Which Debit Card is Best to Use When Travelling Overseas
Posted November 24th, 2011 and last modified December 20th, 2011Australians are keen travellers and like to check out what’s going on in the rest of the world. Finding the best way pay for our travel expenses can be a challenge. In this article we’ll be considering some of the benefits of using a debit card to pay your way when you’re travelling outside Australia.
Debit Card Comparison
| Debit Card | Account Details | Type | Monthly Fee/Min Deposit | Fee without Minimum Monthly Deposit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 NAB Classic Banking |
Pay no monthly account service fee ever. No minimum deposits to be eligible. Added benefits include your choice of 4 colours – black, red, white and pink, 90 day Purchase Protection Insurance, and enhanced security with NAB Visa Debit Cards chip technology and Visa Zero Liability. You can also link your account to a NAB iSaver or NAB Smart Reward Saver savings account. |
Visa Debit Card | $0 | $0 |   |
 ANZ Access Advantage with ANZ Everyday Visa Debit Card |
Enjoy unlimited everyday ANZ transactions for $5 per month – including ANZ ATMs, Phone and Internet Banking, Branch, Cheque and EFTPOS transactions. Monitored by ANZ Falcon for added transaction security. No credit history needed. |
Visa Debit Card | $0 | $5 | |
 St.George Complete Freedom Account |
Unlimited ATM and branch access. No monthly account service fee, so long as you deposite a minimum of $2,000 by the last business day of every month or have your St.George Home Loan repayment deducted from your account. 10 free SMS alerts per month. |
Visa Debit Card | $0 / $2,000 | 0 / $5 | |
St.George Express Freedom Account |
Pay as you go for branch and cheque services, meaning you only pay for what you actually use. Great card for online and electronic banking with a Visa Debit Card. |
Visa Debit Card | - | $3 | |
St.George SENSE |
Transaction account that is linked to your savings account. Allows you to earn a competitive interest rate on your money, with the convenience of 24/7 access as it is linked to your debit card. |
Visa Debit Card | $0 / $2,000 | $5 | |
Spending money overseas
You can pay for your travel tickets and accommodation before you leave Australia, but you’ll still need funds for your day-to-day expenses when you travel overseas for business or pleasure, but some of the traditional forms of payment have their drawbacks.
- Carrying your funds in cash can get complicated. Do you convert it to foreign currency before you leave, or wait until you get to your destination? How much cash do you need in each country you‘re visiting? What about currency conversion fees and commission? The list of questions goes on and on. Of course it’s essential to carry a small amount of the local currency for cab fares and small purchases, but it‘s not safe to carry larger amounts of cash.
- Travellers’ cheques are bulky and you have to have your passport to cash them. There is usually a 1% fee for each cheque, and sometimes commission is also payable. If you’ve bought more traveller’s cheques than you need, you could find that you get less than you paid for them if you cash them in when you get home, as the seller’s rate for traveller’s cheques is often lower than the buyer’s rate. As the number of places you can cash traveller’s cheques is limited, they can be useful for some large purchases but hard to use for those spur-of-the-moment buys.
- Eftpos cards issued by Australian banks are often hard to use overseas. They often don’t work in ATMs, and merchants often refuse them because they don’t recognise the card. If you want to use your eftpos card overseas it’s essential to have an alternative source of funds in case the card isn’t accepted.
- Credit cards are accepted by merchants and bank ATMs all over the world because they have universally recognised logos and credit card transactions are processed by international financial institutions. They are more convenient than traveller’s cheques – they can easily be carried in your wallet, and you can use your PIN to authorise your purchases so don’t need your passport to establish your identity.
The advantages of using a debit card overseas
We’ve seen some of the drawbacks of relying on cash, traveller’s cheques and bank cards when you’re travelling. Credit cards are a convenient way of paying for your travelling expenses, but not everyone has a credit card. This is when debit cards come into their own. Let’s look at some of the advantages of using a debit card when you’re overseas.
