Is it worth getting a travel card?

Only if the bank you already use, charges high international transaction fees. Unfortunately, that’s most Australians that bank with the big 4 banks.

For example, using your ING, Macquarie or Up Bank debit card overseas is not that much different to a specialised travel card. The effort to get a new card set up may not be worth it.

Alternatively, if you are losing 5% on the exchange rate and getting hit with high ATM fees from your local bank, then it’s definitely worth getting a travel card that isn’t issued by one of the large, retail banks.

Updated: Posted on