees, exchange rates and usability.
• If you want to withdraw cash, a prepaid travel card or debit card will likely be cheaper than a credit card.
• It is a good idea to have several travel money options in case of loss, damage or theft.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

A travel money card is a prepaid card which you can add multiple foreign currencies onto to use while you're travelling overseas. You can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Prepaid travel cards work similarly to debit cards as you can deposit a certain amount of money into the card and only spend what you've got available in the account. However, unlike a standard debit card, a prepaid travel card allows you to lock-in exchange rates before you travel.

You can also avoid some of the fees that you might be subject to if you were to use your normal bank card. Many transaction accounts have international transaction fees or other limitations, so getting a travel money card can save you money there. It can also feel safer to have a travel money card, avoiding the risk of losing your money if something were to happen to your bank card.

Disadvantages of credit cards

• Annual fees. Unless you have a $0 annual fee credit card , you'll usually have to pay an annual fee for the account.
• Interest. If you aren't able to pay off your purchases within the interest free period, you'll end up having to pay interest on your balance.
• Currency conversion costs. Make sure to look for a card that doesn't charge currency conversion or foreign transaction fees, otherwise you'll rack up fees every time you use your card for purchases in the local currency.
• Dynamic currency conversion. When you travel overseas with an Australian credit card, you could have the option of paying in the local currency or in Australian dollars. If you (or the merchant) choose Australian dollars, your transaction will be processed using dynamic currency conversion, which usually costs more than paying in the foreign currency.

ATM withdrawal fees: Fees change depending on which card you have and which country you're in.

Initial load and reload fees: Some cards charge you when you first put foreign currency onto the card and/or when you add more money to your balance.

Currency conversion fees: Depending on the card, you can pay up to 5% or more in currency conversion fees. Tip: Qantas Travel Money doesn't charge a currency conversion fee.

Finder survey: Would you use a travel card again for a future trip?

Overall, almost all Australians who used a travel money card in the past would use one again in the future.

• Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Monthly fees: $0

ING Orange Everyday Account

There is no universal best travel money card as your options vary from country to country and person to person. In saying that, some of favourable features of travel cards include:

• No additional fees: including ATM fees, reloading fees and card closure fee
• The option to lock in exchange rates before you leave
• The option to add multiple currencies onto the one card
• Digital wallet compatibility so you can add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
• Low or no additional cost to convert your left-over money back to AUD
• Security, including card pin

You should also consider exchange rates, conditions, limits and safety.

Here are our top travel money tips:

• Pay for your purchases in the local currency. This will help avoid any currency conversion fees.
• Keep an eye on your transactions . It's always a good idea to regularly check your transaction history to make sure there's no unauthorised transactions - and if there are, you should report them to your bank immediately.
• Always take more than one travel money option. You don't want to be left stranded if you lose your card or it gets stolen. Consider bringing 2 forms of travel cards to avoid being left cashless in a foreign country.
• Keep your travel money in a few different places. Having all your foreign cash and cards in a wallet means you'll have no backup if you lose your wallet. Instead, consider keeping some of your travel money in a separate place. For example, you could keep most of your cash in a hotel safe or a locked part of your luggage.
• Inform your bank. If you're using your regular debit or credit card, let your bank know. You wouldn't want your card to be cancelled due to a 'suspicious transaction' while you're overseas because your bank thinks you're still in Australia.

Australia is a nation of travellers. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 8,337,080 resident returns from overseas for the year 2022 - 2023. The most popular reason we travel is for a holiday, and the median trip duration is 15 days.

How do you top up travel money cards?

You can top up your travel money card if you need more money while you're on your trip. Depending on your specific travel money card, you can reload your card online, using BPAY, through your bank's app or via your bank's branch. Look into the card you are topping up because some methods do incur fees e.g. the Qantas Travel Money Card has an instant reload fee of 0.5% while its BPAY and bank transfers are free.

Can you get your money back if you don't spend it all?

You can generally get your money back if you don't end up spending it all while overseas. However, you might encounter fees to get the remaining money back into your regular bank account.

What should I do if my travel money card is lost or stolen?

The first thing you should do upon discovering that your card is missing is call your card provider. Reporting the theft or loss immediately will help protect the funds on your card.

Most of the card companies provide 24/7 customer service emergency numbers. Some even accept reverse charges, so it can be as simple as dialling the operator to connect your collect call. If you dial the number directly, you may be charged for the call.

• CommBank Travel Money Card: +61 2 9999 3283
• Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard: +44 207 649 9404
• Qantas Travel Money Card: +61 1300 825 302
• Travelex Money Card: 1800 303 297
• Revolut: +61 1300 281 208

What are the travel money card exchange rates?

Travel credit cards typically use the Mastercard or Visa network and use the daily exchange rates that the networks provide. You can find out the daily exchange rate by going to the Mastercard or Visa website. Prepaid travel cards allow you to lock in the exchange rate beforehand, so if you find a favourable one you can lock it in and not have to worry about fluctuations while you're away.

What is a cross currency conversion fee?

A cross currency conversion fee is charged when you use your Australian card with Australian dollars to make a purchase in a foreign country. The money is exchanged from Australian dollars into the local currency electronically. You can avoid this fee by choosing to pay in the local currency.

When are inactivity fees charged with prepaid travel cards?

If you have a travel card that charges an inactivity fee (a fee that's charged every month when your account is inactive for a period of time), you will lose any remaining funds on the card, but your account won't go into a negative balance. Once the card has a zero balance, this fee will not be charged.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Read more on this topic

The Wise Travel Money Card supports over 40 currencies, with free loading by bank transfer and an instant, virtual card. Here’s how its other features compare.

Revolut offers virtual and physical Visa cards, support for over 30 currencies and other travel perks – plus 3-month Premium trial with this offer.

