6 Travel Cards for Australians Visiting Hong Kong
Maximise your experience in Hong Kong with the ideal travel money card
Hong Kong, a dazzling city known for its spectacular skyline, vibrant street markets, and rich cultural heritage, is a must-visit for Australian travellers. As you prepare to immerse yourself in this dynamic city—from shopping in Mong Kok to enjoying a sunset cruise in Victoria Harbour—choosing the right travel money card is essential.
In Hong Kong you are likely to pay for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment as well as withdraw cash from ATMs with your card. So which is the best card for international travel to take with you?
Best 6 Travel Money Cards for Hong Kong in 2024:
- Wise Travel Card for best exchange rates
- Revolut Card for low fees
- Travelex Money Card - Best all rounder
- HSBC Global Everyday Debit Card for best debit card you can use in Australia too
- Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card for lowest interest rate
- ING One Low Rate Credit Card with no annual fee
Wise Travel Card - Best Exchange Rates
- 40+ currencies available
- Best exchange rates globally
- One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
- No international transaction fees
- No annual or monthly fees
- Extremely low costs to send money overseas
Fees and limits
- Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
- Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise Card charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
- Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
- Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
- It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
- Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted
Using the Wise card in Hong Kong
The Wise Travel Card is an solid choice for those going to Hong Kong, providing a range of features that cater specifically to the needs of international visitors. This card allows access to over 40 currencies at the real exchange rate, which is recognised as the most economical rate worldwide.
For travellers visiting Hong Kong, this means the ability to convert their home currency into Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) at highly competitive rates, ensuring cost-effective currency exchange during their stay in this vibrant city. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.
Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.
Revolut - Low Fees
- 30+ currencies available
- One of the best exchange rates globally
- No international transaction fees
- No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
- No initial card fee
- Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies
Fees and limits
- No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
- Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
- Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
- Can be used wherever Visa is accepted
Using the Revolut
The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a two-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.
Travelex Money Card - Best Support
Key Features
- Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Initial and replacement card are free
- No international transaction fees
- Lock in up to 10 currencies
Fees and limits
- Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
- Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
- Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
- While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
- Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
- If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
- Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map
Using the Travelex Money Card in Hong Kong
The Travelex Money Card is a good all rounder no matter if you are heading to the bustling streets of Hong Kong or visiting the serene Lantau Island.
You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as Wise or Revolut, the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good. This service can be extremely useful when journeying across the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong.
HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card - Best Debit Card
Key Features
- Great exchange rates
- No fees at ATMs to withdraw cash
- No international transaction fees
- No initial card, closure, account keeping or monthly fees
- No cross currency conversion fees
Fees and limits
- 10 Currencies can be loaded are JPY, USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, SGD, INR and CNY (currency restrictions on CNY)
- No maximum balance for any currency
- Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
- ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
- Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100.
- Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
- Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability
- Can be used wherever Visa is accepted
The HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card is a good option to take overseas and to spend money with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees.
There is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate
Key Features
- Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
- No international transaction fees on purchases
- Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
- Low annual fee
- Complimentary international travel insurance
Fees and limits
- Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
- Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
- $6,000 minimum credit card
- 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
- 21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
- Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance
- Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling.
In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places that take Mastercard.
ING One Low Rate Credit Card - No Annual Fee
Key Features
- No annual fee
- No international transaction fees on purchases
- Up to 45 days interest free on purchases
- Lowest cash advance interest rate of 11.99%
- Use instalment plans to pay off your purchases over time at a lower interest rate
Fees and limits
- 11.99% interest rate on purchases
- $6,000 minimum credit card
- Make payments from your mobile with pay with Apple Pay and Google Pay
- International ATM fee and Foreign currency conversion fee are waived when you deposit $1,000 into your Orange Everyday each month, and make 5+ card purchases that are settled. Otherwise they are the higher of 3% or at least $3
- Put repayments on auto payment each month to pay the minimum balance or full amount
- Can be used wherever Visa is accepted
The ING One Low Rate credit card for travel is a great option to take for your next overseas trip as it has one of the lowest interest rates with no international transaction fee on purchases. These two features alone will save you lots of money abroad.
