What is the best way of taking money to Australia?

Travellers cheques, cash from an exchange (in which case get in the the UK, in Oz or at airport?), those pre-paid card thingies? your advice and opinions on the best method please.

What is the best way of taking money to Australia?
I usually take about £100 in cash and then use my switch card to withdraw funds as I need them. The charges are minimal and it means that you aren't carrying wodges of cash or travellers cheques with you.
Reply:you are only allowed to take a certain amount of money into australia,, you have to declare anymore, cant remember how much though, but take a mixture of cash and traveller cheques, i changed our travellers cheques, with no bother at a local bank, who i found really helpful, and be warned if you take any money out of a cash machine, it cost me a couple of quid to take money out of the HSBC branch in Melbourne even though i had a HSBC bank account in UK
Reply:It's best to split it up a little, keep some on your cards, cash, travelers cheques and then split them up in your luggage / hand luggage etc that way if somebody does steal your wallet / bag etc at least you have another form of payment still and they haven't stolen everything
Reply:Get some cash to take with you before you go so you have some in your pocket to cover initial costs when you arrive, and then I would recommend travellers cheques for safety - as long as they're in AUS$ you should have no problem using of changing them.





Also check with your bank to see how they treat foreign transactions - depending on their exchange rates, commission and one-off transaction fees it can be the most convenient way of getting money, as long as it's not too expensive.





Word of advice on getting the best exchange rate - try Marks %26amp; Spencers. It's been a while since I bought AUS$ but they consistently have the most competitive rate for US$ and euros, much better than the bank and other high street bureaux de change.
Reply:I would take enough cash in local currency to cover you for the first night until you can get to a cash machine the following day - normally I take about £50. After this. I just use debit cards to withdraw cash from ATM and credit cards for purchases. The rates are pretty good. Speak to Nationwide Building Society as they do not charge for using their cards abroad. Cards are also the most secure and you can keep a spare card in your hotel room in case something happens to the one on you.
Reply:Get a Nationwide flex account...No charge abroad for using ATMs


Don't carry cash or travelers cheques. Do buy some Tim Tams
Reply:I half my money between cash and travels cheques..seems to cover most eventualities...
Reply:A mix of all to be safe..I took credit card and travellers cheques, Amex ones, cashed them at the Amex office on the Harbour, no problem, I also took some Aus$, so spread the load with them all...
Reply:All depends on your purpose for taking money to Australia :-


a. On holiday - apply for travelers cheques or convert your home


currency to Aussie dollars.


b. For business - apply for a Demand Draft payable on a bank in Australia. Once in Australia, you can then encash the draft to get Aussie dollars or bank into an account (need to open a new one if there's none existing)
Reply:I agree with what a lot of others have said. Don't put all your eggs in the one basket.


We travelled around Australia for 6 weeks a few years ago.


We brought a few hundred Australian Dollors.


We used a visa card to pay for the larger expenses, like accommodation and it makes it a lot handier to rent out a car with a credit card.


We also brought Aussie $ traveller cheques and changed them every so often in banks (some of the banks will change them for free), so we never had to carry around large amounts of cash. But it is a lot handier (I think) to pay for smaller purchases with cash - meals, travel etc.


We didn't have a debit card, but could use the credit card in an emergency to get money out. But it costs - for each transaction.


I had left some money at home with my family with instruction to lodge it into my credit card account if we needed it (which we didn't).


Just remember, as with every where, don't flash your cash around, keep copies of your important documents on you and at home.
Reply:You can give it to me since you have already taken my identity...your avatar is a copy of mine.
Reply:Three things - cash, ATM card, %26amp; credit cards - will cover all the bases easily. You can exchange for A$ at the airport %26amp; banks %26amp; there are exchange places all over. Have fun!
Reply:American Express Travellers Cheques.





Also take your debit card and Credit card has a backup if your travelling.
Reply:Your best bet is to take a little bit of each, that way you don't put your eggs all in one basket. Its always best when travelling abroad to take the money you will spend and split it three ways, a third in each of you check card (bank account card), cash in your pocket, and traveller's checks. You can purchase the traveller's checks in Australian dollars which is really helpful. Have a good time.
Reply:I would say just withdraw money straight from your bank account at an ATM machine in Australia. You get the best exchange rate and it's quick and easy.
Reply:I took around £300 in cash another £300 in traveller cheques and then used my card to get out large amounts every so often. This meant most of my money was kept safe in the bank but i still had access to it. If you can i would take a Credit Card with you simply cos not everywhere takes Debits cards
Reply:Travellers cheques are a pain. You need to get to a bank to cash them and banks here are only open Mon-Fri (a small few are open Sat too, but not many).





Bring Aus $$ in cash for the first couple of days (change it in England before you come over) and just bring your ATM card. Once your card has either a 'Cirrus' or 'Maestro' (spelling???) logo on it you'll be able to use it any any ATM here.





If you have a credit card (Visa/MasterCard) it would also be useful for emergencies (but don't use it to get cash out - it's too expensive).








Don' t bother bringing foreign currency, you'll just have to search around for a place to change it. ATM card is the way to go.
Reply:Take pounds and get it converted at a bank their. I did this and it cost me $5.00 australian. I could also wait to change it on a good conversion day. Stay clear of all the little places that say they will change your money. I wouldnt even get it done at the airport.





Take cash. thats the best. Their is no problems for storing money once your their if you are careful. Travellers Cheques are a pain in the butt..





When do you go. Make sure you have a Crown Larger for me and a Vegemite Scroll from Bakers Delight (you'll understand when you get their) Man I miss home.
Reply:Use ATM cards.


Tell your bank BEFORE you go that you will be using your card in Australia, and they will tell you about any special instructions or restrictions.
Reply:i agree TRAVELERS CHECKS,best way to travel w/cash.
Reply:I think that a cash exchange would be the best because you would get the most for your money while travellers cheques lose you money





Thanks





Ben D