Use finder's interactive world map to learn about variations in beer prices globally. Find out where in the world you'd pay a whopping $15.10 for a pint.

Discover the travel money options available for young people and how to prepare for a trip overseas.

Find out which travel cards are the best to use in the 10 most popular holiday destinations for Aussie travellers.

Want to avoid fees and charges when using your card overseas? This guide explains the most common pitfalls when using travel cards.

This guide explains how you can get back any leftover funds from your travel money card after your trip.

Use this guide to understand foreign currency exchange and discover how to get the best deal.

Spend in up to 13 major currencies, lock in exchange rates and manage your account with the CommBank app when you use the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card.

Spend in 11 currencies wherever Mastercard is accepted and save on currency conversion fees with the Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard.

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320 Responses

When travelling from Australia to Switzerland is it best to exchange money at Australia Post from AU dollars to Swiss Franc in advance rather that change on arrival in Switzerland.

Hi Marjorie,

If you exchange your money at an airport or at a kiosk once you’ve arrived overseas, you may pay a hefty commission – it’s hard to know what charge in advance. Banks and licensed currency exchange outlets are likely to offer the best rates overseas but again, its hard to know what fees you’ll pay.

AustPost exchange is conveneint but it is not always the cheapest. Today, if you exchange $1000: – At AustPost, you’ll get CHF541.80 – The same transfer with Travelex is CHF550.80 – With Wise, you get CHF572.05

It pays to shop around and compare to find the best value.

Hope this helps!

I want a good all-rounder card, locked in FX, no maintenance charges, ATM fees , no withdrawal fees. What card is best ?

Hi Charles,

The comparison table in this guide includes details of ATM fees, load and re-load fees that can help you compare different options. For example, currently the Wise Travel Money Card and Revolut standard card both offer $0 ATM withdrawal fees for the first $350 per month, with charges for further ATM withdrawals. The Travelex Money Card also offers $0 ATM withdrawal fees.

All of these cards also let you lock in FX rates for supported currencies, but may charge fees when you’re spending in a currency that’s not loaded on the card. So it’s a good idea to consider which currencies you plan to spend, as this could have a big impact on the overall costs and help you choose a card that’s suitable for you. You can also view more details on potential costs for each card on Finder’s review pages. I hope this helps.

I am going to the Uk in 2019. Confusions is supreme. I see there is information about conversation currency fees, however on individual travel card sites they claim 0 fees. If I have a facility with my current domestic bank that charges no fees to transfer money to another facility and I use a travel card that states they have 0 fees for upload and currency conversation fee, am I correct in believing that there will be no cost to me to upload AUD to GBP. I am traveling for about 3 months and with a budget of around AUD 20,000. What cards should I consider compared to using my domestic Credit and Debit cards. I have tried using your search engine for best card for country but it is not uploading.

Thanks for getting in touch.

Sorry to hear about your confusion as to which card you would bring to the UK and apologies as well if you’re having a hard time uploading our page. Nevertheless, to help you narrow down your options, you can refer to our guide on travel money to the UK . From the page, you’d be able to compare your options for pre-paid, debit, and credit cards, and even foreign cash. Just click on the tabs to see the list. Once you have chosen a particular travel card, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.

With regard to the cost, usually, there’s no cost in loading AUD to the prepaid travel cards. If the currency is supported by the card, say GBP, it’s also free.

I hope this has helped.

Cheers, May

Hello, just wanted to let you know that unless I’m mistaken, the Qantas Cash card has differing information on your website. On one page it says that there is a 1% reload fee and on another that there is 0%. That said, thanks for offering unbiased easy to understand information, much obliged…

Thank you for your inquiry.

There are actually two ways to reload your Qantas Cash Card. The first option is via bank transfer or BPAY which has 0% fee and the second option through Direct Debit that charges 1% of the total amount. As a sample, this is how Direct Debit works:

If you wish to load or reload 200 AUD onto your card using Debit Card Load, you will be charged a fee of 1% of the load amount being AUD 200 x 1% = AUD 2. This means you will be required to pay AUD 202 to complete your Debit Card Load transaction.

Please also note that you may be charged other fees by third parties in relation to the Debit Card reloading transaction like the fees charged by your financial institution.

I hope this information helps.

I am traveling to South Africa and wanted to take a prepaid debit card but do not know who to contact for something like that. I talked to Travelex but they do not deal in South African currency. Any suggestions?

Thank you for contacting Finder .

Our Travel money guide to South Africa will provide you some options that may suit your needs. On the page, is a comparison table for a list of travel debit cards and prepaid travel money cards. You can use the table to help narrow down your options. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.

Before applying, please ensure that you read through the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Danielle

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Australia

If you’re travelling to Australia, a travel money card can make spending and withdrawing cash when you’re away cheaper and more convenient. Different types of travel money cards, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards, are available to support different customer needs. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money.

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise - our pick for travel money card for Australia

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a good all-round option that allows you to hold and spend Australian dollars, as well as a diverse range of other world currencies.

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in MYR and switch to AUD before you travel, so you know your travel money budget in advance - or if you’d prefer, you can simply allow the card to automatically switch currencies as and when you need it.

All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate , with low transparent fees from 0.43%. Plus you can get MYR and AUD bank account details - as well as local account details for up to 7 other currencies - to get paid to your Wise account .

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Wise travel money debit card , to help you decide if it's suitable for you.

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals, just like your regular bank card can be. However, with a travel money card you’ll find the features and fees have been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for Australia compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for Australia line up side by side:

As you can see, the features of different travel money cards can vary pretty widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice perks like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might run into interest and late payment charges, depending on how you choose to pay.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

Broadly speaking, Malaysian customers are able to select a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards for Australia

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, no matter where in the world you are.

Travel debit card Option 1 Wise

Wise is our best value travel money debit card for Australia.

