Australian Bank Cards

[kirabolton]

I have a commonwealth bank savings account do any australians know if that will work in Europe?

[Eagle]

Kira, check with your financial institution and find out which networks they are affiliated with (Cirrus, Plus, etc.). The symbols might be shown on the back of your card?

Also, it's a real good idea to contact both your financial institution and credit card companies (sometimes they are separate entities) to let them know you'll be travelling in Europe. I did this before my last trip and was told that their computers will "flag" transactions that occur a significant distance from "home". If they're not notified, they will assume the card is stolen and further transactions will be blocked. I'm not sure if all companies do this, but thought I'd mention it.

Cheers!!!

[MuvverRussia]

Generally speaking savings accounts are a bit 50-50. I'd look at getting a current (or for those across the Atlantic, a 'checking' account)- you'll need one sooner rather than later anyway.

I really recommend HSBC (www.hsbc.com.au). Despite the name, they're a UK bank with branches throughout Europe. They also give pretty good rates, as well as a number of benefits (e.g. commission free exchange etc). I'm not sure if they do personal accounts though, even so it would definitely be worth checking out.

Also, I'd recommend getting a credit card (Visa/MC), just in case your debit card isn't accepted. Also they give you more protection against fraud etc.

[Nicstar]

I think though, when kira says savings account , it is actually a day to day transaction account.

I know with my bank I have a savings account, and also my credit account. I was offered a cheque account, but as I have no need for cheques in my life, I didn't get it. Basically, if I had gotten a cheque book then that would be the only difference between a savings account and a cheque account. At least thats what it is with my particular bank.

I used my VISA card over in the UK and Ireland to access both my savings account, and my credit account, and to transfer funds between the two. Never had a problem with any of it.

Yes, tis a good idea to let your bank know your spending activity/locations may change. I once went on a shopping spree and put $800 on my credit card in an hour and a half, and because my bank had set up my profile on my account, that was seen as unusual. By the time I got home from shopping they had rung me and left a message to call back, and had put a stop on my credit account.