Australia - how much cash should I take?

bhavinshah

Hi all,

I'm going to Australia on 3rd May (woohoo!) but I'm not sure how much cash (Australian dollars) I should take.

My dad insists I should take $1000 in cash, as well at a few hundred pounds worth of travellers cheques. This feels a bit excessive to me, but I'm not sure.

I will have my Nationwide debit card (which means free cash withdrawls) and I have an Amex credit card which I'd only use in emergencies because there are significant charges for using abroad I believe.

So what dyou reckon? Do I really need to take $1000 in cash + £300 in travellers cheques?

(If it helps, I'm going to be travelling around Australia but I haven't booked any internal flights yet...I'm going to be in Sydney for a week, which is when I'll book the rest of my route)

portygirl

You have not made it clear if this $1000 & travellers cheques are just to get you started in OZ but I assume if you are travelling that is the case. I would not suggest taking that amount of cash as ATMs are readily available.I did not use travellers cheques last time not sure of the reason to take them to be honest.The AU dollar is worth an awful lot less than a year ago similar to the Euro so it will be much more expensive to holiday in OZ.Have a great trip !

bhavinshah

well my intention was always to purchase whatever i can on my debit card as the exchange rate is better that way. but my dad reckons i need $1000 and TCs "just in case".

thanks for the advice though - I think i'll take a little less cash

Party_Animal

I spent five weeks there last year. I didn't take any cash, just my Nationwide debit card. No problem getting cash anywhere.

bhavinshah

Party_Animal wrote: »

I spent five weeks there last year. I didn't take any cash, just my Nationwide debit card. No problem getting cash anywhere.

Ah excellent!

Thanks!

john0612

as said above, just use your nationwide card

i was there in may 07, just took £300 in dollars and used my nationwide card which was giving me a better rate than the high st.

but as the dollar has has dropped a hell of a lot, it will be dearer as said above.

have a fanstastic time, can't wait to go back mainly for the reason that'll be a one way ticket and we are getting out of this rip of britain.

enjoy

bhavinshah

john0612 wrote: »

as said above, just use your nationwide card

i was there in may 07, just took £300 in dollars and used my nationwide card which was giving me a better rate than the high st.

but as the dollar has has dropped a hell of a lot, it will be dearer as said above.

have a fanstastic time, can't wait to go back mainly for the reason that'll be a one way ticket and we are getting out of this rip of britain.

enjoy

Heh cheers mate...hope the move goes smoothly!

GiJo

Hubby and I were there last October. We took about £250 in Australian dollars and used a Nationwide debit card as and when. Enjoy you're holiday, you'll have a fantastic time!!