Use ATM in Australia for cash

jon81uk

penners324 said:

jon81uk said:

Col.I.n said:

penners324 said:

Shouldn't need to use cash in Australia or New Zealand at all. Everywhere accepts card payments

its not easy giving grandkids a credit card payment for their birthday

Why not get cash at a bureau de change in the UK before travel and avoid any issues with ATM and card fees?

This site has a great tool for finding the best rate
Travel Money: The best foreign exchange rates - Money Saving Expert

You'll get a far better rate using the ATMs out there than the bureau de changes here

Even once you take into account all the fees for ATM use and non-sterling transactions etc?

Using the MSE comparison I’ve usually got a very good rate on currency and no worrying about fees. 

penners324

If you have debit or credit card that doesn't have non sterling transaction fees then absolutely 

gt94sss2

Col.I.n said:

I use a Nationwide Flex Plus card for free ATM withdrawals for years, the number of banks offering free transactions went down so I used N A B until they now charge $8 per use, is there an Au bank still offer free transactions. Have spoke to Nationwide and the $8 charge is not theirs

If there is a HSBC ATM in Australia - they won't charge fees for UK customers who have a free HSBC UK Global Money Account 

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/current-accounts/products/global-money/

If you're a frequent visitor, might be worth looking to open a HSBC Australia account so you get a 'domestic' ATM card

Its very simple to transfer money between HSBC accounts in different countries 

newatc

I have just compared on changing £500 at best  UK bureau rate compared with taking out £500 equiv out of Aussie  ATM including taking a $8 fee hit.
Bureau $ 914
Aussie ATM $956

So it seems best to use an Aussie ATM and take the hit (if you are charged)