Next best alternative to Citibank Plus and 28Degrees for travel?

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  mooboy on 15/01/2014 - 16:52

  Only other one I am aware of is the Bankwest Platinum master cards - should be effectively same as 28 Degrees.. only, from my experience, much better service.

  Citibank Retail is a huge joke :( It's a pity, as their products are actually pretty decent.

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  PissLUR on 15/01/2014 - 16:58

  +2

  ING for overseas withdrawal.

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  derpdeder on 15/01/2014 - 17:22

  Cash - card purchases can still be done with your 28 Degrees for no foreign exchange fee. For local cash, bring AUD and change in the country, or do it here beforehand. Amex card holders do not pay the $8 fee at American Express foreign exchange outlets (usually in Westpac Banks) if you have and show the card.

  • 

    May4th on 15/01/2014 - 21:11

    +1

    even if there aren't fees involved cash rates are always a few %points worse off than in-account conversions though

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  subywagon on 15/01/2014 - 18:09

  I can't apply for any other card as I'm leaving in 2 days. Anyone know how the travel cards are?

  • 

    mskeggs on 15/01/2014 - 20:43

    +2

    I think the travel cards work out as costly as just using an ATM with your regular Australian debit card.

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  vietbargain on 15/01/2014 - 20:11

  http://www.boq.com.au/currency-exchange.htm - "Pay no purchase fee on all online foreign cash purchases"

  but i'd still shop around to make sure i'm getting the best rate.

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  subywagon on 15/01/2014 - 21:21

  Looks like my best option might be just doing one big cash withdrawal in Japan… Quick, like pulling a band aid…
  Then the same in Thailand on the final leg of my journey.

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  YadaYadaYada on 15/01/2014 - 23:40

  +1

  This topic has been discussed here recently:

  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/127669

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  c64 on 16/01/2014 - 07:44

  I applied for a Citibank Plus account back in December 3rd as I'm traveling overseas mid Jan ( a few days now). Citibank of course hasn't processed my account and keep stuffing me around so it looks like I wont have the card ready by the time I leave.

  dunno, i applied online, took an identification form to aus post and about a week later i had my card.

  i think pre-paid travel cards do not offer any advantage over one of your normal bank cards. you need to look at the fees for overseas transactions for each bank. commbank is going to charge like a wounded bull so i'd use one of the other cards.

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  bobsi18 on 16/01/2014 - 08:07

  I have 28deg and citibank cards, however I use my ING as a backup. I can't remember the fees off the top of my head (ie you should check them), but from memory it was a set fee, about $2, which was much better than what I used to pay with my commonwealth eftpos card back in the day.

  Regarding citibank, too late now, but I really had to chase that one up - great account, but lousy customer service. When you get back, keep at it though, it's worth having.

  EDIT: looks like it's $2.50 (http://www.ingdirect.com.au/everyday/whereAreTheFees.htm)

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  PumaPants on 16/01/2014 - 10:59

  If you are going to Japan, cash is the way to go in that country.

  I didn't try pulling money out while I was there, but there were plenty of ATMs at convenience stores (if you don't mind exchange fees). Otherwise exchange while you're still here.

  The exchange rate is pretty decent now.

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  bernitez on 15/05/2014 - 16:45

  Qantas Cash Travel Card and Velocity Global Wallet (up to 21 days to get it issued) if you have frequent flyers.
  Otherwise, for short notice, STA Travel Card. I think you can get it organised on the day at a STA Travel branch.