Australia - cash v card + mobile questions

towiedyer

Hi people,

I’m in the lucky position of heading to Australia for 3 weeks over Christmas. I leave on the 21st December and am pondering my options currency/mobile wise.

I’ve a Natwest visa debit card linked to my current account, and also the use of a Nationwide account and card.

I’ve seen the Natwest is a horror card, so would everyone advise against using it? Would the Nationwide be the best choice to withdraw money out of?

Obviously I’ll be taking out big lumps in as few goes as possible. Is that the best thing to do?

Also, what would people recommend for a mobile phone. I have an O2 contract and an iPhone. Obviously I don’t plan on using it.

Should I take an old mobile and pay a pay as you go sim out there?

Any help gratefully received!!!!!

Toe-Jam

towiedyer wrote: »

Hi people,

I’m in the lucky position of heading to Australia for 3 weeks over Christmas. I leave on the 21st December and am pondering my options currency/mobile wise.

I’ve a Natwest visa debit card linked to my current account, and also the use of a Nationwide account and card.

I’ve seen the Natwest is a horror card, so would everyone advise against using it? Would the Nationwide be the best choice to withdraw money out of?

Obviously I’ll be taking out big lumps in as few goes as possible. Is that the best thing to do?

Also, what would people recommend for a mobile phone. I have an O2 contract and an iPhone. Obviously I don’t plan on using it.

Should I take an old mobile and pay a pay as you go sim out there?

Any help gratefully received!!!!!

You could use a prepaid card, i recommend fair fx anywhere card https://www.fairfx.com you'll get a decent rate , nationwide is no longer fee free for overseas use.

mobile wise, you could get a vodafone pay and go sim (or contract if you like) and add passport to your account (its free) and you can use your phone at UK rates while your there all you'll pay extra is a 75p connection charge.

http://campaigns.vodafone.co.uk/goingabroad/costs.php?country=9&tariff=2

towiedyer

I heard Mastercard wasn't used as widely as other cards

Toe-Jam

towiedyer wrote: »

I heard Mastercard wasn't used as widely as other cards

I've yet to visit somewhere where they don't take mastercard.

sultryabyss

hiya,

when I went to Oz i took my natwest card and got charged a flippin fortune for the liberty of doing so. I worked for nationwide for a while and i know their flex accounts have free withdrawels, many travellers take out a nationwide account just for that priviledge. I would take a bit of cash, maybe £100 worth to see you get over there and that but take money out as you go along.

olias

Are you booking accommodation etc before you go? If so, and you are just looking at 'spending money' for 3 weeks TBH, I would just take cash. As for mobile. If you are looking to just use it locally, then just get a PAYG sim out there. For calls home, just buy one of the pre-paid cards - they work out at pennys per minute.

Kevin808

You can be prepared by having both cash and a national card with you. As for mobile, prepaid is advised. You're charged per minute and you can reload when it's consumed.