Page 552 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

550  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Banking and Local Currency

Branches of national, state and some foreign banks can be
found in the central business districts of Australia’s state
capitals. Suburban shopping centres and country towns will
often have at least one branch of a major Australian bank. If
travelling to remote areas, find out what banking facilities are
available in advance. Banks generally offer the best exchange
rates; money can also be changed at bureaux de change, Using a debit card to pay for goods
large department stores and hotels. There is no limit to the
amount of personal funds that can be taken in or out of ATMs
Australia, although cash amounts of A$10,000 or more must ATMs can be found in most
be declared to customs on arrival or prior to departure. banks, as well as in shopping
and tourist areas. In most cases it
Credit and Debit Cards is possible to access foreign
accounts from ATMs by using a
All well­known international linked debit card. Confirm this
credit cards are widely accepted with your bank, and check what
in Australia, as well as debit transaction fees will apply. To
cards issued by major foreign avoid multiple fees, make a
banks. Visa and MasterCard larger cash withdrawal rather
(Access) are the most widely than several smaller ones when
accepted cards, while American using an ATM not associated
Express is also taken by most with your card account.
High street bank logos retailers and travel providers.
Some smaller establishments Bureaux de Change
Banks such as cafés, newsagents and
convenience stores do not Australian cities and larger towns,
Banks are usually open 9:30am– accept card payments. If your particularly tourist favourites,
4pm Monday–Thursday and card is linked to a savings have bureaux de change, usually
until 5pm on Fridays. Some account, you can use it as a open Monday to Saturday from
branches are also open debit card to both pay for 9am to 5:30pm. Some branches
Saturday mornings. goods and also operate on Sundays. While
Major city banks withdraw cash bureaux de change can be a
open 8:30am–5pm from your account convenient alternative to banks,
on weekdays. in the same their commissions and fees are
Outside banking transaction, generally higher. Major post
hours, many trans­ minimizing ATM offices will also often change
actions can be fees. Most retailers foreign money.
handled online, via have “tap­and­go”
phone banking or terminals that use DIRECTORY
through automatic Automatic cash dispenser chip readers for
teller machines card transactions Foreign Currency
(ATMs). Exchange up to A$100, Exchange
rates are listed in the windows eliminating the need to enter American Express
or foyers of most major banks. a PIN code. Carry the phone Tel 1300 736 659 or 1300 139 060.
number of your credit card ∑ americanexpress.com.au
Travel Cards and issuer in case your card is lost ANZ Bank
Traveller’s Cheques or stolen. Tel 13 13 14. ∑ anz.com.au
You should always carry some Commonwealth Bank
Traveller’s cheques are rarely emergency cash if travelling to Tel 13 22 21.
used. You will need ID such as a remote areas, particularly the ∑ commbank.com.au
passport to cash them at major Outback, where credit cards NAB (National Australia
banks, bureaux de change or may not be accepted at small Bank)
major hotels. Pre­paid travel stores and cafés, and alternatives, Tel 13 22 65. ∑ nab.com.au
cards or money cards loaded in such as a 24­hour ATM, may not
local currency before you travel be available. Most city retailers Travelex
are secure and easy for accessing have “tap and go” terminals that Tel (02) 9978 2871.
your money through ATMs use chip readers for card ∑ travelex.com.au
and making purchases while transactions up to $100, Westpac
avoiding excess transaction fees eliminating the need to enter Tel 13 20 32. ∑ westpac.com.au
and fluctuating exchange rates. a PIN code.