travel money oz melbourne airport

•   Argentina
•   Australia
•   Brasil
•   Česko
•   Canada
•   Deutschland
•   España
•   France
•   India
•   Italia
•   Magyarország
•   Malaysia
•   Nederland
•   New Zealand
•   Österreich
•   Polska
•   Portugal
•   România
•   Schweiz
•   Singapore
•   United Kingdom
•   United States
•   繁體中文 (香港)
•   简体中文 (中国)

The Best Places to Exchange Currency at Melbourne Airport

Rushing for your flight and need to know where to make your airport currency exchange? In this short guide we show you where to buy your foreign currency and how to get a better exchange rate.

Beat the airport exchange rates with a prepaid travel card

The aiport can be the most convenient option for buying travel money, but that convenience comes at a price: worse exchange rates and hidden fees.

With a prepaid travel card from Wise , you get the market exchange rate (the one you see on Google) with low fees and complete transparency.

Read the full review

How to Exchange Currency at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

There are two ways you can change money:

1. Order your currency ahead of time and pick it up at the airport

This is by far, the cheapest way to buy currency at Melbourne airport. The exchange rates are much better than buying it over the counter.

It's really easy:

• Order your currency online and choose a pick up location as Melbourne Airport
• Pay for it using BPAY (and avoid the card fee!)
• Pick up your ordered currency

Please keep in mind, you'll avoid the card fee if you choose BPAY . The rate is locked in on the day you book the transaction. You can choose your pick up date, but if you use BPAY, you'll need to allow at least 3 business days. Also, they offer a better rate for amounts above $2,000, but have a maximum transaction size of $5,000.

Order Currency

2. in store.

Melbourne airport offers two foreign currency exchangers Travelex and ANZ, where you can buy or sell currency . There are 10 outlets in total across Terminals 1, 2 and 3. To find our more about Travelex read our full review.

Currency Exchange Places in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

There are 8 Travelex outlets in the Melbourne Airport for currency exchange. There 7 in the International airport, Terminal 2 and 1 outlet in Terminal 1 (Qantas).

• Before security, near counter H, Level 1
• Before security, near counter B, Level 1
• After security screening, opposite TRS counter, Level 1
• After security screening, between gates 2 and 4, Level 1
• After security screening, near gates 6 and 10, Level 1
• At international arrivals, Ground Level next to the Villa and Hut
• For domestic travellers, there is a Travelex in the Qantas Terminal 1, just beyond security screening

Hours Open: From 3am to midnight for most stores within Terminal 2

You can pay using Australian dollars, eftpos, credit cards like Visa Mastercard and Diners

Travelex have a stock of US dollars (USD), British pounds (GBP) and Euros (Euros)

They will display a list of the foreign exchange rates they are offering at the front of each store

There are many ANZ foreign currency exchange outlets at the Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, Terminal 2.

• Before security, Level 1
• After security screening, Level 1
• At international arrivals, Ground Level

Hours Open: From 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends

You can pay using Australian dollars, eftpos, credit cards like Visa and Mastercard

Tips to help you get a better rate

Avoid the worst fees.

Travelex don't charge commission over the counter, however their exchange rates are considerably worse than outside Melbourne airport. For online transactions they have a 0.8% card fee.

If you are buying currency online, choose to pay through BPAY to avoid the card fee. Please note that if you're going to use this option you need to allow 3-4 business days before your trip to allow time to pick it up in time.

Buy abroad instead?

Quick comparison from cheapest to most expensive.

We compare 4 available options to purchase foreign currency at Melbourne airport and rank them for you:

• Ordering online through Travelex and paying by BPay is the cheapest option. This is because the online exchange rates are far better than at Melbourne airport. By using Bpay, you also avoid the 1% card fee. Please note that you need to order it at least 3-4 days in advance.
• Ordering online through Travelex and paying using a card is still the second best option, despite having to pay the card fee. This isn't a bad way to buy currency if you need it last minute, because you can order it today and pick it up tomorrow.
• ANZ has a better exchange rate over the counter than Travelex for a small amount of US dollars. This makes it a cheaper option even if you include their 1% commission.
• The most expensive option is using Travelex in-store . Even though they don't charge a commission, the exchange rate for converting Aussie dollars to US dollars is so terrible, it ends up being more expensive. Fortunately, they do provide better exchange rates for larger amounts.

