ATM's in Australia/New zealand
 

Has anyone from the US had any trouble getting money from ATM's in either of these countries? <BR><BR>I was going to use my Credit Cards as much as possible but in case I need cash?? I was thinking of getting some Traveler's Checks just in case.<BR><BR>Thanks!

Hi Christina..I can only speak for Western Australia as I visited there last February. There were plenty of ATMs to get cash whenever it was needed. I did carry traveler's checks as a back up but never had to use them. Credit cards were widely accepted, too. Have fun, you'll love it in Australia and NZ.

just be careful, i know when i used it in other countries, they charge you and additional 1 percentage for foreign exchange.

Be aware that although there are plenty of ATM machines in both Australia and New Zealand, it would make sense to get cash out before you get off the beaten track. There can be issues in small places where the ATM may be out of order or may not exist at all! Most places will gladly accept, VISA, Mastercard and AMEX (there can be a little resistance to AMEX so make sure you have a back up card). Apart from that have a wonderful time and enjoy - Bunni

talk to your bank. I went to them and asked what they charged to withdraw money over seas. My bank only charges $1.50 american dollars per transaction, which I didn't think was that bad!

A hint someone once gave me. When you are on holidays and are using an ATM, make sure you only use one out the front of a bank and that the bank is open for business. Then if the machine swallows your card and won't give it back, it is a simple matter to go inside the bank, speak to the staff and retrieve it.

We found ATM's everywhere in Australia and NZ (Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne, Ayers rock, Palm Cove, Christchurch, and Queenstown). It was more expensive to exchange money than it was to withdraw money thru an ATM. We used our credit cards too and did not find outself in a bind.<BR><BR>Listen to Jenny's advice - wish I'd thought of that.

Thanks everyone for the good advice. I can't wait to get there!