Best bank account/debit card/credit card for backpackers?

Ninabeans

Hi All

In just over a month myself and my partner will be jetting off to New Zealand and Australia for what could potentially be up to a year.

In time we plan to work so opening an Australian bank account will be on the cards once we are settled.

However, does anyone have any advice on the best bank account whilst we are travelling for the next 4/5 months? I have read information about the Nationwide current account but I know that Nationwide have now stopped this service.

Any further information regarding the best credit cards or money saving tips for travelling would also be very useful please?

Many thanks in advance.

dawyldthing

i wouldn't recommend HSBC as every time i go abroad they block me out. I got a travel passport (don't go with thomas cook for this either, laden with fees - look on the compare site on here). When i was younger i never had a problem with nationwide, would highly recommend them!

ses6jwg

A pre-loaded mastercard like FairFX would probably suit.