Pre Order Currency & Pick Up at Melbourne Airport

Currency exchange in other places in australia.

Best currency exchange places in Wollongong

Best currency exchange places in Melbourne Airport

Best currency exchange places in Werribee

Best currency exchange places in Mandurah

Best currency exchange places in Macquarie - Center

Best currency exchange places in Liverpool

Best currency exchange places in Kotara

Best currency exchange places in Adelaide-Airport

Your currency knowledge centre

Is It Cheaper to Buy Currency Abroad?

As a general rule of thumb, holiday destinations that are very popular with Australians tend to be cheaper to buy currency than buying it before you go.

• Read more ⟶

How to Buy Currency: Online Versus In-Store

Buying travel money online is one way to reduce stress and potentially save time - but are there any disadvantages you need to be aware of?

The Ultimate Guide to Currency Exchange in Australia

There is no single way to exchange currency that is always the cheapest. It really depends on what currency you are buying, how much and where you are.

Best places to exchange currency in Melbourne

Discover how to find the best deal when you need to exchange currency in melbourne..

In this guide

I want to...

Where can i change my money in melbourne, tips for getting the best deal when exchanging money, compare money transfer services.

Send money to

Exchange rates

Whether you're an international traveller visiting Melbourne or a local planning a trip overseas, there are plenty of convenient places to exchange foreign currency in and around the Melbourne CBD.

Keep reading for details of some of the currency exchanges to compare when searching for the best value for money.

Exchange my cash Send money overseas

S Money is an online currency exchange, but they also have one store in the Melbourne CBD. Based on our research, S Money offers the best exchange rates in Melbourne but charge a percentage-based service fee and a $14 service fee for home delivery. For example, they charge around 1.8% when exchanging AUD to USD. In comparison, Travelex and Travel Money Oz add a markup of 3.70% on conversions to US dollars.

2. Travelex

As one of the most recognised names in the world of currency exchange, Travelex allows you to buy and sell over 45 currencies either online or in-store. Travelex has 2 locations in the CBD and 13 locations within 20 miles of the CBD.

3. Travel Money Oz

Travel Money Oz supports more than 60 currencies, and also a travel money card that can be pre-loaded with up to 10 currencies. You can buy currency from Travel Money Oz online or in-store, with the provider boasting 3 locations in the CBD. Their exchange rates aren't as competitive as S Money's but their customer service is excellent.

4. United Currency Exchange

United Currency Exchange is a Melbourne-based provider with branches in Swanston Street and QV Melbourne. They are open five days a week from 9am to 5:30pm. You can place an order either online or in-store, and there are more than 35 currencies available.

5. Crown Currency

Crown Currency is a currency exchange company that was founded in 1998. They have 11 branches in Victoria but only one in Melbourne CBD. Crown Currency offers a wide range of currency exchange services, including cash exchange, traveller's cheques, and international money transfers. Unlike other services, they don't display exchange rates on their website so you will need to contact them for a quote.

• Know the mid-market rate. Use Google to find the current mid-market exchange rate. This will let you work out whether the rate being offered by a currency exchange service represents good value.
• Shop around online. Rather than visiting several stores in person, shop around online to find the provider with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Check for fees. Make sure you check the fine print to find out what fees apply to your transaction. Remember that even if an exchange bureau claims that it doesn't charge any fees, your transaction will still cost money as the provider always adds a margin to the mid-market exchange rate.
• Avoid airport exchange bureaus. These locations generally offer low exchange rates and higher fees.
• Steer clear of ATMs. Withdrawing money from a foreign ATM may be a simple and convenient option, but the high fees and disappointing exchange rates mean it's also quite expensive.

Looking to send an international money transfer rather than exchange currency? Compare our options below to save money on transfer fees and lock in stronger exchange rates.

Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full profile

More guides on Finder

Your guide to the best foreign currency accounts for business, including how to open an account.

