J-BAR #18287 Posted December 14, 2024 Posted December 14, 2024 Our granddaughter will spend next semester in Tasmania, doing biology field work as an exchange student. We would like to give her a little extra cash for whatever. Should we just give her American currency, or traveler's checks, or a paid up credit card (which ones work in Tasmania)? Or something else? Thanks for your help. Quote
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted December 14, 2024 Posted December 14, 2024 The name of the city might help if you know it. Quote
Rye Miles #13621 Posted December 14, 2024 Posted December 14, 2024 My son was in Australia a few years ago on tour with Rob Thomas and I’m pretty sure he used a credit card for anything he bought! Quote
Rip Snorter Posted December 14, 2024 Posted December 14, 2024 Some local currency is a good idea virtually anywhere. Otherwise, credit cards are the thing. Are there even Am Ex Travelers Checks anymore? Quote
Pat Riot Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 I personally wouldn’t fool with Travelers Checks, if they still exist. Many U.S. businesses won’t accept them. I wouldn’t think they would be easier to use in another country. When I have traveled abroad I used credit cards. I also got between $200 and $400 I the local currency. Your bank may be able to help you get whatever foreign currencies you need for a small fee. 1 Quote
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 (edited) Should take a little currency to exchange. Make sure they are clean bills, no initials, handwriting, little stamps, tears, folds. Any place that deals in currency will want to sell them to someone else. there are also two way you can send cash to her, Moneygram and western union. Send in dollars, the exchange is usually better at the destination. Walmart is a good place to send. She will need a place to pick up the transfer, typically a bank. Edited December 15, 2024 by Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Quote
Chief Rick Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 Pay attention to the fine print on credit cards. Some charge a foreign transaction fee for every transaction, which varies from card to card. 3 Quote
Pat Riot Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 1 minute ago, Chief Rick said: Pay attention to the fine print on credit cards. Some charge a foreign transaction fee for every transaction, which varies from card to card. Good point. If I recall correctly I had no fees for my BofA debit card but 2 of my credit cards charged a small fee. Like 1-2% 2 Quote
Trailrider #896 Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 Just make sure her purse or wallet has a button or other closure on it...so any contents won't fall out from being upside down! Downunder! 5 Quote
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 And even on sidewalks, walk on the left, not right. 1 Quote
Texas Maverick Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 Not downunder but when I traveled in England I used an AMEX card and they didn't charge a fee for its usage. They did the exchange rate to adjust the actual amount charged on the card. I went with US dollars and when I got off the phone in England there is a money exchange booth for exchanging currency. They had a small fee but wasn't much. You can also go to the bank to exchange currency. TM Quote
Wallaby Jack, SASS #44062 Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 Visa and/or Mastercard ....... useable most anywhere ......... .... well, they are in N.S.W., ......... Tasmania, ..... well God knows ..... 🙃 Quote
Wallaby Jack, SASS #44062 Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 currently 1AuD=about 65US cents. been that way for about 20 years 🤢 Quote
Buckshot Bear Posted December 15, 2024 Posted December 15, 2024 First up - She is going to fall in love with Tasmania! I would go for a paid up credit card, that's going to be accepted everywhere, but could annoy small shops for just a coffee etc The exchange rate greatly benefits her, I would also give her a good supply of Aussie notes. You could do that your side or when she arrives. Now ya' just gotta' worry that she doesn't fall in love with a handsome young Aussie and doesn't come home! 1 Quote
J-BAR #18287 Posted December 16, 2024 Author Posted December 16, 2024 Thanks to all for your comments. Quote
Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted December 16, 2024 Posted December 16, 2024 On 12/15/2024 at 8:57 AM, Chief Rick said: Pay attention to the fine print on credit cards. Some charge a foreign transaction fee for every transaction, which varies from card to card. And have her call the credit card companies and tell them where she’s traveling. If they start seeing charges that don’t make sense, they’ll put a hold on the card which could get awkward to fix. 6 Quote
Eyesa Horg Posted December 16, 2024 Posted December 16, 2024 Just now, Charlie Harley, #14153 said: And have her call the credit card companies and tell them where she’s traveling. If they start seeing charges that don’t make sense, they’ll put a hold on the card which could get awkward to fix. We ran into that when we were touring the country on a motorcycle. Called the CC company after that! Quote
Wallaby Jack, SASS #44062 Posted December 16, 2024 Posted December 16, 2024 2 hours ago, J-BAR #18287 said: Thanks to all for your comments. You, Sir, are most welcome .... 🙃 Quote
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