There’s no fee to open a Wise account , and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

13.7 MYR one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 1,000 MYR value per month for free, then 5 MYR + 1.75%

Hold AUD and 40+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Get local account details to receive payments in AUD and 8 other currencies

Read our full Wise card review to learn more.

Travel debit card Option 2: BigPay

BigPay accounts have linked international cards, and come with handy budgeting features and some international transfer options. You’ll only be able to top up and hold MYR in your BigPay account, but spending overseas uses a fair exchange rate and a relatively low conversion charge of 1% or less.

No fee to open a Standard BigPay account

Up to 1% currency conversion fee when spending overseas

6 MYR local ATM fee, 10 MYR international ATM fee

Send payments locally, and internationally to select countries

Use the BigPay card in person, online and with mobile wallets

Earn AirAsia points as you spend

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Australia

How to choose the best travel debit card for australia.

The best travel debit card for Australia really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money. If you’ll be travelling widely it makes sense to look for an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as AUD, like Wise . Other providers like BigPay can also be a good pick, particularly if you would like extra perks like the option to earn AirAsia points on spending.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Australia?  

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for Australia

With a prepaid travel card you’ll need to order a card and add funds, to pay merchants and make cash withdrawals. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards are accepted globally, so you’ll need to check network coverage in your destination country.

Prepaid travel card option 1: MAE by Maybank2U

MAE is Maybank’s mobile wallet and comes with a linked debit card you can top up from your Maybank account manually or automatically. While this card doesn’t allow you to hold foreign currencies, you may be able to access preferential exchange rates when you spend your MYR balance abroad, which makes it a good choice when you’re away from home.

Get a card for free by ordering online - 8 MYR/year annual fee applies

Top up manually or automatically  in MYR

Preferential exchange rates when spending overseas

Access many of Maybank’s services online and through your MAE app

Send and receive payments, spend with your card and scan QR codes to pay in store

Budgeting and saving features available

No interest to pay

Prepaid travel card option 2: AEON Member Plus Card

The AEON Member Plus Card is a prepaid debit card you can pick up in person at an AEON outlet or store, or order online. You can earn rewards on your spending in AEON outlets, plus when you’re overseas and spend with the card. AEON Member Plus Cards are on the Visa network and can be used wherever Visa is accepted.

12 MYR annual card fee

Visa rate + 1% fee when spending overseas

ATM withdrawal fees of 10 MYR when overseas

Earn rewards on local and overseas spending

Extra perks like free parking at AEON malls

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Australia

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for australia.

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for Australia - it’ll come down to your personal preference. If you’re looking for a prepaid debit card you can use in Australia with a major Malaysian bank, try the MAE card option. However, if you’d rather get rewards for overseas spending, the AEON card can be a strong pick thanks to the local and international reward options available.

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in Australia?

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

3. Travel Credit Cards for Australia

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra option to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Standard Chartered Worldmiles Mastercard

The Standard Chartered Worldmiles Mastercard has a relatively low 1% foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas, plus a cash advance fee when you use an ATM, at 25 MYR or 5% whichever is higher. You’ll need to repay your bill in full every month to avoid fees and interest, but can earn travel rewards and miles on your day to day spending.

600 MYR annual fee, 1% foreign transaction fee

Earn travel rewards on spending

Get extras like free lounge access

Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Citi PremierMiles

The Citi PremierMiles card has a variable interest rate of 15% - 18% with a foreign transaction fee of 2.4% to pay when you’re shopping overseas. There’s also a 600 MYR annual card charge to get your card in the first place, but in exchange, there are benefits and rewards available for cardholders.

Variable interest rates and a 600 MYR annual fee

Earn rewards, and get discounts when spending with partner retailers

2.4% foreign transaction fee

Network exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in Australia

How to choose the best travel credit card for australia.

The best travel credit card for Australia will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in earning rewards and cash back on your overseas spending, a travel rewards card like the Citi PremierMiles card could be a good bet as it offers rewards on all spending. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for Australia?

If you’ve planned travel to Australia you might want to pick a travel money card for AUD spending. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks or online specialists.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - like the Wise account . Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the MAE by Maybank2u debit card which can be linked to a fee free account. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

FAQ - Best travel cards for Australia

There’s no single best card to use in Australia. Which is right for you will depend on your preferences and the features you want to access. Having a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise can be a good bet as you’ll be able to hold and exchange AUD alongside dozens of other major currencies for convenience - or check out BigPay as another travel card specialist with low currency conversion fees.

Spending with your card is convenient when travelling in Australia, but you’ll be best off having several different payment methods just in case your first choice isn’t supported. For example, you could choose 2 different debit or credit cards, issued on different networks, and you could also get Australian dollars in advance so you have some cash on you for those times when cards aren’t available.

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in Australia at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and BigPay can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in AUD.

You can use your Malaysian card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in Australia, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for Australia.

You can use your debit card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including Australia, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for Australia.

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

The fees applied for travel cards can vary widely depending on the provider and the card type. With debit cards you may find ATM fees, and costs for converting currencies, although specialist providers like Wise and BigPay have linked accounts which can bring down the costs of currency conversion. Credit card fees include cash advance charges, foreign transaction fees and interest.

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for India 2024

If you’re travelling to India, a dedicated travel money card can make spending and withdrawing Indian rupees cheaper and more convenient. Different types of travel money cards exist to support different customer needs, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money.

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise - our pick for travel debit card for India

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a versatile option for a travel money debit card that allows you to hold and spend not only INR but also a diverse range of other currencies.

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 50+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in pounds and switch to INR before you travel, so you know your travel money budget in advance - or if you’d prefer, you can simply allow the card to automatically switch currencies as and when you need it. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.41%. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Hold and exchange 50+ currencies alongside INR

No fee to spend any currency you hold, low conversion fees from 0.41%

Mid market exchange rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals, just like your regular bank card can be. However, with a travel money card you’ll find the features and fees have been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for India compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for India compare side by side:

As you can see, the features and fees of different travel money cards can vary widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice benefits like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might be faced by interest costs and late payment charges if you don’t clear your bill in full every month.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

UK customers can get a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. Let’s take a closer look at what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, even when you travel.

