When the travel bug bites, you want to enjoy your trip without worrying about your money. With a little planning, you should be able to spend, pay, and manage your banking overseas safely.
Let your bank know before you go
You’ve probably told friends and family about your upcoming trip. It’s just as important to let your bank know too.
Banks monitor accounts for unusual activity to help protect customers from fraud. If your spending pattern suddenly changes, your card may be temporarily blocked for security reasons.
Before you travel, add a travel notification or contact your bank to let them know where you’re going. It’s a simple step that can help avoid payment issues while you’re away.
Limit the amount of cash you carry
Carrying large amounts of cash while travelling increases the risk of loss or theft. If your wallet goes missing or is stolen, there’s no way to trace or recover cash, which can quickly put you in a tough spot.
So, what are your best options?
Visa Debit Card
Visa is accepted in millions of locations worldwide, making it a practical option for everyday spending while travelling. If your card is lost or stolen, it can be cancelled quickly to help minimise risk.
A debit card gives you access to your own money, without the need to carry large amounts of cash. It can be linked to one of our everyday accounts for easy management before and during your trip.
Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard®ᴥ
The Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard® allows you to pre-load funds in multiple foreign currencies before you travel. This lets you lock in exchange rates ahead of time and control your travel budget more easily.
It works like a debit card and is accepted at millions of ATMs and retailers worldwide, making it a convenient option for international travel.
Buying foreign cash# before you leave
If you do need to take cash, it’s best to organise it before you leave Australia.
Buying cash at airports or overseas can mean higher exchange rates and less privacy. Purchasing your foreign currency in advance allows you to plan ahead and reduces the need to carry large sums in unfamiliar places.
Foreign cash can be arranged through us and collected from your local branch before departure.
Managing your money overseas
Online and mobile banking make it easy to manage your money while overseas.
Our app and online banking allow you to:
- Check balances and transactions
- Transfer money
- Pay bills using BPAY®
- Manage accounts securely on the go
Security features such as biometric login, PIN access, and real-time notifications help keep your banking protected, even when you’re overseas.
It’s still important to use secure internet connections, keep your device software up to date, and avoid accessing your banking on public computers.
It’s important to check you can log in to your app and internet banking before you go. We may restrict access to our online services based on your location. If you're concerned about your access, we recommend contacting our staff before you leave so we can discuss the options available to you.
Stay in touch
Knowing how to reach your bank quickly can provide peace of mind if something goes wrong. Whether you’re travelling nearby or on the other side of the world, help is always available.
Phone
Call us internationally on +612 4921 911113
Online
Email us at webenquiry@greater.com.au or contact us
Social media
You can also reach out through our official social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.
Wherever your travels take you, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your banking safe and stress-free.