- Applying for a debit card is quick and easy. You don’t need to have an established credit history or a good credit record to get one, because you aren’t applying for credit. If you don’t have a credit history, or your credit record is poor, a debit card is a good alternative to a credit card.
- There’s no risk of overspending with a debit card as you can only spend your own funds, not your bank’s money. You can enjoy your holiday without worrying about finding a mountain of credit card bills when you get home.
- Debit cards have either MasterCard or Visa logos, so you can use them everywhere MasterCard or Visa credit cards are accepted. When you’re considering a debit card one thing to bear in mind is your issuer’s availability for enquiries from overseas: some smaller card issuers only provide customer service facilities during normal Australian business hours, which is not much help if you have a problem with your card at the weekend or when you’re in a different time zone.
Debit Cards for Japan
The Japanese credit card will allow you to purchase goods anywhere in the world where VISA or MasterCard is accepted. This section the article will explain what a debit card is and what a Japanese credit card is:
- Debit card. A debit card is a card that can be used like a credit card. The debit card however lets you use your own money to make purchases. By using your own money you will be able to avoid the interest rates that are charged with credit cards while still having the flexibility of using a credit card type service.
- Japanese debit card. The features of the Japanese debit card will be very similar to those that are offered all over the world but they will come with lower fees for transactions that occur within Japan.
What Fees will you Avoid Using a Japanese Debit Card
You will avoid paying many fees if you travel to Japan and use a Japanese debit card while travelling through the country. This section of the article will explain what fees you may be charged with a Japanese debit card and what fees you may avoid by using the Japanese debit card instead of a foreign debit card:
- High transaction fees. All cards will charge transaction fees when you use the card. However, if the card is used domestically you will usually be charged a lower fee than what you will when it is used internationally. If you plan on travelling to Japan you can transfer you money to the card and use the card domestically so you will be charged less in fees.
- Continual currency exchange fees. When you make a transaction with a foreign card you will have to pay a currency exchange fee with each of the purchases. This will happen because the money you are using will still be in your local currency. If you buy a domestic Japanese debit card you will transfer the money to the card and avoid having to pay currency exchange fees on each transaction. You may have to pay currency exchange fees on the transfer but this will be a one off cost.
The Japanese debit cards are a great way to spend money in Japan or in any country that accepts VISA or MasterCard. The debit cards can be used in the same way as credit cards but you will be using your own money to buy goods and therefore will avoid paying the high interest charges. Furthermore, by using the Japanese debit cards you will also avoid many of the fees that will be charged with international transactions.
An NZ debit card is a debit card that is offered in New Zealand. This section of the article will explain what the debit card can do and where you can use the card:
- Debit card. A debit card is like a credit card. You can use the debit card in any place where a credit card is accepted. You will usually be able to choose between a VISA debit card or a MasterCard debit card. The debit card differs from a credit card in that you will use your own money on the card. The debit card will not allow you to go into a negative balance. As you are not borrowing money from the provider you will not have to pay the large interest charges. Furthermore, the debit card also allows you to avoid carrying large amounts of money around with you.
Where can you use the NZ Debit Cards
The debit card is versatile in that you can use the card in many places. This section of the article will explain where you can use the debit card:
- ATMs. The debit card can be used at any ATM that accepts VISA or MasterCard (depending on which type of card that you chose). When you apply for the card you will be asked to select a PIN. When you use the card in an ATM simply enter the PIN and withdraw the funds from your card. You will usually be charged a withdrawal fee but if you use the debit card in NZ and the money on the card is in NZ dollars you will avoid paying additional fees.
- Stores. The debit card can be used in stores to make purchases as long as the store accepts VISA or MasterCard (depending on which type of card that you chose). You will use the card like a credit card with either signature verification or PIN verification. You will be charged a transaction fee with all purchases however if the card is use in NZ you will avoid international transaction fees.
