DBT Corporate Travel Information - Travel
Guide
Money matters
* Access to cash using credit cards and EFTPOS
cards via ATM machines is replacing the traditional method
of travellers cheques in many countries.
* Credit cards are a must for Australians’
travelling to Europe, but remember, if you want to use them
in ATMs you need a PIN number. Contact your bank for further
information.
* It's a good idea to leave home with your
card in credit especially if you intend using it to obtain
cash at ATMs. Cash transactions are free when you're in
credit but cost up to $6 when you're not. Ordinary credit
card purchases don't incur a fee.
* With EFTPOS, many countries aren't as advanced
as Australia and you may not be able to use your card to
make purchases. However, they do work in ATMs around the
world but each cash withdrawal costs up to $6.
* Don't expect shops to act as banks like
they do in Australia. Some places will only give out cash
if you spend a certain amount, while most won't give you
cash at all.
* Credit cards are great for big purchases
if you want to keep a record of them, or if you are going
to a country where the banking system is not as efficient
as Australia.
* Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Take some foreign exchange with you because the rate you
receive in Australia could be better than overseas. Also
take some travellers cheques and credit cards/ATM cards.
* In some countries, the rate of exchange
is far better for cash than travellers cheques.
* Always take some local currency for the
country you're visiting. Remember, not every country has
easy money access and you don't want to arrive in a strange
country on a wet Sunday without enough for coffee or a pay
toilet.
* Get your foreign exchange at a bank because
the rate will probably be better than at the airport (bureau
de change).
* Travellers cheques sometimes offer a better
exchange rate than cash because they are easier and safer
for banks to deal with. However, most shops, B&Bs etc
won't take them, so you'll need money too.
* Always carry your passport when you want
to cash a travellers cheque, most places won't cash them
without it.
* Keep a record of your travellers cheque
numbers and note the number's you've cashed.
* Leave cash, travellers cheques etc in a
safe place, eg the hotel safe. Don't carry all your money
with you, spread it among your wallet, suitcases etc.
* Work out in your mind a rough currency
calculation guide (eg $US, multiply by 1.6 to get rough
Australian equivalent)
* In most cities you can buy a public transport
day pass which is cheaper then buying sectors.
* Hotels charge like wounded bulls for all
telephone calls. Telstra have phone cards with serial and
pin numbers for overseas use. Dial a toll free number, enter
your serial and pin numbers then the number you want to
call. If you're in the UK dialing home you are charged at
Australian rates. Remember to call at times when Australian
rates are low (7am - 7pm UK time).