Your detailed guide to opening a bank account in NZ, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

All the info you need to know about buying a property in Japan from Australia.

The detailed guide to buying a property in the UK as a foreigner.

If you're looking to transfer money out of Australia, read our guide on the four best transfer companies.

Compare Revolut with Wise on speed and cost to see which is best for your next money transfer.

Check out our review of TorFX's fee-free money transfers.

If you're looking to send money overseas, check out our review of WorldRemit.

Your guide to currency exchange services in Sydney, including where to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees.

Send an international money transfer to someone without a bank account. Get it there instantly and they can pick it up in person, in cash. Get quotes now.

Ask a Question

Click here to cancel reply.

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

• Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
• finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
• We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
• Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

2 Responses

Is Bangkok a better place for exchange rate to change AUD to Japanese yen?

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

If you’re going to Bangkok and considering exchanging AUD for Japanese yen, that would be fine. Most travelers would have their money exchanged for Japanese yen before arriving in Japan. You may also use our travel money guide for Japan .

I hope this helps.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers, Jeni

How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?

Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.

Important information about this website

Advertiser disclosure.

finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles

We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.

Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.

How we make money

We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.

Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.

Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money .

Sorting and Ranking Products

When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.

Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

• Your location:
• Australia Shoppings
• Australia Malls&Centres
• Westfield Airport West
• Travel Money Oz

Travel Money Oz in Westfield Airport West - Melbourne, Victoria (hours, location)

Travel Money Oz in Westfield Airport West - location: Melbourne , 29/35 Louis St, Victoria, VIC 3042. Find business information about store: hours, directions and map, contacts. If you have visited Travel Money Oz located in Westfield Airport West, just write a short review for feauture customers and give rating via number of stars.

You might be interested in: Show more stores in Westfield Airport West | Travel Money Oz store locator | Store and mall locator

Location and map - Westfield Airport West

Directions to Westfield Airport West »

Travel Money Oz in Westfield Airport West - store location plan

Open full size plan  »

More Travel Money Oz stores

All Travel Money Oz brand locations

• 12196 km - Travel Money in Joondalup, Western Australia (Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City)
• 12199 km - Travel Money in Hillarys, Western Australia (Westfield Whitford City)
• 12217 km - Travel Money Oz in Morley, Western Australia (Galleria Shopping Centre )
• 12222 km - Travel Money Oz in Midland, Western Australia (Midland Gate)

Opening hours - Westfield Airport West is open from Monday to Sunday

Regular opening hours - what time does westfield airport west open, get more shopping information - try helpful links on our website:.

• Complete list of stores in Westfield Airport West
• Travel Money Oz store locator
• Hours of operations Westfield Airport West
• Directions to Westfield Airport West

Write review about Travel Money Oz in Westfield Airport West

Help people and share your opinion about shopping in Travel Money Oz in Westfield Airport West. Did you like it? Give ratings and write reviews.

Share photos of Travel Money Oz:

We do not collect any personal information and we do not provide any of the information to third-party services.

There are no reviews yet.

• Stores & Services
• WHAT'S ON
• Opening Hours
• Location & Parking
• Information Desk
• Parents' Retreat
• Accessible Services & Facilities
• Leasing & Media
• Melbourne Central - Wurundjeri Country

• Trading hours
• Location & Parking
• Leasing & Media
• Off-peak time Popular arrival times today To determine popular times, this graph shows aggregated and anonymised historical visit data. Learn more
• Search Submit

Travel Money Oz

• Monday 10am - 7pm
• Tuesday 10am - 7pm
• Wednesday 10am - 7pm
• Thursday 10am - 9pm
• Friday 10am - 9pm
• Saturday 10am - 4pm
• Sunday 10am - 3pm

• Banks & Services
• Dining & Entertainment
• Electronics
• Family & Kids
• Fashion & Accessories
• Health & Beauty
• Home, Gifts & flowers
• Toys & hobbies
• Variety Stores
• Newsagency & Books
• Pop Up Leasing
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• The GPT Group
• Competition Winners

• Jump to main navigation
• Jump to main content

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

It's a travel card and a whole lot more..., log in to your travel money oz portal, register for online access.