- Online. The NZ debit card can also be used online. When you use the debit card online you will simply give the card number, inform the website on what type of card it is and give the expiry date. As long as you have money on the card then your purchase should be processed. If you use the card on a NZ website with NZ currency then you will also avoid many fees.
Europe Debit Card
The Europe debit card is that allows you to use your own money overseas. They act like credit cards in that they will be accepted in all the places regular credit cards will be accepted, however by using you own money you will be able avoid the high interest rates that are usually charged on credit cards.
How do Europe debit cards work?
The Europe debit cards are very simple to use once you put money on the card. When you put money on the card you will transfer the money into the currency that you desire. Once the money is transferred over you will be able to use the card at any location that takes that kind of credit card.
What fees will you have to pay?
Like most cards you will be charged fees when you use the account. The debit cards come with a variety of fees. The fees that are charged to a Europe debit card will be monthly fees on the card, transaction fees that are charged to the account, currency exchange fees when you transfer money over from another country and sometimes many more.
Can you get a Europe debit card?
Most people will be able to get a Europe debit card. The cards are offered to people that live all over the world and the card will not go into debit there is no risk that the provider will lose money on the card.
How can Europe debit cards save you money?
The Europe debit card will save you money if you choose to travel to a country in Europe. Firstly, you will save money by paying only the one transfer fee. If you transfer the funds over to the account in a lump sum then you will only pay the one transfer fee. If you use an Australian debit card to spend money in Europe you will have to pay the transfer fee on every transaction. Furthermore, you will only have to pay the one currency exchange fee instead of many little fees. Also, the Europe debit cards will also save you money as you will only be charged domestic transaction fees on the card. Most debit cards will have higher fees for international transactions. By getting the card in the country that you travel to you will avoid these fees.
The Europe debit cards are a great way for people to travel overseas with their own money. The great thing about the cards is that they can be used like a regular credit card but you will avoid the interest fees that are charged to credit cards. By getting the Europe debit card if you are travelling to Europe you will be able to save money on fees and charges that will be charged to the account.
What is a UK Debit Card
Each country will offer a debit card that can be used in the country at a lower rate. This section will explain what a UK debit card is and how it differs from normal debit cards:
- Debit card. A debit card is a card that allows you to make purchases using your own money. The debit cards differ to EFTPOS cards in that you can make purchases online on sites that may only accept credit cards. Furthermore, the debits cards differ from credit cards in that you will use your own money to make the purchase. You will not be charged interest on the card.
- UK debit card. A UK debit card is a debit card that is offered in the UK. The UK debit card will have low fees charged to transactions that occur in the UK when compared to debit cards from another country.
How do you use a UK Debit Card
The UK debit card can be used in a variety of ways. This section of the article will explain how you use the UK debit card and where you can use them:
- Purchase card. The first step of any debit card is to purchase a card. Some cards will be offered for free while with other cards you may have to pay a small fee to open up the account.
- Put money onto the card. Once you have received your UK debit card you will then have to put money on the card. This is the money that you will use to make your purchases. You can do this online or by visiting the provider.
- Using the card for purchases in stores. Once you have money on your UK debit card you can then make purchases. If you would like to make a purchase in a store you will swipe your card in the EFTPOS machine and either type in a PIN or sign your name. You will set up these options when you set up your debit card.
- Using the card online. If you are using your debit card online you will have to type in the debit card number, give the type of card (VISA or MasterCard) and give the expiry date of the card.
- Using the card in an ATM. If you would like to withdraw money from your account you can do so using an ATM that accepts VISA or MasterCard (depending on which one you have). To withdraw money you will have to type in the PIN that you selected when you set up the account.
UK debit cards are a great way for people in the UK to make purchases and carry around money securely. The cards can be used all over the world at any outlet that accepts VISA or MasterCard. You can use the UK debit card to make purchases, withdraw money or pay bills anywhere in the world.