Wise - travel debit card for India

Wise is our best value travel money debit card for India. There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.41% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM withdrawal fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 200 GBP value per month for free, then 0.5 GBP + 1.75%

Hold INR and 50+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Travel debit card option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers, so you can simply pick the account you prefer - from free Standard plans to the 12.99 GBP/month Metal plan. All Revolut accounts have linked cards, although exactly what type of card you get depends on your account tier. You can hold around 25 currencies including INR, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance.

No fee to open a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade for up to 12.99 GBP/month

Card delivery fees may apply depending on your account tier

All accounts have some fee free currency conversion with 0.5% fair usage fees after that

Standard plan holders can withdraw 200 GBP (up to 5 withdrawals in total) per month for free

Hold INR and around 25 other currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in India

No possibility to run up interest costs or late payment fees

Real-time currency holding and exchange options available

Digital top-up, management, and account viewing features

Safe to use as they're not connected to your primary UK bank account

Issued on widely-used global payment networks

Transaction and currency conversion fees may apply

Cash back and rewards may not be available

Click here to read a full Revolut review

How to choose the best travel debit card for India?

The best travel debit card for India really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money. If you’ll be travelling widely it makes sense to look for an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as INR, like Wise. Other providers like Revolut can also be a good pick, particularly if you’ll use your account very frequently and would prefer to pay a monthly fee to unlock lots of fee free transactions and extra perks.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in India?  

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid travel cards can be ordered or collected from specialist providers - once you have a card you’ll just need to add funds in the supported currency of your choice. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards support all currencies. INR prepaid cards are pretty hard to come by, so you may find you pay a foreign transaction fee when you spend. However, a prepaid card can still be helpful from a security perspective, as it means you won’t need to use your regular bank card while you’re in India.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office

You can pick up a Post Office prepaid travel money card in a Post Office branch or order one online. You’ll then be able to top up in pounds or one of the 22 supported currencies. As INR isn’t a supported currency you’ll pay a 3% foreign transaction fee to spend with your card in India - however this card can still be a helpful choice because it means you can avoid using your regular bank card while overseas.

Hold and exchange 22 currencies (not including INR)

No fee to spend a balance in a supported currency

3% foreign transaction fee when spending a currency you don’t hold on the card

Variable ATM withdrawal fees based on the currency you hold

No interest to pay

Click here to read a full Post Office review

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese

Monese accounts can be opened by UK residents to hold GBP, EUR and RON. There are several different types of accounts, from the Simple account which has no monthly fees, to fee paying account tiers which have more features. It’s free to spend a balance you hold - but as INR isn’t a supported currency, you may find you pay a foreign transaction fee of 2% when you’re spending in India. Foreign transaction fees may be waived for higher tier account holders.

Hold a balance in GBP, EUR or RON

Choose a free Simple account, or upgrade to an account with monthly fees

Foreign transaction fees of 2% may apply depending on your account tier

ATM withdrawal fees may apply, depending on the value of withdrawals and the account tier you hold

Track and spend Avios reward points within your account

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in India

Manage your account, add more money or convert funds online or with an app

Accounts with no monthly fees are available

Selection of supported currencies, with no fee to spend a currency you hold

ATM withdrawals supported globally

Some accounts have extras like options to earn reward points

INR may not be a supported currency

Transaction fees apply to most accounts

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for India?

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for India - it’ll come down to your personal preference. If you hold a Monese Classic or Premium account already it’s good to know that the 2% foreign transaction fee is waived, which means you get the card network rate when you spend in India. This may be cheaper than using your regular bank card. The Post Office card can also be an option if you’re simply looking for an alternative to your normal bank card when you’re in India, plus you can get a card instantly by walking into a Post Office branch.

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in India?

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can  vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

3. Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra option to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa

With the Barclaycard Rewards Visa card, there are no international ATM or foreign transaction fees. Instead, your overseas expenses are converted to pounds at the Visa exchange rate and added to your monthly statement. To avoid fees and interest, you’ll need to repay your balance in full each month, but as a bonus you can earn cashback on your everyday expenditures.

No foreign transaction or foreign ATM fee

Earn cashback at 0.25% on spending

Protection on purchases over 100 GBP

International spending uses the Visa exchange rate

Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

The Halifax Clarity Mastercard has a variable interest rate which you can see when you check your eligibility for the card. There’s no foreign transaction or foreign ATM fee to pay, and all currency conversion uses the Mastercard exchange rate.

Variable interest rates

Check your eligibility and order a card online easily

No foreign transaction fee

No ATM fee - but interest will accrue instantly when you make a withdrawal

Mastercard exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in India

Spending more than 100 GBP covered by additional consumer protection

Option to pay for travel expenses over multiple months

Check card eligibility online without affecting your credit score

Potentially no foreign transaction or ATM fees

Network exchange rates usually apply, which are usually pretty fair

Interest charged if you don’t repay in full every month

Eligibility rules apply

How to choose the best travel credit card for India?

The best travel credit card for India will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in earning rewards and cash back on your overseas spending, the Barclaycard Rewards Visa might be a good pick, as it has no foreign transaction fee and offers cashback on all spending. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

If you’re planning to travel to India you might want to pick a travel money card for while you’re away. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks, online specialists and even the Post Office.

Not all travel cards support INR, so you’ll need to check out the fees and features of a few to pick the right one for you. For example, you could opt for a low cost travel debit card which can hold a selection of currencies including INR - like the Wise account. Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Monese card which can be linked to either a fee free account or an account which has monthly fees in exchange for lower transaction charges. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees.