Once registered, you can:

• Top up and manage your card's funds
• View your transaction history
• Secure hot rates with currency alerts

Get the Travel Money Oz App

• 1300 426 997
• Find a store

Payment Options

Currency card.

• Using your card
• Reload card
• Fees and limits
• Priceless experiences

Useful Links

• Travel Money Guides

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Google Plus

Credit or debit card fees may apply to online transactions. © Travel Money OZ ABN 46 21 451 723 Proudly part of the Flight Centre Travel Group Limited.

We no longer have stores at Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Travelex no longer has stores located at Melbourne Airport. Plan in advance, order online for our very best rates and collect at another location (see list below).

Travelex Stores in Melbourne and Greater Melbourne

Other travelex stores in victoria.

See Stores by State

Travelex Info

Join the conversation, customer support.

Travelex vs Travel Money Oz vs S Money

Travelex, Travel Money Oz and S Money all allow Australians to buy currency online. But which one is the cheapest?

While S Money has the best exchange rates, it does have a service fee. This means that to find the cheapest option, you need to look at the total cost of the currency including all the fees.

You can either go to each site and get a quote with each company or use an exchange rate comparison table that includes not just exchange rates, but any service fee too.

While price is important, it's not the only difference between these 3 currency exchange services. Here is a better look at each option:

S Money is an online only currency exchange, so they don’t have any bricks and mortar stores. If you order online, you can pick up your currency in the CBD or have it delivered within 20k’s of the city for $19. They are the only money exchange that offer the same exchange rate seen on Google or XE but they do charge a service fee.

How S Money stacks up

S Money doesn't have any retail stores like Travelex or Travel Money Oz. While this helps them offer a better rate, it also means that you can't sell them currency, you can only buy currency. It also means that you have to order and pay for your currency online and can't pick up from the Airport like Travelex.

Online, all 3 companies offer 'click and collect. S Money and Travelex offer delivery unlike Travel Money Oz but with Travelex, you can pick up from Australia Post stores or the airport.

If you are in a hurry, S Money is quicker than Travelex and Travel Money Ozwith most orders delivered or ready for pick up the next day.

Travelex and Travel Money Oz have a much bigger range of currencies so if you are looking for Argentine Peso or Vietnamese Dong, they are a better option.

Travelex is the biggest foreign exchange company in the Australia. They have the biggest range of currencies and collection locations but they aren't aways the cheapest.

Travelex have many locations across Australia. You can order online and collect your currency at a store, an Australia Post office or even the airport. They also offer delivery for online orders.

How Travelex stacks up

Much like Coles and Woolworths, Travelex and Travel Money Oz have a near duopoly in Australia when it comes to currency exchange. So their exchange rates, fees, services and overall offering are very similar.

Compared to S Money, their exchange rates aren't as good but they don't charge a service fee . They have a bigger range of currencies and collection locations including the airport.

Travel Money Oz has dozens of outlets throughout every state in Australia. They are owned by the Flight Centre and have good, personal in-store service.

How Travel Money Oz stacks up

Travel Money Oz is very similar to Travelex. It has a large network of stores. They both allow you to order a large range of currencies online to collect in-store and both are very large reputable companies. Even their exchange rates are very similar. Online, the experience is almost identical.

Compared to S Money, the big difference is their stores. Travel Money Oz has a huge network of bricks and mortar stores where as S Money is purely online. This also means that S Money has better exchange rates and charge a service fee. S Money also offers delivery for online orders which Travel Money Oz is yet to roll out.

Travelex and Travel Money are incredibly similar in most aspects like exchange rates fees and services.

S Money is difference from both companies because they offer the real online exchange rate and don't charge an exchange rate margin. They do charge a service fee though.

All offer online services but S Money has no stores.

You can buy or sell a big range of currencies at Travel Money Oz and Travelex but at S Money you can only buy the most popular currencies like US dollars, euros, pounds and yen.

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

You are here

The ultimate travel money guide to europe | countries that don't use the euro.

Of course, there’s more to Europe than just the Eurozone, so chances are you’ll need some local foreign currency for the destination you’re visiting!

