AUD & NZD Cash Recommendation

[RET_REF]

I would like to get an idea on recommendations of how much AUD & NZD cash to bring along with us to pay for things like taxis, tips for porters, lite refreshments, and buying some small souvenirs. (On a recent trip to Italy we were advised to carry about $500 Euro for things of this nature, and that amount happened to work out fine for a two week trip.) I prefer avoiding using ATMs only in emergencies. Your suggestions will be most appreciated!

[JeannyCT]

(On a recent trip to Italy we were advised to carry about $500 Euro ...

Did you bring 500 EUR (about 650 US-$) or 500 US-$ (about 385 EUR)? :confused:

Since that amount worked well for you I would take about the same this time. After all, much of it depends on how many souvenirs you’re going to buy and how expensive they are.

 

I don’t like carrying that much money around and use credit cards and ATMs whenever possible. I don’t even bother to exchange money at home but go directly to an ATM at the airport.

[RET_REF]

Did you bring 500 EUR (about 650 US-$) or 500 US-$ (about 385 EUR)? :confused:

Since that amount worked well for you I would take about the same this time. After all, much of it depends on how many souvenirs you’re going to buy and how expensive they are.

 

We brought $500 Euros that I ordered through my local bank foreign exchange service.

 

My opinion was that I feel it was better for me to convert money while in the US because in Italy as you will discover there are many different exchange rates depending on where you convert your money. Airports, hotels, & ATMs aren't very good conversion places as you will see. Banks will always give you the best exchange rate of the day.

 

I only used cash for buying small souvenirs, and for our larger item purchases I always used my Visa card. However, I'm not sure we will need $500 each of AUD & NZD as you suggest?

[JeannyCT]

We brought $500 Euros that I ordered through my local bank foreign exchange service.

That's what I guessed but I was confused because you put the Dollar sign before the number which absolutely makes no sense since the currency in some European countries is the Euro and not the Dollar (be it American, Canadian or Australian Dollar). :)

 

My opinion was that I feel it was better for me to convert money while in the US because in Italy as you will discover there are many different exchange rates depending on where you convert your money.

That’s the beauty of the Euro, I don’t have to exchange money when I go to Italy because I also live in “Euro Country”. ;)

 

Airports, hotels, & ATMs aren't very good conversion places as you will see. Banks will always give you the best exchange rate of the day.

ATMs are the banks (most of them are inside or outside the bank) and even those at the airport or stand-alone ATMs have the same exchange rate. Even though you have to pay a small fee which you also have to do if you go to the counter. Unless you go to the bank which cooperates with your bank at home, than you may not even have to pay the fee.

It depends on the currency, sometimes it's better to exchange money at home but most of the time it’s better to do it abroad. At least that's what I’ve been told by my bank.

 

I only used cash for buying small souvenirs, and for our larger item purchases I always used my Visa card. However, I'm not sure we will need $500 each of AUD & NZD as you suggest?

Well, since it worked for you the last time there’s no reason to assume it should be different the next time. You stayed in Italy for two weeks, how long are you going to stay in Australia/New Zealand? Did you cruise in Italy or was it a land based holiday? Are you planning on booking shore excursions in advance so that (nearly) everything is already paid for? Are you staying in Australia/New Zealand before or after the cruise?

There are just too many variables to give you an exact figure.

 

My advice is this: go to your bank and ask about ATMs abroad, which bank it cooperates with, what fees you'd have to pay, their recommendation on how to handle this (your travel agent also might be of help). Then get a small amount for the first day (taxi etc.) if you don’t want to search for an ATM at the airport and then withdraw money as needed.

[RET_REF]

That's what I guessed but I was confused because you put the Dollar sign before the number which absolutely makes no sense since the currency in some European countries is the Euro and not the Dollar (be it American, Canadian or Australian Dollar). :)

 

Sorry for the confusion re: the dollar sign before the number you now have educated me more on the Euro.

 

That’s the beauty of the Euro, I don’t have to exchange money when I go to Italy because I also live in “Euro Country”. ;)

 

I was not aware you lived in "Euro Country" as I could not tell as your location in not listed in your posting. As you already know the Euro is worth more than the US Dollar. Not good for us Americans when we travel to Europe, just as the AUD and NZD is less than the American dollar when they travel to the US.

 

Well, since it worked for you the last time there’s no reason to assume it should be different the next time. You stayed in Italy for two weeks, how long are you going to stay in Australia/New Zealand?