The good news is that the UK market is well served for all types of travel money cards - use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

FAQ - Best travel cards for India

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in India at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and Revolut can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in INR.

You can normally use your debit card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in India, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for India.

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

Best India Travel Sim Cards Australia

If you're planning a trip to India, a top tip for avoiding airport queues and getting out of the terminal quicker is to purchase your Indian local travel SIM card before you travel.

Until recently, there weren't many options for purchasing an India travel SIM before you left Australia. However, today we are looking at five of the best companies that offer such a service, allowing you one less thing to worry about.  While India has some of the cheapest telco providers in the world, purchasing a SIM card before you leave may be more expensive, but will definitely speed up arrival and make your trip more enjoyable.

You won't have to wait around at the airport, trying to change your rupees to purchase a SIM card on arrival, plus you won't have to worry about topping it up or worrying about how much data you actually got versus what was paid for. Today, we'll be looking at the best India travel sim cards that you can purchase in Australia with fast free shipping to your door within a matter of days.

Best India Travel Sim Card

1. simcorner.

• Cheapest India sim cards
• 8 or 15 days available
• Plug and play

SIM corner is one of the best places to purchase SIM cards at an affordable price. If you're travelling overseas, then SIM corner can provide SIM cards that are activated on arrival for various countries such as India. 

Related : Read our full review . 

They also offer SIM cards that provide coverage in certain regions such as North America, Europe, and even South America too.

You simply search for the country that you're visiting on the website (i.e. India), you choose the SIM card duration that you want, whether that is 8 or 15 days​. 

Each sim card provides 4GB of data which isn't a lot compared to Australia but it will be sufficient for travelling and sightseeing. Use the wireless in the hotel. 

The arrival date they request is the date you'll land in India, or the day you wish to start using the sim card from. 

They don't require any identification, there's no commitments and once the sim card is finished you can simply throw it away.  You can purchase with PayPal only. However, they accept credit card payments through this platform. Shipping is five to six working days with the free shipping and one to three working days with the express shipping.

You then travel to your destination and simply insert the SIM card into your phone and you switch on to activate the sim card.  If you need to top up on, unfortunately most of their SIM cards do not offer this functionality. So if you think you will need more data, then you should purchase multiple SIM cards. i.e. Buy 2 and you'll get 8GB, then change the start dates.  SIM corner is one of the cheapest providers, and it is also one of the most well known companies in Australia and around the world for providing SIM cards.

They are our #1 go to and I've ordered many sims through their site. 

2. SimsDirect

• 18 countries inc. India
• 15 day usage
• 6GB of 4G data

Sims direct is another provider that we recommend when it comes to purchasing a SIM card for India. Their prices are a little bit more expensive.

However, you get a 15 day SIM card with six gigabytes of data for $55 the data speed with their SIM card is 4G and it allows for hotspotting and tethering. 

The SIM card comes in three sizes, a nano SIM, micro and standard, and you can simply break off depending on the size of SIM card that you need. The SIM card works in 18 countries, across Asia, including India plus countries such as China, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam. Similar to other Simcorner, you do not need to provide any identification, and the SIM card will work as soon as you arrive in your destination by simply plugging it into your phone and turning the mobile data roaming on.

They offer payments via Paypal although you can pay with your credit/debit cards via this platform and allows for faster dispatch.  Shipping is a lot faster with Sims direct and if you purchase within a certain time frame, chances are it will be delivered within 48 hours. They currently offer a discount code of 10% off should you need to purchase multiple SIM cards. If you want to get off the plane and have a fully activated sim card  rather than purchasing locally, a prepaid India SIM card is probably the best option for you.

3. PrepaidSims

• 4GB of 4G data
• Valid for 8 or 16 days
• Plug and Play
• Works in 17 other countries

Prepaid Sims is another company that offers India SIM cards on an eight day or 15 day package with four gigabytes of ultra fast 4G data.

You can also hotspot and tether with this SIM card, and it also includes a multi SIM for nano, micro and SD, depending on your cellular device. Similar to the other providers. They offer a self activating plug and play SIM card, and the coverage is valid in 18 countries across Asia, including India.

Calls are not included in this SIM card, so you will need to use a platform such as WhatsApp or line to call your contacts. They offer various delivery services including standard delivery and express post.  If you need your SIM card in the next few business days, they recommend that you purchase the express post option. The pricing for this SIM card is $34 for an eight day plan, which is a little bit more expensive than SIM corner. However, you do get access to the other 17 countries as part of the deal.

4. TravelSim

• FREE with $25 topup
• Recharge online
• Receive free calls
• Expensive data prices

TravelSIM is another option, trusted by over 100,000 Australian travellers and allows you to receive calls for free in 180 countries, including India.

While their fees for calling and data are lot more expensive than other providers mentioned today. this is the number one SIM card should you want to provide your loved ones with a way to contact you for free when ​you're away.

While many are focused on data, if you just need a way for people to contact you, then the TravelSim seems like the obvious choice.  TravelSim costs $25 and that includes $25 of overseas credit, which you can use for data, talking and texting. If you are travelling with a companion who also has a travel SIM, you can send SMS messages to each other for free.

The coverage in India is widespread.

If you're looking for lots of data, then TravelSim is not for you. Their data rates are 10cents per megabite which means 1GB of data would cost you $100. With those data rates, you may quickly run out of your allowance so the SIM is a good option for receiving calls while travelling and also calling or messaging other people affordably. It's free to msg other people with TravelSims. It is not advisable for excessive data use.

You can purchase with PayPal as well as credit cards, including MasterCard, visa, and American express. Shipping is fairly quick and you can recharge your SIM card via their website at any time. They have a support office in Australia and you can contact them any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also use their SMS support desk as well. One of the interesting features with travel SIM is you can also set it up as an Australian SIM card should you wish, and you can get a monthly plan starting at $30 per month, which he uses the Optus 4G network. 