We’ve got you covered for that too.

Body Copy.png

Popular Western European Countries That Don't Use The Euro

While you can get away with just having the Euro on hand for much of Western Europe, if you’re planning to visit the United Kingdom (UK) or Switzerland during your travels (and often many group tours and cruise itineraries will stop off in these locations!), you’ll need to also take with you some Great British Pounds (GBP) – which are also known as Pound Sterling – as well as Swiss Francs (CHF). 

Travel Money for the UK

The uk has so much to offer.

For history buffs, there are medieval castles dotting the Scottish highlands, as well as of course, Stone Henge. For the Royalists, there’s of course a rich history of the monarchy in England, the crown jewels, and Buckingham Palace. More of a nature lover? The UK has that too – from the fairy isles of Scotland, to the Forest of Dean, to Dover Heights. And for the pop culture fanatics, from Beatlemania to Harry Potter, there’s a lot to explore in the UK.

If you’re lucky enough to visit the enchanting UK, here is a budget breakdown of how much money you’ll need to take…

England.png

• What currency do I need for the UK?
• Where is the GBP used?
• UK Daily Costs
• UK Daily Budget
• Cash or Card in the UK?
• Tipping in the UK
• SAFETY in the UK
• UK TRAVEL MONEY TIPS

Great British Pound (GBP), also known as Pound Sterling. You’ll need to exchange AUD to GBP for your trip to the UK!

The pound sterling is the official United Kingdom currency, used in all four of the countries that form the UK:

• Northern Ireland

Important note: If your holiday includes a detour into the Republic of Ireland, you’ll also need some euros (they won’t accept pounds here, no matter how charming you are).

You’ll also want to exchange your Australian dollars to pounds if you’re packing bags for:

• The British Antarctic Territory

• Falkland Islands

• Gibraltar

• The Isle of Man (not as sexy as it sounds)

• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (not as edible as they sound)

• Tristan da Cunha

Coffee: £3 (about $5.60 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino.

Water: £1.10 (about $2.05 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle.

Beer: £4.30 (about $8 AUD) – for a pint in a pub.

Food: £15 (about $28 AUD) –  fish ‘n’ chips.

Fine Dining: £60 (about $112 AUD) – to dine like the Queen.

Local Transport: £2.50 (about $4.70 AUD) – London Tube of course!

Budget: Around £40-50 GBP ($80-$100 AUD) per day. EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, train ticket.

Moderate: Around £75-100 GBP ($150-$200 AUD) per day. EG: 2x cheap meals, train ticket, entry to the London Eye.

Luxury: Around £100-200 GBP ($200-$396 AUD) per day. EG: 3x restaurant meals, double decker bus, Harry Potter Studio Tour.

The UK is very card friendly, but you’ll still want some cash on hand for parking, taxis, small purchases etc. We recommend loading up a Currency Pass prepaid travel card with pound sterling (GBP) to use for everyday without incurring exorbitant credit card fees. Then, have some cash on hand too for other day-to-day purchases!

ATMs are easy to find as well – from shops to subway stations.

Very rare, unless you want to tip your top hat.

The UK is quite a safe place for you and your travel money. Just be wary of small roads with fast cars. and the cunning Artful Dodger.

• Scoring a train pass early will save you heaps.

• Careful, as some restaurants include a service fee.

• Pennies melt at 1,085°C (it’s just illegal to try).

• Don’t use too many coins at once.

• A Travel Money Oz Currency Pass can swipe you onto London tubes!

Want more info?

Read this blog for how much money you need to travel the United Kingdom.

Travel Money for Switzerland

Did you know switzerland is home to four languages.

The Swiss speak German, French, Italian, and Romansh, thanks to the neighbouring countries of Germany, France, and Italy! Making this picturesque alpine country a perfect addition to your European travels.

If you’re planning on a summer hike through alpine meadows and powder-blue water, or instead go skiing through the alps in winter, here’s the travel money you’ll need for Switzerland…

Switzerland.png

• What currency do I need for Switzerland?
• Switzerland Daily Costs
• Switzerland Daily Budget
• Cash or Card in Switzerland?
• Tipping in Switzerland
• SAFETY in Switzerland
• Switzerland TRAVEL MONEY TIPS

A frequently asked question we get is “can I use Euros in Switzerland?”

