Archives

Yes it is better to use a debit card in the USA as it is cheaper than using funds from a credit card which have an interest rate typically of 20%, they are accepted in most places for payment, they are secure and you can transfer money into the account easily overseas.

As a general rule, working out how much money to take to the USA depends on where you go and your type of travel. If you travel on a budget to the USA it can cost US$50 – US$100 a day. If you travel in the middle range throughout the USA it can cost US$100 – US$200 per day. Finally if you travel with luxury throughout the USA it can cost anywhere from $200 per day.

Yes Mastercard debit cards work in the USA and are one of the two cards most commonly accepted throughout the USA. If the ATM has a Mastercard, Cirrus or Maestro logo on it, two different coloured circles overlapping you can withdraw local currency with your Mastercard debit card.

Yes you can place US dollars on a prepaid travel card or you can have your debit account linked to currency accounts like with Wise, HSBC and Citibank. Most prepaid travel cards (Australia Post, Travelex, Travel Money Oz and Cash Passport) have hefty fees including initial card, loading, reloading, inactivity and ATM fees so while they are handy, there are cheaper alternatives on the market.

You can use cards linked to Mastercard, Visa or American Express within the US. They have lots of ATMS to withdraw cash from all over the US and most shops, hotels and restaurants accept these 3 cards for payment.

Yes you can if they are Mastercard or Visa and you will be charged with a lot of fees including the international transaction fee (3-5%), ATM withdrawal fee by the bank in the US ($5) and an ATM withdrawal fee by your own bank (up to $5).