That means when you go travelling, you don't need to change your SIM card. It will just start working overseas with your travel SIM credit. This is quite handy for people who maybe do a lot of travelling and do not want to constantly swap SIM cards every time. 

5. Klook India Sim Card

• 5GB of 4G data
• Valid for 10 days
• Can add more data
• Must be picked up overseas*

Klook is a platform for booking activities in countries such as India. They also sell sim cards such as their 4G India Sim Card. *If you're flying via Bangkok or other Asian cities you can often collect an Indian sim card, after placing an order online. 

A 10 day sim card, with 5GB of 4G data, dropping down to unlimited 128kbps data once consumed can be purchased for $15. 

This is by far the cheapest option however coverage is limited to the following areas; Mumbai, New Delhi, Panjab, Rajasthan (Jaipur), Uttar Pradesh West, Uttar Pradesh East, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Kolkata. 

The sim card is provided by Dtac, which is a Thailand company and you'll need your passport to redeem at the Klook service desk in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi rail link or in Siam Center in the city. 

Unlike some other sim cards here you can extend your data by calling the helpdesk however it's a Thai company and international credit cards could be problematic.

How To Use Prepaid Travel Sim?

Gone are the days of having to call up a call centre and activate your travel sim. Most sim cards are self activating once inserted into your phone. 

Simply turn off your phone. Remove the current sim card and replace with the travel sim card. You may need to break your sim card from the plastic to match the existing sim. Usually this is Standard, Micro or Nano sim. Newer phones are almost always nano sims.

Turn the phone on, enable data roaming. Restart the phone. Your device should connect to the new network. If it doesn't then you will need to manually enter APN settings .

Your sim card provider will provide instructions on how to do this. 

Make Sure Your Phone Is Unlocked

Some customers have issues trying to use a travel sim card because they bought a phone locked to another network. This is common in phones that are purchased under a 'leasing' agreement, where you don't actually own the phone. 

This is to stop you selling your phone to someone else and defaulting on your contract with your telecommunications provider. If you're unsure if your phone is locked then you should visit the retail store for your telco and ask, or call the help desk.

Most phones that are on a contract but you're paying to own the phone will not be locked and can be used with travel sims. In Australia it's rare for phones to be locked (with the exception of leasing). If in doubt, try a friends sim card from a different network in your phone before buying your travel sim card. If it works then you're good to go. 

It's unlikely you'll get a refund if your phone is locked and the sim doesn't work so ensure you're fully sure it will work before purchasing. Also it's nearly impossible to unlock newer phones while on the road so unlock it before leaving the country. 

All five recommendations above are good options when it comes to purchasing a prepaid travel sim card for India. After using all five options, we recommend checking out Simcorner for the best prices, if you're just looking for an India only sim card. If you need other countries then consider Simsdirect or PrepaidSims. 

Related: Best Travel Pillows

Last Updated: March 19, 2020 by Rhys

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Best Ways to Take Money to India in 2024

From frenetic cities to relaxed beach resorts, India has it all, with an enviable range of tourist attractions, fabulous cuisine and rich history. India is also a rapidly developing economy and a popular destination for Australians looking to further their careers in a growth market.

Whether you’re heading to India for a quick beach break or to live long term, you’ll need to figure out the best way to pay for things while you’re there. This guide covers 4 popular ways to take money to India, so you can pick the one that suits you best.

Best ways to take money to India

In this guide we’ll walk through 4 of the most practical and popular ways to take money to India, including our top picks for providers to look at, pros and cons. Here are the common ways to pay overseas that we’ll investigate:

Prepaid Travel Card

Travel Debit Card

Travel credit card

Prepaid travel cards to use in India

Ideal for: topping up funds in AUD before spending and making ATM withdrawals in INR

Prepaid travel money cards usually come with linked digital multi-currency accounts you can fund in AUD before switching to INR (or a selection of other supported currencies) for spending and cash withdrawals. This has the advantage that you can lock in the exchange rate in advance, to set your travel budget. 

Bear in mind that not all prepaid travel money cards support INR for holding. If you pick a card which doesn’t let you hold a balance in rupees you’ll still be able to use it overseas - just leave your money dollars for automatic conversions whenever you buy something or make a withdrawal. 

If you choose a prepaid travel card with a good exchange rate and low fees you could cut the cost of your foreign currency spending. Prepaid cards also have the advantage that they’re not  linked to your AUD bank account, which adds security when you’re travelling. If your card is stolen or misplaced, you can just freeze it, without impacting your normal bank account or card.

Learn more about our picks for the 6 best prepaid cards - there's more on our top choice, Wise, next.

Wise - our pick for prepaid travel card

With this card:

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your linked Wise account
• No annual or monthly fees to pay, and no minimum balance requirement
• Currency exchange uses the mid-market rate with no markup
• Some free ATM withdrawals available every month
• Virtual and physical cards available

Pros and cons of taking money to India with a prepaid travel card

• If you pick a card which supports holding INR, you can convert funds in advance and lock in the exchange rate
• Safe to use, as your prepaid card isn’t linked to your main everyday account
• Cards are available with no minimum balance or ongoing fees to pay
• Currency exchange may have better rates than a bank will offer
• You’ll be able to re-use your card for your next trip - often dozens of currencies are supported
• Not all cards support INR for advance exchange
• Exchange rates may include a markup on the mid-market rate
• ATM fees may apply, depending on the card you pick
• Some cards have inactivity fees which apply if you don’t use them regularly, or cash out fees if you close your account 

Travel debit cards to use in India

Ideal for: spending and making cash withdrawals, with no interest or penalty fees

A travel debit card will work like any other debit card, but it isn’t linked to your bank account - adding security. Many also come with extra benefits such as complimentary wifi, insurance or airport lounge access, plus low or no foreign transaction fees. 

