Major credit cards and cash machines are widely available throughout your tour and your tour manger will be on hand to help you find the best places to exchange your money. When travelling to Australia, a currency card is a simple way to buy currency and lock in a great exchange rate before you travel. Distant Journeys recommends Revolut, a digital banking app which offers a pre-paid physical or virtual currency card. It is also simple to apply for, set up and use.
For more information on the Revolut Currency Card, please click here.
We also recommend advising your bank of your travel plans prior to departing from the UK so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash.
Please note the following general advice:
• ATMs are generally available in major cities, less so in rural areas
• Credit cards are generally widely accepted in the majority of hotels, cruises, larger international restaurants and shops, although be aware credit card payments may incur an additional fee
• If buying small items or purchasing from local shops, restaurants and markets, or when outside of major cities, with the exception of hotels, local currency is always recommended
• If you are planning to use your debit or credit card whilst travelling, advise your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash or make a payment
• When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these, along with coins, separate from larger ones - this is also handy for tipping
• It is always worth carrying a small amount of UK Sterling or US Dollars as these can usually be readily exchanged
• Keep your exchange receipts as these may be needed if you want to exchange any remaining currency you have at the end of your trip