Coming from the USA . I was wondering would it be best to bring Au money all cash? or can I use my credit card to withdraw money and to use at restaurant and shops. Question is will most places accept my credit card..?
OzNana
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Mostly, credit cards are OK. Things like Mastercard, Visa are accepted pretty well everywhere. Some shops won't take American Express, or they have a surcharge if you use American Express (don't ask me why, it drives me mad). You could also get a bit of cash at the exchange place at the airport if you wanted to.
If you use an electronic funds transfer card for your bank at home, that should work in Australian teller machines too.
fruitsalad
You can use a Mastercard or Visa pretty much anywhere and you get a better exchange rate with credit cards than with cash. You can also withdraw Australian dollars using your ordinary debit card from the ATM (bank machine) which are all over the place. When traveling I usually find it helpful to bring around $100 cash in as small change as they will give you to pay for things the first day or two (eg bus ticket, money in a trolley for your luggage etc). Cash advances through your credit card usually attract a nasty fee.
Let your credit card provider know you are traveling so they don't think it's been stolen and cancel your card.
Anne M
You can do either but would suggest you check with your bank re a travel card. It is similar to a debit card and there is an upfront fee but they will not charge exchange rates for each transaction they will for a credit card. Usually works out cheaper in the long run.
As to if your credit card is accepted, it depends on the card. Amex is not accepted everywhere (same in US) but Mastercard, Visa etc are.
Remember that the cost of accommodation, food and fuel is more expensive here than in the US.
Anonymous
If you bring enough cash in Aussie Dollars to get you through the first day or so & then use a credit or debit card you'll be okay...
Just make sure before you leave that your card is compatible with our system over here ...Visa or Mastercard are fine.
Mwah
Amazingly Australia is a civilized country, more so than America actually. We do have credit card facilities in 99% of shops and restaurants. We also have ATM's! Wow!