How
to effectively organise your money, banking and budget. To guard against theft, loss of money or other
circumstances travellers should ideally have several
sources of money in Oceania, for example they may choose
to carry local money and a foreign currency that can
be changed, plus have a credit card, an ATM card and
travellers cheques. Cards and cash should be stored
in lockers, safety deposit boxes or secured on your
person wherever possible. Keep a copy of your travellers
cheque numbers separate from the cheques and also leave
a copy with a reliable person at home.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards can be used throughout Oceania
for purchases including accomodation, airtickets, and
purchases in large shops. In smaller towns the restaurants
and shops may prefer you to pay in cash. It is probably
a good idea to have several money resources. Both Visa
and Mastercard are widely accepted. Banks and ATMS will
give cash advances for Visa cards throughout Oceania.
American express cards are usually only useful at American
Express offices.
BANKING
Travellers cheques and international currency can be
changed at change desks all around Oceania. Banks will
cash travellers cheques (read below fo
BANKING
Travellers cheques and international currency can be
changed at change desks in all major towns. Banks may
not always cash travellers cheques. If you want to send
money home most bank will charge a transaction fee,
and it is usually not possible to open a bank account
unless you hold the country passport or citizenship
card. TOP
CURRENCY
For up to date currency conversion rates go to
http://www.oanda.com
Since January 2002 all money in Europe became the Euro
which is roughly equal to USD $1
And you are best to operate in this currency in any
European countries. If you're travelling anywhere else
the US dollar is still the unit of choice for most of
the world.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Travellers cheques are a good backup if you lose your
credit cards or you can't use the ATM. They can also
be replaced if they are lost or stolen. Make sure you
keep a record of your travellers cheques in a safe place
(one with you and with someone else at home). Now that
the Euro is the standard currency in Europe you can
also use them all over the European mainland. The procedure
for using travellers cheques is to sign them when you
purchase them from a bank or other outlet, and to countersign
them just as you cash them in. Do not sign them before
this. You will also require identification (eg. passport)
to cash the cheques. The most widely accepted brands
of travellers cheques are American Express, Thomas Cook
and Visa.
TOP
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend
all travellers take out personal travel insurance to
cover any equipment losses, damages or health problems
that may occur.
All Aboard Benefits - provides medical coverage plans
for individuals and foreign nationals travelling outside
their home country. http//www.allaboardbenefits.com
Legend Travellers - offers international travel health
insurance including expat and student medical coverage
worldwide. http://www.legendtravelers.com
