Australian Travel Banking

Everywhereasign

Traveling to Australia in a month or so. Just wanted to confirm with locals what debit banking networks are accepted at your typical bank machines there.

I've got various debit accounts covering the Interac, Plus, Cirrus, and Maestro networks.

This is relating to debit cards of course. I know credit cards aren't a problem, but I'd like to get out cash without taking an advance on my card.

Thanks

Sunstrand

When I was there a year ago everybody I was with, we are all from Alberta, everyones debit cards worked. I can't remember anyone using debit in a store though, always an ATM. Also when we got home the ATM charges ranged from $7 to $15 Canadian, between the AUS banks and the CAN banks each taking a chunk, so while it was nice to just head to the bank machine, if you are on any type of budget it can get pricey.

I used a combination of VISA, debit, traveler's checks and Australian money I got in Canada for my trip, if I were to go again I would probably use the traveler's checks more and not use debit unless it was an emergency. If you plan on exchanging cash or checks while there do it at a bank not one of the money changing places, they kind of rip you off but that's how they make their money.

I know it's more info than you asked for, some you probably knew before, but I figured what the hell.

Everywhereasign

That was great, thanks!