Page 226 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

224  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Banking and Local Currency Wiring Money
Money can only be transferred
Sydney is Australia’s financial capital. In the Central Business to a person travelling in Australia
District (CBD) are the imposing headquarters of several of if that person has set up a bank
the country’s leading banks, as well as the Australian head account in Australia. Transfer
offices of major foreign banks. Visitors will find local, state fees, which may average around
£10, are charged by UK banks
and national bank branches dotted at convenient intervals and the Australian bank may
throughout the city and suburbs. also charge a fee. The ANZ
There is no limit to the amount of personal funds that Bank has a branch in London
visitors can bring into Australia, but they must declare where travellers can set up
amounts over A$10,000 on their entry form. Most currencies an Australian account before
they leave home. It can take
can be exchanged on arrival at the airport. Money can be
changed at banks, bureaux de change (these generally offer DIRECTORY
the best exchange rates) and also at hotels.
Banks and Bureaux
de Change
ATMs
American Express
ATMs can be found in most 12 Shelley St, King St Wharf.
bank lobbies or on an external Map 4 D1.
wall near the bank’s entrance, 45 Sussex St. Map 4 D1.
on main streets and in shopping 181 Castlereagh St (inside
areas throughout the city. Ask Australia Post). Map 4 E2.
your home bank or credit card Tel 1300 736 659 or 1300
provider which Australian banks 139 060.
and cash dispensers will accept ANZ Bank
your debit and credit cards, and 20 Martin Place. Map 4 E1.
what the transaction charges per Tel 131 314.
use will be. To avoid multiple The Change Group
charges, it is preferable to make Jetty 6, Circular Quay. Map 1 B3.
a larger cash withdrawal rather Tel 9247 2082. Open 9am–
than several smaller ones when 7pm daily.
High street bank logos of four major using an ATM not associated 222 Pitt St (Piccadilly Arcade).
Australian banks with your card account. Map 4 E3. Tel 9266 0644.
∑ changegroup.com
Banks and Bureaux
de Change Credit and Debit Cards Citibank
2 Park St. Map 4 E2.
Bank trading hours are usually All well-known inter national 55–57 Pitt St. Map 1 B3.
9:30am–4pm Monday to credit cards are widely accepted 695 George St. Map 4 E4.
Thursday, and 9:30am–5pm on in Australia, as well as debit cards Tel 9978 2871.
Fridays. Some branches are also issued by major foreign banks. Commonwealth Bank
open to mid day on Saturdays. Visa and MasterCard (Access) are 48 Martin Place. Map 1 B4.
Major city banks open the most widely accepted cards, Tel 132 221.
8:30am–5pm on weekdays. while American Express is also National Australia Bank
Most bureaux de change are taken by most retailers and travel 343 George St. Map 1 B4.
open Monday to Saturday, 9am– providers. Some smaller estab- Tel 132 265.
5:30pm, and some are open lish ments such as cafés,
Sundays. Many state they don’t newsagents and convenience Travelex
charge commis sions or fees, but stores do not accept card 330 George St. Map 1 B4.
570 George St. Map 1 B5.
their exchange rates are generally payments. If your card is linked Tel 9978 2871.
lower than at banks. The current to a savings account, you can
exchange rates, which can vary use it as a debit card to both pay Westpac Bank
considerably day to day, are for goods and withdraw cash 341 George St. Map 1 B4.
shown in the windows or foyers from your account in the same Tel 132 032.
of banks and bureaux de change. transaction, minimizing ATM fees. Wiring Money
Pre-paid travel cards or money Most retailers have “tap-and-
cards, loaded with Australian go” terminals that use chip ANZ Bank UK
dollars before you travel, are an readers for card transactions 40 Bank St, Canary Wharf,
easy and secure way to access up to A$100, eliminating the London, E14 5EJ, UK.
your money through ATMs and need to enter a PIN code. Tel 0203 229 2121.
make purchases while avoiding Carry the phone number of Western Union
excess transaction fees and your credit card issuer in case ∑ westernunion.co.uk
fluctuating exchange rates. your card is lost or stolen.

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