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Thread ID: 77891	2007-03-26 20:07:00	Best deal to obtain Aussie currency?	John W (523)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
536063	2007-03-26 20:07:00	Hi there. We are heading to Aust in a few months time, need some Hard Currency to supplement my Visa card for smaller purchases. So, I was wondering where the best deal to obtain Aussie Currency was. From a Local Bank - well ahead of time. A Currency Exchange business - few and far between here in Dn The Currency exchange at an Airport Try my luck in Aust. - Taking Visa as well but I will need Aust currency soon after arrival. Thanks for your input. John in Mosgiel	John W (523)
536064	2007-03-26 22:29:00	If it was me and the amount was significant, I'd go to a bank's website and have a look at their graph of currency exchange trends, then work out from there when to buy. I think National Bank does a graph. In my experience buying from a reputable bank is way better than using high street or airport currency exchanges. Of course if the amount is small, eg just a few hundred, then just do whatever's most convenient.	Greg (193)
536065	2007-03-26 22:55:00	Of course if the amount is small, eg just a few hundred, then just do whatever's most convenient. Eh? Small?... you must be charging too much Greg :D But yep, stick with the bank if you can. They tend to charge lower fees.	Shortcircuit (1666)
536066	2007-03-26 23:00:00	There is not much diff, I say get it done in your account (not credit card), they have 1% commission generally (or minimum $5) which ever higher, credit card one of mine has 2.25% with no minimum. In NZ I heard few banks if any, I am sure there are one or two though, I think it was the National Bank if not mistaken by one of their commercials, anyway most will not let you exchange FX unless you have an account with them. My mother has like saving accounts in like 7 banks or something :D Airport has always reported more expensive, NZ or abroad. Don't withdraw money from international ATM as you get a hefty fee if you withdraw $20 or $500. The fee is nominal such as $5 or $10 per withdraw. If you want to get travellers cheques, check out your current credit card which may waive some fees or if you are part of a group such as Kathmandu Summit Club, YHA backpacker member who has ties with Travelex. But of course you need to shop around for the best rates	Nomad (952)
536067	2007-03-26 23:21:00	The edit function stuffed me up ... Continuing on .. Even if you are part of one of those groups with some waived fees, do some quick maths and see which way is better, as gen FX centers are bit more $$ than banks. If getting travellers chqs, I think research it, if you get AMEX and go to AMEX to take out comm at withdrawal may be waived. Some countries I been to just a normal bank didn't even have it .. so depends on country. For c/c just remember to add on 2.25% at the end after FX are done. If you bought a book or a shirt or went to 3 stores and bought a shirt in each, that 2.25% is mandatory on top of it after FX rates are calculated. On each transaction be it cash withdrawal, convenience store or hotel or what .. For eftpos (chq/sav) yes you can use it intl as well for purchasing and withdrawal but check your bank for fees, like a comm fee on top after FX rates and if you are withdrawing from ATM a $5 or $10 per each time are also added. If you not staying long, get them swapped at a bank or one of the groups you belong to if they are lesser and go with cash and don't use eftpos or c/c. When going to a normal bank, they may tell you if you don't have an a/c w/ them they tell you to go back to your own bank. I think National Bank is one of them ... Westpac and ANZ won't do it though. If you went to a normal bank intl the rates are not much diff. If you went to paypal or instore overseas not much diff at most in my experience recently, its been a diff of $0.05 to the USD.	Nomad (952)
536068	2007-03-27 00:06:00	The choice is simple, definitely your bank. When to to do it is the difficult bit. My advice is not yet, although x rates can be fickle	bonzo29 (2348)
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