 

Three weeks, one week pre-cruise in Australia to the Outback and nearly two weeks cruising over to New Zealand.

 

Did you cruise in Italy or was it a land based holiday?

We took a two week escorted land based bus tour.

 

Are you planning on booking shore excursions in advance so that (nearly) everything is already paid for? Why Yes we are!

 

 

My advice is this: go to your bank and ask about ATMs abroad, which bank it cooperates with, what fees you'd have to pay, their recommendation on how to handle this (your travel agent also might be of help). Then get a small amount for the first day (taxi etc.) if you don’t want to search for an ATM at the airport and then withdraw money as needed.

 

Thank you for your advice, and I will take it into consideration!

 

I'm hoping to see what others who have experienced this type of holiday trip have to say as well.

[ErinH1]

I studied up a bit on this at home before leaving, and found U.S. banks charge a lot to get you foreign currency plus the exchange rate is poor. We have a checking account at Citibank which worked out well, they don't charge any fees when you use Citibank ATMs in foreign countries. So we just got our cash at the Citibank ATM in the Sydney Airport because it was right there and convenient.

 

Credit cards & debit cards are accepted almost everywhere (zoos, parks, tourist buses). I can't think of any place that only took cash except for one tour operator that I had prearranged so I knew I needed cash in advance. Even the taxis take credit cards, although they charge you a fee to do so. I had planned on using my American Express as much as I could to earn Starwood points, but found that many places did not accept Amex. So be sure you have a Visa or MC.

 

For New Zealand we just went to the first bank ATM we saw at our first stop (Dunedin). For the amount of cash we took (about $200 NZD) it wasn't worth stressing about a few cents difference in exchange rates or $1 or $2 in fees.

 

If it makes you feel better to have the foreign currency before you leave, then that's what's best for you. But you will pay more. It is hard to figure out how much cash to get, as you don't want to have a lot left over when moving onto the next country. Rest assured that there are a number of savvy vendors set up right by the ship in Hobart where you can easily get rid of your excess AUD! That's assuming you're doing Sydney-Auckland. Or if you're going to give a crew member an additional tip, use it that way.

[RET_REF]

Thanks for your advice Erin, I really appreciate it!

[Aussie Gal]

Reforee,

 

You will probably not need as much as you took to Europe because you are getting a good exchange rate over here for a start.

 

Secondly, you do not need to tip huge amounts as they are not expected.

 

Thirdly, a lot of taxi cabs take credit cards these days so you will probably only need the cash for incidentals such as souvenirs and light refreshments. Most establishments take cards especially if you spend over $10Aud and please be aware that American Express and Diners are not accepted everywhere wheras Visa or Mastercard are, due to the hefty charge that Merchants have to pay.

 

Jennie

[cands]

For our two week cruise on Statendam last November, we just withdrew NZD500 from the Autoteller in the arrivals hall at Auckland airport. That easily covered incidentals for the duration.

 

Cheers,

Steve.

[Ransome]

I would like to get an idea on recommendations of how much AUD & NZD cash to bring along with us to pay for things like taxis, tips for porters, lite refreshments, and buying some small souvenirs. (On a recent trip to Italy we were advised to carry about $500 Euro for things of this nature, and that amount happened to work out fine for a two week trip.) I prefer avoiding using ATMs only in emergencies. Your suggestions will be most appreciated!

 

Reforee,

 

We don't support or encourage tipping in Australia. Maybe in a restaurant if you feel the service warrants an extra reward (but you certainly won't be shunned if you don't tip). Indeed in some places you will get a blank look if you attempt to add a tip. Please don't encourage it - we like it this way...

 

Most places in Australia accept credit and/or debit cards. Unlike the US, checks (spelt "cheques" down here) are not generally allowed. In addition to taxis, you can also pay for your groceries at most places on credit/debit cards. As Aussie Gal has already posted, Diners and Amex aren't as popular due to higher merchant fees, but Visa and Mastercard are readily accepted at just about everywhere. I rarely carry cash in my wallet.

[RET_REF]

Thank you all so very much for your input and advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question and look forward to our holiday time in OZ and later in New Zealand. We are very excited about our trip to the "lands down under"! My last visit to Sydney was 39 years ago when I was in the US Navy. I am looking forward to see the city again, and to see how much it has changed.

 

Jim