Banks, Credit Cards & Money

Beware if you are travelling to New Zealand, the one and two dollar coins are reversed in size, to cause maximum confusion.

Changing money

Money changing these days is pretty straight forward. Currency exchange facilities are available at the Perth International Airport. City banks will exchange currencies and are open from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and to 5pm on Friday.

It is also possible to withdraw money on your credit card (make sure you have the pin number) or even on some foreign bank cards - they usually have some symbol on like cirrus indicating whether you can use them or not. Be warned however that neither bankcards or your credit card will give balance statements. These will mount up back home, so it is necessary to make arrangements for these to be organised by some kind soul back home.

Australian Banks, in keeping with the 'bleed you dry' policies of banks world wide will charge you for anything they think you can get away with. Many charge $5 or $10 for changing Travellers Cheques. see the section about opening a bank account for the more about the Aussie banks. see the section about opening a bank account for the more about the Aussie banks.

The most commonly accepted credit cards in WA are Visa and Bankcard. American Express, MasterCard and Diners Club are also apparently widely accepted. Major international cards can be used for a wide range of goods and services in city and resort areas. Their use in smaller towns may be restricted. Credit cards are now widely accepted at supermarkets and petrol filling stations, but not generally at small grocery shops.

The EFTPOS system is used at major supermarkets and banks throughout WA. This means you may be able to use your own credit and savings cards here in Australia. In isolated townships, petrol stations often have access to this service which is sometimes the only way for visitors to get at their spending money. Some stations may make a small charge for the service.

Credit Card Companies