Many travel debit cards are linked to a digital multi-currency account you can manage from your phone. That means it’s convenient to add money in AUD before you travel or when you’re away, and switch to INR in just a few taps. 

We’ll go into more detail about our top pick for a travel debit card - Revolut - next, and you can also read more about the best travel debit cards in Australia here.

Revolut - our pick for travel debit card

• Hold and exchange 25+ currencies
• Choose the account plan that suits your needs and spending, including some with no monthly fees
• Some no- fee ATM withdrawals and currency exchange with the mid-market rate, based on the account tier you choose
• Extra perks like accounts for under 18s, plus cash back on card spending for top tier account holders
• Travel benefits offered for some account plans

Pros and cons of taking money to India with a travel debit card

• Cards often have extra travel perks and low cost, or free, currency conversion
• ATM withdrawals are often cheap or even free
• Unlike credit cards, you won’t be charged interest on your spending
• Many cards from specialist services are linked to multi-currency accounts you can use on future trips too
• Secure as your card is not connected to your main AUD account, and can be frozen from the provider app
• Some transaction fees usually apply
• You may pay a fee when converting from one currency to another, which may be split out transparently, but which is often just rolled up in the exchange rate you get
• Some cards have monthly fees to pay to get full feature access

Taking cash in India

Ideal for: day to day spending in markets, small stores and when you’re in more rural areas

Cash is very commonly used in India so carrying some rupees is essential. Even in large cities like Mumbai, some stores and restaurants prefer cash, and smaller places like markets and souvenir stalls won’t have any way of processing card payments either. If you’re heading off the beaten track you can expect cash to be the only payment method available in many places.

Converting dollars to rupees shouldn’t be too tricky. You can order INR online from a provider like Travelex and have it delivered to home before you travel, carry AUD to exchange on arrival, or make ATM withdrawals as and when you need rupees. Cities in India often have good ATM networks, which can make this a convenient and safe option for many people - particularly if you have a travel card which has no ATM fee to pay.

For most travellers, having several different ways to pay and access cash is reassuring, and means you’re unlikely to be caught out if a merchant can’t take one or other of your preferred payment methods.

Do I need cash in India?

Yes. Carrying some cash in INR is essential. In many situations, cash will be the only accepted payment method, particularly once you get away from major cities and very touristy areas.

Learn more about currency in Canada here .

How to buy INR on arrival in India?

Clean and undamaged Australian cash can be exchanged to INR on arrival in India. You’ll find plenty of currency exchange stores in cities and popular tourist areas, but fewer - or even none at all - once you get off the beaten track. 

How to buy Indian rupees in India?

If you’d prefer to be organised in advance you can also choose to exchange AUD to Indian rupees in cash in Australia before you travel. Options like Travelex often let you order INR online and collect your cash later in a branch, or have it delivered to your home. Fees and exchange rate markups may apply.

Best place to get INR from

There’s no single best place to get your travel cash. For many travellers, carrying some INR and AUD in cash, and making some cash withdrawals as and when needed offers both security and convenience. 

Travel credit cards to use in India

Ideal for: convenient and secure spending in cities and larger resort areas

As we’ve already mentioned, cards won’t always be accepted in some parts of India, or when you’re spending with smaller businesses. However, in major cities and large retail chains, you can usually use a card, including a travel credit card.

If you’re planning on using a credit card to pay your way during your trip, a travel credit card can be a good bet as you may pay low or no foreign transaction fees or earn extra reward points, cashback or miles when you spend in foreign currencies. However, as with any credit card, there will also be costs, which can include annual fees, interest and cash advance charges.

In particular, making an ATM withdrawal with a credit card can be very pricey because you’ll usually be charged a cash advance fee and interest which accrues instantly. It’s worth considering getting a travel debit card to use in ATMs, which can mean no fees and good exchange rates, and keeping your credit card for spending directly with merchants.

Learn about the best travel credit cards in Australia here, and read on for more on our top pick.

28 Degrees - our pick for travel credit card

• Order online and start spending with your virtual card instantly if approved
• No annual or monthly fees
• No foreign transaction or currency conversion fees
• Make ATM withdrawals overseas - fees apply for this service 
• Unlock perks like discounts on travel bookings and internet roaming packages

Pros and cons of travel credit cards to India

• Where they’re accepted, cards are a convenient and safe way to pay
• Earn rewards and discounts, or get travel perks - depending on the card you pick
• Some cards have low or no foreign transaction fees
• Credit cards are useful as a payment guarantee in some situations
• Cards aren’t always accepted in India
• Interest and fees usually apply if you don’t pay back your bill immediately
• Cash advance fees and interest mean that using your card at an ATM is expensive
• Eligibility rules and credit checks apply

Travel requirements from Australia to India

You’ll need to apply for a visa to go to India. At the time of writing, Australian citizens are eligible to apply for an e-visa which means the whole process can be done online without needing to visit an embassy or consular office. Apply in good time so you have all your documents lined up before you travel.

Entry requirements can change rapidly, so checking before you travel is always advised. Check the government’s Smart Traveller website to learn more.

Does India accept Australian dollars?

No. You won’t be able to spend AUD anywhere in India. If you’re carrying dollars with you you'll need to exchange them for Indian rupees when you arrive.

Best currency to take to India

You’ll only be able to spend in Indian rupees in India, so you can choose to either carry AUD in cash with you and convert on arrival, or to order your travel cash in Indian rupees before you leave. Bear in mind that exchange offices will be hard to find in more remote areas.

How much money do I need per day in India?

India is a country of extremes - so you can really spend as much or as little as you like when you’re there. In the cities you’ll find some accommodation in central locations is pretty expensive, but there’s a good range to allow you to pick something to suit your budget. In other popular destinations like Goa, hotels are on the cheaper side - one of the reasons India is a big hit on the backpacker circuit.