What is a USA Debit Card
The USA debit card is a great way to spend money while in the USA or anywhere in the world. This section of the article will explain what a debit card is and why it is called the USA debit card:
- Debit card. A debit card is a card that can be used much like a credit card. When you apply for a debit card you will usually be able to choose between a VISA and a MasterCard debit card. You will then be able to use the card at any location that accepts these card types. The debit cards differ from the credit cards in that you will put your own money onto the credit card and use this money instead of borrowing money. By doing this you will not be charged any of the interest that is charged to credit cards.
- Debit card that can be used in the USA. The debit cards can be used all over the world, however you will receive lower charges on many of the transactions that occur within the USA. The debit cards can be used at ATM’s, in stores and online as long as they accept VISA or MasterCard.
What are the Benefits of Using the USA Debit Card
- Use your own money. The main advantage of a USA debit card is that you will be using you own money. As you are using your own money you will be able to avoid paying the high interest rates that are associated with credit cards.
- Lower fees if used in the USA. If you use the USA debit card in the USA you will pay lower fees on many of the transactions. Firstly, you will only pay domestic transaction fees for any purchases that are made in the USA. If the transactions are made outside the country then you will have to pay more. In addition to the above, many debit cards will charged a currency exchange fee on purchases is the money on the card is in a different currency. If you deposit money onto the card in the USA currency and use the card in the USA then you will pay fewer fees on transactions and potentially save a lot of money.
The USA debit cards are a way for people visiting or living in the USA to use their own money to buy things. The debit card is very handy when you are travelling as you will be able to avoid paying the high interest rates of credit cards while still having all the benefits. Furthermore, the USA debit card will protect your money as the card has a range of security devices that will ensue that the money can only be accessed by you.
What are the Travel Debit Cards?
Travel debit cards are a type of debit card that is designed specifically for people that are travelling. The debit card allows you to put your own money onto the card so you can withdraw or spend the money whenever you would like. By using the travel debit card instead of a credit card you will avoid having to pay the interest that will have been charged to the account.
Who is Suited to the Travel Debit Cards
Like all products the travel debit cards are not suited to all types of people. The travel debit card is suited to:
- People who plan on travelling. If you plan on travelling the travel debit card will be suited to you. The card offers you an easy way to access you money when you are travelling. To get access to the money on the card you will simply have to find somewhere that accepts that type of credit card.
- Parents who have children travelling. If you are a parent and have a child that will be travelling a travel debit card is a great option to ensure they always have money. If you sign your child up for the card you will have peace of mind knowing that if your child needs money then you will be able to put money on the card very quickly.
What are the Features of a Travel Debit Card
The travel debit cards come with a variety of features. The features that are offered with the travel debit cards are:
- Local debit cards. In many places you will be able to get local debit cards. These debit cards are available to everyone and as they are offered in a country you will save money by reducing the amount of international transactions that you will make.
- Fees that are charged. The travel debit card will charge a variety of fees. These fees may include transaction fees, international transaction fees, currency exchange fees and many more.
- How to deposit money. You will deposit money onto the debit card just like you would any other account. All you will need is the account number that is associated with the card and you can then deposit money into the account either through the provider or by the internet.
- Rewards. One of the major benefits of using the travel debit cards is that many of the cards will offer its users rewards for using the card. Many of the cards will offer bonus point schemes or Fly Buys that will help you earn rewards. Some may even offer cash back incentives.
Check out today's featured offers:
| Citibank Clear Platinum | Qantas AMEX Discovery | ANZ Platinum | Westpac Low Rate |
 |
 |
 |
 |
2.9% p.a. for 12 months |
$0 annual fee Up to 10,000 Bonus QFF Points |
0% p.a. for 6 months on purchases & balance transfers |
0% p.a. for 6 months on purchases & balance transfers |
|
|
|
|
Subscribe to our newsletter and get "The Ultimate Guide to Balance Transfers"
If You Like This Post...
Get all the latest deals, guides and loopholes go in Credit Card Finder's free bi-monthly email. Don't miss out - join the thousands who get it emailed!
Ask A Question