However, despite having Euro-using neighbours, the answer is no.

While yes some establishments may take the Euro, the exchange rate will likely be terrible and you’d be better off using the local currency. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF).

You’ll need to exchange AUD to Swiss Francs (CHF) for your trip to Switzerland!

Coffee: 4.80CHF (about $8 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino.

Water: 3.85CHF (about $6.20 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle.

Beer: 7CHF(about $11.60 AUD) – for a pint in a pub.

Food: 25CHF (about $41.45 AUD) –  raclette or rosti in Zurich.

Fine Dining: 100CHF (about $166 AUD) – three-course fondue in the alps.

Local Transport: 3.50CHF (about $5.80 AUD) – taking tram trips in Geneva.

Budget: Around 60CHF ($100 AUD) per day. EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, tram ticket.

Moderate: Around 120CHF ($200 AUD) per day. EG: 2x cheap meals, and a cruise in Lucerne.

Luxury: Around 200CHF ($330 AUD) per day. EG: 1x restaurant meal, and a cable-car ride through Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Switzerland is very card-friendly, but it’s also wise to have some cash on hand – from self-serve cheese kiosks on the roadside, to transport, to parking, to cafes, to even some toilets charging 1CHF to use the bathroom, having Swiss Francs in cash is a wise move.

Plus, while many historical and scenic sites are free to enter, sometimes they have around a 10CHF entry fee – so it’s good to have on hand.

ATMs are easy to find as well – however don’t withdraw frequently (or with your credit card) as you’ll be hit with some intense fees.

There’s no obligation to tip in Switzerland as all service charges are included in published prices by law. However, rounding up is accepted – in this case leave it in cash on the table.

Switzerland is generally a pretty safe country to travel, but as always, exercise caution and be wary of pickpockets and keep your belongings close.

Switzerland can be on the pricier side for travellers, but here are some tips if you’re visiting Switzerland on a budget!

• Go veggie – meat is expensive in Switzerland, so opting for veggie meals helps save your wallet. Switzerland makes this easy with all the delicious cheese and chocolate!

• Look into the Swiss Travel Pass and city tourism cards – many cities have a city pass for discounted or free admission for museums and sightseeing, and sometimes even transport!

• The water in Switzerland is safe to drink (just look at the stunning glacial lakes!), so take a reusable water bottle and fill up.

Ready to head to Switzerland?

Exchange AUD to Swiss Franc (CHF) at Travel Money Oz today!

Travel Money Advice

Foreign exchange.png.

Why do you need foreign currency?

Okay, say you’ve figured out where in Europe you’re heading.

You’ve booked your flights and accommodation , got your visas and vaccines.

Everything’s good to go, right?

You need some spending money! Those delicious pizzas in Napoli aren’t gonna pay for themselves.

So, that’s where travel money comes in.

What is foreign currency exchange?

Currency Exchange is the process of converting one currency into another currency, typically done for international travel. For example, if you’re an Aussie travelling to Istanbul, you’ll be exchanging Australian Dollars into Turkish Lira for your trip!

Want some more info? 

So… why should you exchange money before you go travelling?

M-tmoz-europe blog banners-mobile.png.

• Safety & peace of mind
• Have spending money as soon as you can
• Avoid hefty airport exchange fees

The main reason is for safety and peace of mind. In many places around the world, counterfeit cash is a big problem that can get you into a lot of trouble. By exchanging your money beforehand you can rest assured that your cash is 100% legitimate!

It also means you’ve got some money as soon as you arrive. Which, let’s face it, travel can be exhausting and you often arrive excited, but tired and hungry. If you’ve got money on you then you can immediately grab a bite to eat and a taxi to where you’re going!

Having foreign currency before you go means you can avoid hefty airport exchange rates, fees, surcharges and commission.

KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH YOU’RE GOING TO SPEND

If you’ve exchanged your money to AUD beforehand with us, you’ll know just how much you have to spend and can work within that budget. Also, our friendly experts can give some great advice, so don’t be afraid to ask!

