Credit cards

Carry at least two major credit cards in case you underestimate the cost of your trip... Don't take unnecessary credit cards... Major credit cards such as Mastercard, Eurocard, JCB, Visa and it's variations are accepted in most retail and service outlets, with charge cards American Express and Diner's Club, also accepted by many outlets. New Zealand visitors can also use their Bankcards.

Most banks and other financial institutions have 24 hour Automatic Teller Machines (ATM or "hole in the wall") access to funds. Visitors with major credit cards and an activated PIN (Personal Identification Number) may withdraw cash from ATM's where the logo is displayed. American Express and Diner's Club card holders will need to confirm availability and activate your PIN with your local office prior to departure.

You will also find that many retailers, including rural businesses, also have Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (Eftpos) facilities. Most major credit cards can be used at these facilities as long as you have an activated PIN prior to departure... To be certain, check with your credit card company before travelling.

Check the expiration date to make sure it will be valid the whole time of your trip. Also make sure you know how much credit you have available. To avoid having your credit unexpectedly cut off, keep a running total of your charges. If you are visiting Australia for more than a few weeks, make arrangements with your card issuer for payment.

Most hotels require a credit card to guarantee the payment of the bill, even if you plan on paying with traveller's cheques or cash. This also "freezes" a certain a certain amount of your credit limit that you need to plan for. Be sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.

In case of lost or stolen cards, have the telephone numbers to call to get a replacement.. .see the main contact numbers at the end of this section.

Credit card advantages
Credit card benefits change so ask in advance what the latest offerings are! In the past, Visa will replace lost or stolen airline tickets purchased with their credit card. Diners Club members can book a suite at the Hilton for about the price of a single room and can be picked up at the airport. MasterCard holders can get pre-trip information, emergency cash, and message transmissions all over the world.

American Express's Global Assist offers cardholders a 24-hour medical and legal referral service around the world. They will also send a prescription to people at no cost if they forgot their's. Many provide automatic travel accident insurance for personal accidents, some up to $1 million... plus coverage for lost or stolen luggage. Some of the gold cards assume responsibility for loss or damage when you use their cards to rent a car... Many gold cards offer many benefits that you may not know exist... check them out!

Credit cards can also be used to obtain cash advances or additional traveller's' cheques in case you run out of money - up to your credit limit. Some credit cards can be used at selected ATM's (automatic teller machines), for cash advances. Before you can use a credit card at an ATM you must have a specific PIN (personal identification number) given to you by your bank. Keep the PIN separate from your credit cards.

If your credit card is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately. Until you report the loss, you may be liable for each unauthorized transaction.

Reference telephone numbers:

• Mastercard
  1300 135 538
  + 61 (2) 8225 0620 - overseas
  
• Visa
  Visa GLobal Customer Assistance 1800 450 346
  + 61 (2) 9251 3704 - Overseas
  
• American Express
  1300 132 639
  +61 (2) 9271 8664 - Collect from overseas
  
• Diners Club
  1300 360 060
  +61 (3) 9805 4410 - Reverse charge
  
• Discover Card
  1800 347 2683 - Inside U.S.A.
  1801 902 3100 - Outside U.S.A.
• JCB International
  +81-3-5778-5483 - Outside Japan
  
• Carte Blanche
  See Diners Club