Advantages of travel money cards
- Pre-load your funds. Depositing your money on the card in advance can help you to stick to a budget, though you can always reload if needed.
- Multiple currencies. You can convert Australian dollars into several supported currencies (great for a multi-country trip) and avoid currency conversion fees.
- Locked-in exchange rates. When you put money on the card it's converted to the local currency based on the exchange rate at that time. This means you don't have to worry about a sudden spike in exchange rates costing you more money.
- Frequent flyer points. The Qantas Pay prepaid card means you'll earn frequent flyer points for your spending both overseas and in Australia.
- ATM fees. Many travel money cards don't charge overseas ATM fees.

I’m travelling to Chile, Argentina, Brazil & Peru in September for 3 weeks on a prepaid trip. My expenses will be modest, probably a few souvenirs and one meal per day plus the odd splash out here and there. I’m looking for advice regarding the best way to handle money.
Hi John,
The “best” option for your travel will depend on your financial situation and your travel spending habits. Not many Australian prepaid travel cards support many South American currencies, so you might want to either consider a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card that does not charge foreign transaction or currency conversion fees. However, some South American currencies accept USD, so in this case, a prepaid travel card could come in handy.
It’s always a good idea to have more than one travel money option. So you might want to consider a credit card that is designed for overseas expenses for emergencies and big purchases and a debit or prepaid card and cash for everyday expenses. You should never keep all of your money options on you at one time, try to leave one option in a safe place (such as your hotel safe or with your luggage) to ensure that you are not strapped for cash should you lose your wallet.
You may wish to look over our South America Travel Money guide to get more information.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Sally
I am travelling to China in August this year. I’ve been told that if I get a travel card it can only be loaded with US dollars & not China’s Yuan money is this correct?. Am I better to take Yuan cash purchased from a Sydney bank before I travel & keep my travel card for larger purchases?
Hi Kitty,
Thanks for your question.
Most travel cards allow you to load a variety of currencies (as well as USD). However, not many of them support Chinese Yuan. As such, if you load USD (or another currency, such as AUD) onto your card, you may incur a currency conversion fee when making a purchase in RMB using the funds loaded on your card. Travelling with large amounts of cash can come with certain risks, so make sure to secure your funds while you travel. Your best bet may be to carry some of your cash with you and keep the rest in the hotel safe or another secure location while traveling.
For further tips, you may wish to consult our travel guide to China, Hong Kong and Korea. Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered before you travel.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Sally
I have heard that business owners do not like accepting these cards overseas. Is this correct?
Hi Felicity,
Thank you for your question.
This will depend on the card you use and the merchant.
Many travel cards, whether they’re debit, credit or prepaid cards, are supported by Visa and MasterCard and are generally accepted at selected ATMs and EFTPOS terminals internationally.
Depending on whether you’re referring to a travel debit card, a travel credit card or a prepaid travel card, there will be different limitations and benefits on offer.
I hope this has helped answer your question.
Thanks,
Sally
What’s the best and cheapest way to access cash in countries where the currency is not available on a travel money card – eg Knoner and rubles?
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your question.
If you are unable to find a travel card that supports your desired currency, you may want to consider a no currency conversion fee credit card.
You can compare some of your options from our no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees as well as the table dedicated to no foreign fees credit cards.
You can select the “Go to Site” button of your preferred credit card to proceed with your application. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions. A gentle reminder, please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered before you apply.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Sally
I am travelling to the UK and a number of European countries in a couple of months time. I have a Bankwest Platinum credit master card which is exempt of foreign transaction fees when used. If I was to load the card with my own money and use my own money for purchases and to withdraw cash would this be a better option to a cash/travel card? Because it is my own money being used will this attract any other fees or charges? Would the conversion of funds to AUS dollars be at the standard master card conversion rate for that day
Thank you
Hi Ron,
Thank you for your question.
I can confirm that there are some fees and charges involved when using the Bankwest Platinum Credit Mastercard overseas. For example, there is a foreign ATM access fee of $5.00 for ATM withdrawals and balance enquiries. Please note that the foreign exchange fee is waived each time you use your card for purchases.
Yes, that is correct. The daily exchange rate is set by Mastercard. If you load money onto a prepaid travel card, you can only access the funds you load onto the card, so you are only using your own money with this option too.
Please review our travel money guide to compare some of your travel money card options. Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered before you travel.
I hope this has answered your question.
Thanks,
Sally