The great news is that day to day life in India is often pretty cheap. To give a flavour, a 3 course lunch for 2 will set you back under 20 AUD on average, a cheap lunch for one will be around 4 dollars - and a domestic beer about 3 dollars. 

Do some detailed research to see how much things are likely to cost based on your plans and where you’re headed, so you can set your budget. Get more detailed cost information by city, from Numbeo.com .

How much does it cost to fly from Australia to India?

Flight costs vary widely depending on where in Australia you’ll leave from and where you’ll visit in India. At the time of writing (September 2023), you can find flight deals in the range of 700 AUD to 800 AUD return. Bear in mind these flights will require a change which can make the overall travel time very long. Non-stop flights are available from some cities in Australia - but these are far more expensive.

Top travel money tips to India

Here are a few final tips to help your money go further while you’re away:

• Have several different payment methods in case one isn't accepted wherever you are
• Get a travel money card before you leave to make it easier and cheaper to spend and withdraw in India
• Always have some cash on you - you’ll need it in many stores and restaurants
• Avoid common travel money traps in India with this handy guide

Generally, whether you’re heading to India or anywhere else in the world, having a variety of ways to pay is definitely the smartest move. That’s certainly the case in India, as cards won’t always be accepted, so you’ll need a mix of cards and cash to get by conveniently.

Carrying lots of cash isn’t safe, so for most travellers, using a card to make ATM withdrawals in INR as and when you need to makes sense. You could also find this approach saves you money if you get a travel card - such as a prepaid travel card from Wise or a travel debit card from Revolut. Not only will you get a good exchange rate, many travel cards have some free ATM withdrawals overseas, for a great combination of cost and convenience.

Use this guide to decide which option to take money to India will work best for you, based on your own preferences and needs.

FAQs - Best ways to take money to India

Should i exchange money before i travel to india.

You’ll need to have some cash in India, so you can exchange in advance or make an ATM withdrawal on arrival at the airport. Using an ATM can also be cheaper than advance exchange, particularly if you have a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut.

Can I withdraw Indian rupees from a local ATM?

You can’t withdraw Indian rupees at an ATM in Australia, but you can use a travel card to make an ATM withdrawal on arrival in India. This is often one of the most convenient ways to arrange your travel cash for India.

Are prepaid travel cards a good way to take money to India?

Travel prepaid cards from services like Wise are a safe way to spend when abroad. With Wise you’ll also get mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees which can bring down the costs of your trip.

Can I use cash in India?

Yes. Cash is unavoidable as it’s the only payment method accepted by many smaller merchants. Carry some cash at all times, and make ATM withdrawals as and when you need to so you never run short.

Australia’s Arrivals from India Break New Record — Tourism Chief Talks Strategy

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

March 27th, 2024 at 6:05 AM EDT

The travel trends to Australia underscore the potential of India's middle class and its young demographic as a major force in shaping future travel trends.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Australia saw a record-breaking number of arrivals from India last year.

The new figures, which cover February 2023 to January 2024, show 402,200 inbound travelers entered the country from India. The major milestone even surpasses pre-pandemic levels, according to latest data from the  Australian Bureau of Statistics . 

It marks the first time Australia has crossed the 400,000-arrival mark. As a result, India is now the 5th largest inbound market for Tourism Australia, up from 7th place in 2019.

The organization also says Indians are spending and contributing significantly to the Australian economy.

The total trip spend by Indian visitors has also seen a notable increase for the year ending January 2024. It is up 20%, amounting to A$ 2.2 billion ($1.4 billion), with the per capita spend rising from A$ 4,908 ($3204) to A$ 5,901 ($3853), according to Nishant Kashikar, country manager — India and Gulf for Tourism Australia.

In January 2024 alone, Australia welcomed 26,200 visitors from India, representing 106% of January 2019 arrivals.

What Clicked For Australia?

“Our initiatives across marketing, public relations, partnerships, distribution, trade, and business events in India, have helped us achieve these numbers,” Kashikar told Skift.

He further credited the three-fold increase in direct aviation capacity from 8 to 28 weekly flights and the streamlined visa application process for enhancing accessibility.

Australia also issues three-year multiple-entry visas to tourists in India without any need for physical submission of documents. The duration of business visas has also been increased by up to five years, compared to the earlier three-year option.

Direct air access by Qantas and Air India, from Indian cities to Australia along with Qantas’ codeshare with IndiGo have also helped to increase accessibility.

“We are working with Indian as well as Australian carriers and airports to further build direct aviation connectivity,” Kashikar said.

Analyzing traveler profiles, Kashikar highlighted that 75% of Indian visitors to Australia were leisure travelers, with 8% traveling for business, 7% for employment, and 5% for short-term education.

Speaking to Skift at the beginning of the year , Kashikar described India as the fastest-growing inbound market for Australia, thanks to the rising middle class .

The Business Travel Rebound

Discussing the bounce-back of meetings, incentives, conferences, and event (MICE) travel from India to Australia, Kashikar noted a significant surge in leads for business events. “We’re seeing a five-time increase in leads than what we witnessed in 2019,” he told Skift in January.

He also said a key factor for this growth has also been the strengthening of bilateral ties between Australia and India across trade, investment, education, and tourism.

Speaking about Indian travel habits, Kashikar mentioned a generational shift as younger Indians travel at a much earlier age, leading to a significant increase in trips.

The shift from a savings-focused economy to one where Indians are spending more on holidays, especially among the youth has also made India a lucrative market for destinations, according to Kashikar. This trend is driving increased expenditure on travel-related services.

Kashikar also noted that Indians are increasingly immersing themselves in local experiences, such as festivals, sporting events, history, architecture, and culinary activities, which presents a significant growth opportunity for travel destinations catering to these preferences.

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Photo credit: Tourism Australia has crossed the 400,000-arrival mark from India. S O C I A L . C U T / Unsplash