Currency for Oz

[smurfchops]

In the current climate, would I be better to get Australian Dollars over here, with no commission, or in Australia, with my Nationwide debit card, as Nationwide don't charge commission either? I am thinking of the best exchange rate please. If I get money in Australia, should I use a Bank or a Currency shop ??

[eash]

In my opinion I'd get it here.

[sddsddean]

We used our Nationwide card in ATM's in Barcelona and got a better rate than if we had bought them here. I would imagine its the same in Oz, but don't know.

[dzug]

You cannot get Aus$$ here with no commission - the so called 'no commission' deals have typically a 5% commission built into the exchange rate. OK some are a bit less, some maybe a little more, but all the outlets have it.

Get them in Australia from an ATM using your Nationwide card. No commission, no exchange rate loading.

Don't know about changing money any other way in Australia - the banks there have a reputation for high charges but I don't know how far this is true or just travellers' hype.

[eash]

You get charged for using ATM's in Australia unless you are with the bank you are withdrawing from.

[dzug]

You get charged for using ATM's in Australia unless you are with the bank you are withdrawing from.

Not in my experience (as a visitor - it will be different for residents), though it's always possible that things have changed recently.

[eash]

I was there for a year from June 07 (so until June 08) and that was the case then.
I suppose it does all depend what bank you're with here though I was with Abbey and they charged but then I got a Westpac account while I was over there and only got free withdrawals using Westpac ATM's.

[dzug]

I think you may be confused between the ATM charging and the bank charging.

Abbey charge for overseas withdrawals - yes. But that's regardless of where you are and is their charge rather than the ATM charging.

Australian ATMs usually charge locals - unless they use their own bank

Australian ATMs don't generally charge foreigners.

At least that's how I view the situation.

[smurfchops]

So are you saying use an ATM outside a Bank and I won't get charges ??