Should i change my money before i got to australia - or when i get there?

Question

I'm moving to sydney for a yr, i will have a bank account over there eventually - but until i get that set up I obv need to take cash with me. I was going to get it changed here in the uk before i left until someone told me to do it there - does anyone know where ill get the better exchange rate - or will it be no different?

Cheers for all the help!

Answer 1

Rather than carry heaps of cash, does you keycard from your current bank work over here - check with your bank.  

Answer 2

there

Answer 3

their money is wierd. Its plastic

Answer 4

I went last year, and took my Bankers card with me, and I found out that I could get money from the ATM like I do here and it came out in dollars. I found it very easy, but before you do  go to your Bank and they will tell you all about it. Have a great time, as I did and its so laid back, so you feel at ease with everyone. Good luck to you.... and believe me you will not want to come back.

Answer 5

If you have time, open a current account with Nationwide and use their debit card at ATM.  I have done this on 5 long trips now.  They charge no commission, give as good an exchange rate as any - better than most - and make no charge for using the card anywhere in the world.

Answer 6

Definitely when you're in the UK - the money exchangers here have incredibly high margins/spreads.

Answer 7

Lowjoy is right, you usually get a better rate taking the money straight out of the cash machine using your ordinary debit card, and this is obviously more convenient also - check with your UK bank first. You will need to change some money in advance to pay for a couple of things when you first arrive, a few hundred dollars should be plenty.

Answer 8

Change it there the commission will be lower

Answer 9

I'm moving to Sydney to live on the 1st of september, I already have an Aus account so I have just  been transfering my money out my UK account into Aus account. Also make sure you have at least £1000 to open an account, I'm with HSBC and thats the minimum I had to put in to open an account. I am also changing cash here befor I go. My advise would be try and look for a good exchange rate in the UK, better to have some Aus $ befor you get there.