I have spent a lot of time overseas and settled on these as my top picks for ways of getting the most for my Australian dollar abroad.
Citibank Visa Debit Card
This will be on a Citibank Plus Transaction Account.Pros:
- No annual fees
- Visa card bulk exchange rate
- No commission on foreign currency purchases
- No fees or commissions on foreign ATM withdrawals*
- A huge international network of Citibank banks and ATMs. You can use these to withdraw money fee free in places where local banks impose charges.
- You can set up an Australian account with citibank Australia from any country where you can access a Citibank branch.
- No travel insurance associated with the card
Bankwest Zero Gold Mastercard
Pros:- No annual fees
- Mastercard bulk exchange rate
- No commission or fees on foreign currency purchases
- Free automatic travel insurance when you purchase travel tickets in advance on this card (there are certain conditions that apply - so make sure you fully understand them in the fine print to ensure that you are actually insured)
- You will be charged a fee/commission by Bankwest if you get a cash advance at a foreign ATM*
Honorable Mention: Latitude 28 Degrees Travel Card
Pros:- No annual fees
- Mastercard bulk exchange rate
- No commission or fees on foreign currency purchases
- You will be charged a fee/commission by Latitude if you get a cash advance at a foreign ATM*
- No travel insurance
* Foreign banks may impose a fee for using their ATM. In some countries all banks charge. In some countries none do. And in other countries some banks charge while others don't.