Travel

Using Your ANZ Debit Card Abroad: A Complete Guide

Using Your ANZ Debit Card Abroad: A Complete Guide

These days, accessing your money has become far easier with the widespread use and acceptance of debit cards. In Australia, over 80% of transactions over $10 are made using cards¹. If you bank with ANZ, one of Australia’s leading banks, this article will provide you with all the information you need on using your ANZ debit card abroad.

Can You Use Your ANZ Debit Card Overseas?

Yes, you can! Your ANZ debit card should work everywhere that Visa is accepted, which includes around 29 million outlets worldwide. So, whether you’re shopping, dining, or exploring, you can rely on your ANZ debit card to make hassle-free transactions. Plus, all purchases made with your card are protected by ANZ Falcon™, a security feature designed to detect and notify you of suspicious transactions².

Read more  The Physics of Sound: Exploring the Speed in Different Materials

What to Do Before You Travel Abroad with Your ANZ Debit Card

Before you embark on your journey, it’s crucial to inform ANZ about your travel plans. This simple step ensures that the bank is aware of your international usage, preventing any potential inconveniences or card blocks. You can easily notify ANZ about your travel plans through the ANZ banking app³.

Fees to Use Your ANZ Debit Card Abroad

While using your ANZ debit card abroad, it’s important to be aware of the fees that may apply. Here are the fees associated with ANZ debit cards:

  • Overseas Transaction Fees:
    • Anz Access Advantage Visa Debit Card²: 3% transaction fee
    • Anz Plus Visa Debit Card⁴: 3% transaction fee
  • ATM Withdrawal Fees:
    • Anz Access Advantage Visa Debit Card²: $5 fee on each withdrawal + 3% transaction fee
    • Anz Plus Visa Debit Card⁴: $5 withdrawal fee + 3% transaction fee

Please note that additional fees may be incurred when using your ANZ card abroad, especially at ATMs. ANZ claims that these fees are beyond their control⁴.

Exchange Rate for Overseas Foreign Currency Payments

When making overseas foreign currency payments with your ANZ Access Advantage or ANZ Plus Visa Debit Card, the exchange rate applied is the Visa exchange rate available at the time of purchase⁵. ANZ does not specify if any added margin is included in the rate.

To understand how this impacts your transactions, let’s compare the cost of a £100 purchase using ANZ debit cards and Wise, an alternative provider:

  • ANZ Visa Debit Cards⁶:
    • Using the current exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.964 AUD (inclusive of ANZ’s 3% transaction fee), your purchase will cost $196.44 AUD.
  • Wise Debit Card⁷:
    • Using the current exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.899 AUD, your purchase will cost $189.14 AUD.
Read more  Traveling Safely in India: Essential Tips for Independent Travelers

Card Spending Limits with ANZ Debit Card

Your card spending limit is determined by the available balance on your ANZ debit card. For standard ANZ debit cards, the daily withdrawal limit is $1000 AUD from ATMs. However, you can contact ANZ directly to increase the limit to $2000 per day⁸. If you have an ANZ Plus debit card, you can withdraw up to $2,500 a day⁹.

Dedicated Foreign Currency Travel Cards from ANZ

While ANZ no longer offers travel cards as part of their product offering¹⁰, there are other options available in the market. You may consider researching dedicated foreign currency travel cards to potentially save on fees during your travels.

Keep These Tips in Mind Before You Travel

Before you set off on your journey with your ANZ Plus Visa Debit Card, here are some important things to keep in mind:

Organize International Roaming

Ensure that your Australian phone’s data plan includes international roaming or explore options for temporary international plans. This will help you stay connected without incurring high fees.

Know Your PIN

Remember to know your card’s PIN, as contactless payment may not be as widely available abroad. If you forget your PIN, consider resetting it before you leave to avoid any inconvenience.

Take Multiple Payment Methods

While your ANZ debit card should work abroad, it’s always a good idea to have backup payment methods, such as another debit or credit card or some cash, just in case.

Be Aware of Extra Fees

In addition to the fees mentioned earlier, be mindful of any hidden fees that may arise while using your card abroad. Knowing where these fees might occur can help you plan your spending and save some extra cash.

Read more  Explore Australia: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Plan for Emergencies

Prepare for unexpected situations by familiarizing yourself with the security features offered by the ANZ app and knowing how to contact ANZ in case of emergencies.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if I lose my ANZ debit card abroad?

A: In the event your card is lost or stolen, ANZ offers a simple process to manage access to your card. You can temporarily or permanently block your card through the ANZ app. If you suspect your card has been stolen, it is crucial to report it to ANZ immediately³¹.

Q: How can I contact ANZ from overseas for any other inquiries?

A: You can reach out to ANZ via the ANZ app or call +61 3 9683 9999³¹.

Conclusion

Traveling abroad with your ANZ debit card is convenient and secure. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this article, you can make the most of your ANZ debit card while exploring the world. However, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead, be aware of fees, and have backup payment options for a worry-free trip.

Click here to learn more about iBlog and get information on a range of topics to enhance your knowledge and travel experiences.

Sources: Reserve bank of Australia card use, ANZ Visa Debit FAQ, ANZ Money Overseas, ANZ Plus, ANZ Visa enabled, Visa conversion, Wise Conversion, ANZ increase limit, ANZ plus withdrawal, ANZ travel card, ANZ lost or stolen cards. Sources checked on: 26 September 2023.

Related Articles

Back to top button