When to use foreign cash, when to use Currency Pass, and when to use credit cards.

We recommend taking both cash and card to travel, wherever you’re headed!

After all, you don’t want to keep all your eggs in one basket.

A good rule of thumb is to have some cash for small purchases (like coffee, local markets, and tipping), a prepaid travel card (like our Currency Pass ) for everyday spending in card-based countries, and keep your personal credit cards handy for security deposits (for hotels and car rentals etc. but remember they incur additional surcharges and fees for all international purchases! ).

What denomination of currency should I get?

• Have smaller denominations for street vendors, markets etc.
• Avoid exchanging at airports, hotels, and restaurants as these can often have hidden fees and charges.

Why should I get a Currency Pass prepaid travel card?

• Lock in your exchange
• Reload via the App
• Load up to 10x currencies

When you get a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass you can lock in your exchange rate, so you don’t have to worry about market fluctuations, and will know exactly what you’re spending.

If you do end up underestimating what you’ll be spending and need a top up, you can reload your card via the app with ease! You can use the app to manage your card online, reload, and transfer between currencies, so it could prove the most convenient way to keep your balance topped up during your trip.

This comes in handy if you’re bouncing around different countries! For example, for most of Latin America you’ll be loading United States Dollars (USD), but for certain countries (like Cuba) you might load Euros (EUR) instead, while other places (like South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands) Pound Sterling (GBP) would be preferred!

Also, if you try to make a payment in a currency in which you don’t have enough funds, your card will automatically convert some money you have stored on the card in a different currency.

Currency Pass Tip – Select the Local Currency!

Always select the LOCAL  currency when paying by card or withdrawing from an ATM! Merchants and retailers might offer you to pay in your own currency, but this might include hidden charges, fees, and a not-so-competitive exchange rate which can cost you more. If you choose the local currency, you’ll be exchanging for the best exchange rate Travel Money Oz can provide at the time. Read about it in our blog - Top Tips On Avoiding International Bank Fees .

Ready to get a travel money currency prepaid travel card?

Good call! We might be biased, but we think Currency Pass is the best travel money card of all prepaid travel cards!

You can buy a currency card online and check travel card exchange rates here.

You can also reload travel cards too!

If you want more info about our travel money card fees, check out our PDS here.

Travel Money Budgeting and Money Management Tips

How to get the best rates at a foreign currency exchange.

Do your research!

• It’s really important to keep in mind the rates, fees, and charges that will be involved in the process -to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.
• It’s also crucial you research the currency or currencies you’ll need for the destinations you’ll be travelling to.
• On top of that, making sure you have enough money to last the entirety of your trip, and then some, by creating a travel budget!

How to avoid international banking fees.

When you're travelling overseas, using your regular debit or credit bank card to manage your travel money often seems like the easiest option. But all too often, this convenience comes at a price.

Discover the sneaky international bank fees you can incur while travelling, and how to avoid them, so you can put your cash toward more important things – like souvenirs!

How to make most of your foreign currency while on holiday

We all love to treat ourselves while we’re on holiday. After all, it’s what we’ve been saving hard for all this time. A little splurging on souvenirs and dining can quickly add up.

But there are a few things you can do before and during your holiday to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Read this article to learn more!

How to keep your money safe while travelling

So how can you protect yourself from becoming a target of pickpocketing and money scamming? A combination of common sense and preparation, of course!

Keep your money safe during your travels with these 20 tips.

Understanding ATM Fees

Aussies love using ATMs, but this article isn’t a ATM Appreciation post.. ATM use can come at a big cost!! Make sure you’re informed about all the fees involved so you can make the best decisions for yourself and limit unnecessary costs.

Well friend, we’ve made it easy for you.

There are two parts for your travel budget.

Firstly, there are things you need to take of before your trip – like flights, accommodation, visas, vaccinations, and all that jazz.

Then, there’s the money you’ll be spending while actually abroad – think food, transport, tipping, souvenirs, and experiences.

After all, if you’re travelling all the way to Greece for an island-hopping adventure, you’ll probably want some travel money to buy those ferry tickets!

