Hey Guys,
I'm heading to France, Switzerland and Germany next year.
I estimate I would spend around 3k AUD there
Do you guys think I should use Citibank or 28 degrees? or is there another cheaper option?
Is Cashflex worth it?
Also, What sim card I should use if I want use mostly data?
Thanks
That Cashflex card is truly terrible, this was my favorite fee…
Dormancy**** $4.00 per month (After 12 months inactivity)
****A period of 12 months in which no money has been loaded onto or taken off the Card by you.
I just got back from Europe. I used a citibank card and used that to withdraw cash from ATMs. I generally paid with cash but most places you could just use card if you prefer
What's the cost of the ATM fees?
Varies from ATM to ATM, I have paid €6 (AUD$9.25) before at an airport ATM in desperation.
iirc every atm in france is free
I used my BankWest Platinum card (zero international fees) whenever possible in Austria and Germany last year. The card worked almost everywhere, except in Berlin to buy subway tickets. Every one of my cards (NAB/BW/Coles) were rejected. Had to use cash, so keep some handy.
Berlin’s subway system is ancient. My cards wouldn’t work either. I think my commbank debit card worked in the end. So annoying
Anyway op, use Citibank+ BW platinum card. Or 28 degrees if you have a iPhone for Apple Pay.
3 UK SIM card is easily the best.
If you have an iphone, 28 degrees is supported by apple pay.
Using apple pay when travelling is a dream - takes a lot of the stress associated with cash and getting your wallet out in foreign countries away.
Would that require a SIM/internet to use overseas though?
Don’t need your credit card connected to the internet for it to work, works exactly the same on an iPhone
We had a problem in France with our PIN number being recognised for credit purchases. We couldn't buy train tickets, petrol from automatic bowsers, etc from machines. (This was a problem as we couldn't fill up our rental car before delivering it). We were OK for face to face transactions and ATM machines.
Citibank for ATM cash withdrawals and 28 Degrees for CC purchases :)
Either Citibank or 28 degrees (or BankWest Platinum) is fine. The countries you listed are pretty good with cards. Just make sure you've got a 4 digit PIN set, as many places in Europe don't have Paywave yet (and >4 digits may not work). Take a backup card too, that you keep in your luggage/elsewhere in case you're pick-pocketed. This could just be your regular credit/debit card or Qantas Cash/Virgin Global Wallet card. Don't get Cashflex or Cash Passport or anything like that.
Take some cash as well, especially if you are going to less touristy locations (small country towns etc), but I'd aim to mostly use card. Cash withdrawals using Citibank was free at bank ATM's from memory. Private ATM operators may charge fees.
Always always select to pay in local currency if they give you the option.
In terms of SIM cards, there are several travel SIM operators (have a look here: https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/guide-to-i…). The cheapest option is to mainly use Wifi though as there's free wifi everywhere in Europe, and just have the travel SIM data as backup. It depends a bit on where you're going and for how long.
I took my 28 degree card to Europe this year and was surprised at how little some places accept card. Even places that did like big supermarkets, people in line behind us looked at us like we were aliens. I think we found out that they do not understand/trust the concept of cards. I ended up having to pay to get more cash out than I took over (planned amount) because of their lack of CC facilities.
Cash is king!
I used a citibank card when I travelled last, but I see that the ING everyday card has a similar scheme that could be helpful if there are ING ATMs near you.
Fee Summary Wow, there are a lot of fees!
Cards with No Overseas Transaction Fees
Use Citibank for ATM's, Credit Card for purchases.