I'm off to Bali and have the following cards and would like to know which of these I should use to pay for payment of bills and which i should use to withdraw money from ATM or am I better off changing Australian dollars there?
Bankwest Mastercard Platinum
28 Degrees Mastercard
Citi Rewards Visa Signature
Citibank Plus Debit card
Thanks
Nothing is guaranteed, but usually Citibank plus is good for paying foreign currency transactions, but you have to ensure that they hit the debit button and not the credit button. I think that the times that I have been hit with fees is when they have hit the credit button. I don't expect that you will get a Citibank ATM in Bali, but if you do, give it a try. Fees should be displayed before proceeding.
I thought it was the other way around, when i was in Hawaii i pressed credit on my citibank plus and was never charged any fees
You might be right. I dont know for sure. But sometimes when paying for a hotel in Bangkok they have charged me a fee. I thought that it was because they had hit credit. I would love to know for sure!
I've found i have to select credit when paying with the citi plus (debit) card overseas, I assume because it's not a local card.
Otherwise the transaction gets declined. Never had any fees.
You can probably google for other bank atms that citi can use for free (such as westpac in nz)
There are a couple of Citibank ATMS in Bali. I have used One of them, its in the vicinity of Carrefours, (By a Burger King) thats the best I can tell anyone. but its there and no fees to use.
And GK, 28 Degrees doesn't charge a currency conversion fee
OP of the 4 cards you have the Citibank Visa Signature charges fees
Citibank plus for any cash out , 28deg for transactions
This is right, but to be super specific as there are some slightly misleading comments above:
Citibank for ATM cash out, don't get cash out over the counter, select savings if there is any option.
28 degrees for in shop transactions, select credit if there is any option.
Yes, this. On phone so cbd typing everything :)
If you've already paid the annual fee for the Bankwest MCard, there's no reason for you to be using 28deg over it. Same MC conversation rates and Bankwest will earn you rewards points
Yes Citibank Plus for cash out. Have used it in China and Malaysia. I use any bank ATM's and have never been charged any fees. Their exchange rates is very good also.
Which of My Cards Do I Use to Spend in Bali?
Schapelle Corby? get out of jail free card
Altomic, you're a card, and should be dealt with !! hehe!
CBA banks ATM allow u to withdraw a max 3,000,000Rp at a time. We like to take 500 cash minimum. And hide it in our room. It's easy if your stealthy.And find a trustworthy money changer (NOT the best rate ones). When that runs out take out large sums 3million at a time typically to avoid the $5-$10 conversion fee most banks charge. It adds up. Also when bargaining my general of thumb is be serious about negotiating with a big friendly smile, start your bid at ⅓ of the asking price and usually settle on never more than ½ of their original price. If no deal politely smile terima kasih tidak (no thank you)…oh a get lots of massages after a hard days surfing/ sightseeing etc:-)
My advice is to call each provider before you leave, and ask them:
What are the fees associated with making a purchase with my card in Bali?
What are the fees associated with taking money out of an ATM in Bali?
Re #1, most providers will charge you a 'currency conversion fee', and some will also charge you additional fees (these vary quite dramatically).
Re #2, again there will usually be a currency conversion fee, but as you are taking out cash, there will often also be a 'cash advance' fee (of up to $10 per withdrawal); even if your card is actually in the black.
If you are comfortable with it, you could avoid all these fees by taking $AUD, and converting them to local currency when you get there. If you go for that option, don't convert it all at once at the airport upon arrival… often the conversion rate is better outside the airport, and also the $AUD is 'quite dynamic' at the moment, so you may be able to get 2 or 3 % MORE CASH if you pick your moment (depending on how long you will be in Bali for, of course).
Happy trails!!!