Conveniently… we have this guide on how much money you need to travel Europe!

From example itineraries to our nifty (and free!) holiday budget planning tool, this blog is basically a step-by-step guide to make creating a travel budget easy.

Why exchange with Travel Money Oz for your European holiday?

That’s a good question!

It’s always important to research the businesses you’re engaging with.

Here are some of our key pointers:

• Transparency
• Best Price Guarantee
• Rate Move Guarantee
• Cash Commitment
• 60+ Currencies
• Friendly World Experts

No Commission, no fees, no hidden nasies.

We wouldn’t want them either. So, what you see is what you get.

We will beat any local written quote by at least $1*

We know having the best rate possible means you get the most spending money overseas. That’s why we offer our Best Price Guarantee! Find the T&Cs here , but the gist is that if you give us a written quote, we’ll beat it by $1.

Protection against rate fluctuations.

The rates can change quicker than Aussie weather. It can be stressful trying to guesstimate the right time to exchange money. Which is why we’ve built in protection! If you see the exchange rate gets better within 14 days of exchanging with us, we’ll refund you the difference. * Learn more .

Always have top currencies in stock.

We’re not here to waste your time. There’s nothing more annoying than taking time out of your day to buy something and they don’t have stock. But we will ALWAYS have our top currencies in stock! • United States Dollar (USD) • Euro (EUR) • Great British Pound (GBP) • New Zealand Dollar (NZD) • Japanese Yen (JPY) • Thai Baht (THB) • Singapore Dollar (SGD).

And if we don’t have the currency available in store? Well, we’ll give you up to $100*.

Pre-order rare currencies!

We also know that maybe you want to travel off the beaten path. Well, we stock over 60+ currencies! Head to your local Travel Money Oz store and ask a friendly expert what’s the best option for you. If it’s a rare currency that we stock, we should be able to get it in for you, or it might even be the case that it’s a currency you can only get in-destination, and another currency might get you better rates when you’re there (for example, Bolivian Boliviano – it’s better to take United States Dollars and trade once you’re in Bolivia!).

By travellers, for travellers!

Last but definitely not least, we’re experts in all things travel and money, and are travellers ourselves so we can give the best advice!

Surely this blog is proof of that, right?

We’re in the business of travel money because we know and love travel, so we’re here to help make it all easier for you – especially first timers experiencing large sums of cash for the first time!

Come and have a chat with us in-store for your upcoming trip, we’d love to help out.

We also have these helpful blogs and World Currency Guides if you’re a bit more introverted and would rather learn online (don’t worry, we get it).

What should I do with my leftover foreign currency?

If you have anything left over after your great European adventure, you can sell it back to Travel Money Oz on return!

• Leftover Cash
• Leftover Card
• Leftover Coins

You can either trade it back for Aussie Dollars in cash or nominate your bank for a transfer.

If you have funds left over on your card you can either:

• Cash out for flat fee of $10AUD straight into your bank account.
• Use the money as you would in Australia (by transferring to AUD) and run the balance down to zero (on groceries etc).

Any leftover coins, these are not legal tender in Australia, so if you haven’t spent it overseas and don’t want to keep them as souvenirs, you can donate them to UNICEF in our Travel Money Oz stores!

There you have it!

Your travel money for european adventure sorted..

That wraps up all the most important info (that we can think of at least!) that you’ll need to know when it comes to foreign currency in Europe.

All that’s left to do us come and see us to grab yours!

Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation. Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee, Rate Guard and Cash Commitment. See travelmoneyoz.com for more details.

Gemma Edwards

Gemma is always chasing her next sundrenched adventure - from taking a helicoper flight over an active volcano in Hawai'i, to going on a 50+ temple pilgrimage in Japan (and accidentally ending up at a midnight armwrestling tournament).

When she isn't travelling the world, you can find her writing and creating content about it.

CONNECT: Insta @gemma.edwardz | LinkedIn /gemma-s-edwards

TRAVEL GUIDES RECAP - FINLAND | How Much Would It Cost to Travel Finland Like A Travel Guide?

The top 5 most affordable destinations to visit, more like this.