In addition, it has no annual fee, offers 45 days interest free on purchases and it offers the one of the lowest interest rates for cash advances. Finally, it's super versatile. You can make payments from your mobile with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
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Choosing the Right Travel Money Card for Hong Kong
Picking the perfect travel money card for Hong Kong involves considering several key features to ensure it matches your travel needs. Here’s what to look for:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Select a card that eliminates foreign transaction fees to help you save on each purchase.
- Favorable Exchange Rates: Opt for cards that offer competitive exchange rates to get more value for your money.
- Extensive ATM Network: Ensure your card is widely accepted at ATMs throughout Hong Kong for easy access to cash.
- Enhanced Security Features: Choose a card with advanced security measures like chip and PIN technology and temporary lock capabilities to protect your funds.
Using Your Travel Money Card in Hong Kong
To make the most out of your travel money card in Hong Kong, consider these tips:
- Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any temporary freezes on your card due to unusual activity.
- Understand Fee Structures: To manage your finances better, be clear about any fees associated with ATM withdrawals or currency conversions.
- Keep a Backup: Always carry a backup payment option, such as a second card or some Hong Kong dollars, to ensure you have a plan B in emergencies.
Managing Your Finances While Traveling
Staying on top of your finances while exploring Hong Kong can help you enjoy a worry-free vacation. Here are some effective strategies:
- Set a Daily Budget: Establish a daily spending limit to keep your finances in check while allowing you to enjoy all Hong Kong offers.
- Monitor Spending: Regularly check your card’s app or online banking platform to track your spending and stay informed of any charges or unusual transactions.
- Leverage Card Perks: Make use of any additional benefits your card offers, such as discounts on attractions, dining, or accommodation, to enhance your travel experience and save money.
FAQs
The best travel card for Hong Kong is the Wise Multi Currency card for tap or swipe large transactions like accommodation and restaurants. Wise offers the best exchange rate for Hong Kong dollars globally and charges no international transaction fees.
HSBC Global and Citibank Plus cards are the best for ATM withdrawals and great exchange rates for Hong Kong dollars. Both these cards charge no international transaction fee and can be used within Australia without penalties.
The best credit cards for Hong Kong are the BankWest Platinum Breeze and ING One Low Rate as they have the lowest interest rates on the market with and charge no international transaction fees.
Yes you should buy Hong Kong dollars before you travel to Hong Kong. Having Hong Kong dollars on hand when you arrive at the airport will make your life a lot easier. The airport is also the most expensive place to exchange currency, so you will save a lot of money as well. Even though Hong Kong is card friendly, having cash on hand will always be handy for small purchases, tipping and paying for transport.
HSBC and Citibank have the best travel money cards for Hong Kong. Both have lots of ATMs within Hong Kong, both offer fantastic exchange rates for the Hong Kong dollar and both offer ‘no international transaction fees’.
You can place money on your travel money card online and paying by direct debit from your bank account will cost you the least. Log in to your bank account, transfer your funds into the travel money card and the money should be there within 24 hours.
Yes, travel money cards are a good idea to take to Hong Kong? They provide better security than cash, as you can access your account without your pin code. They are useful for paying large bills for accommodation or restaurants as travel cards are less bulky.
Yes you can use your Australian debit card in Hong Kong and if they are linked to Mastercard or Visa. Most Australian debit cards will charge an international transaction fee of 3% plus give a very poor exchange rate for Hong Kong dollars adding another 5% to purchase fee and if you use a non affiliated ATM you will be charged an additional $5 for a withdrawal.
Yes you can get prepaid international debit cards for Hong Kong and Wise, HSBC and Citibank offer the most competitive cards in the market. Other older style prepaid cards like Australia Post, Cash Passport, Travel Money Oz and Travelex have lots of charges like load, unload, inactivity, ATM withdrawals and initial card fees.
As a general rule, working out how much money to take to Hong Kong depends on where you go and your type of travel. If you travel on a budget to Hong Kong it can cost from $70 a day. If you travel in the middle range throughout Hong Kong it can cost from $140 per day. Finally if you travel with luxury throughout Hong Kong it can cost anywhere from $300 per day.
No you can not use Australian dollars or American Cash in Hong Kong. The currency used in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar. There are 6 bank notes with different colours, they are $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000. There are 3 coins, they are 13 different coins 10¢, 20¢ and 50¢.
