Travelex rip off sydney airside 27/11

[anat0l]

Their bad publicity here will cover my issues plus interest.!!!

They already get bad publicity here.

Sorry to hear of your incident. Only proves to me further that using Travelex in Australia is a scam.

[malmacdowall]

They already get bad publicity here.

Sorry to hear of your incident. Only proves to me further that using Travelex in Australia is a scam.

Where do members recommend using for currency exchange?
Somewhere that is convenient and can be done last minute?

I hate the rates but tend to use travelex at airport to get cash for the first day or two OS then withdraw cash from an affiliated bank in country... Any other ideas?

[serfty]

Where do members recommend using for currency exchange? ...

Wizard Clear Advantage Mastercard or NAB Gold Visa Debit card.

See this thread: http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/comm...hile-6960.html

[markis10]

I long ago decided that airport FX is a bad thing, with the exception of SIN, and the travellex PDS does clearly state that frequent flyer points are not applicable, not that I would be reading a PDS airside! The agent should have told you before the transaction, I would make a complaint on that basis, they are probably on commission.

[Mrmaxwell]

Are there any times at all where using airport FX companies in Australia is advisable? They always seem to have such bad rates and fees...

[anat0l]

Are there any times at all where using airport FX companies in Australia is advisable? They always seem to have such bad rates and fees...

If you're in a complete pinch, need the money and are airside, then of course you have no choice but to use the facilities and cop the rate on the chin (and I'll take some extra commission too, thanks).

It's rare that you may need foreign currency in a pinch that you could not otherwise wait until you arrive at your destination and find a favourable money changer or an ATM (e.g. the latter to use the Wizard Clear Advantage Mastercard). Only scenario I can think of is to pay for, say, train fare from the airport and the ticket machines do not accept cards. Customs might stop you and treat you as suspicious if you have no cash at all and entering the country, but I don't see why you can't tell them that you have credit cards and bank account back in Australia with money.

I think the only non-Travelex foreign exchange facility based at an airport in Australia is in MEL T2, arrivals area (landside). I think it is a ANZ bank facility. No idea on their rates or commissions, and no idea if it is any better than the Travelex changer near it.

In short, if you must, change some currency before you go to the airport.

[ChrisBNE]

The place should be put out of business....

Why? They charge a price which people are willing to pay. They offer a service which is incredibly convinient for international travellers, they have a right to charge for that priviledge.

If you do not like to price, be organised enough to arrange your currency elsewhere.

[anat0l]

Why? They charge a price which people are willing to pay. They offer a service which is incredibly convinient for international travellers, they have a right to charge for that priviledge.

If you do not like to price, be organised enough to arrange your currency elsewhere.

I call a bit of a monopoly on the side of the airports not encouraging at least another currency changer to open up airside in our major airports.

I think you have it right with "convenience" but I think I'll stop short of saying "willing to pay". In saying that they all still exist, so you probably have a point there.

[tuapekastar]

I think the only non-Travelex foreign exchange facility based at an airport in Australia is in MEL T2, arrivals area (landside). I think it is a ANZ bank facility. No idea on their rates or commissions, and no idea if it is any better than the Travelex changer near it.

An ANZ in MEL T2 departures (landside) also (and better stocked with various currencies than the arrivals one - at least according to the staff). I used it a few months back, the rate was better than Travelex but cannot recall whether it was by much.

I have a sneaking suspicion there may even have been one airside as well but by no means sure of that.

[anat0l]

I have a sneaking suspicion there may even have been one airside as well but by no means sure of that.

Actually, after thinking about it, you're right - there is one airside. I believe it is just beyond the central part of the Duty Free complex. In other words, just keep walking straight from security and, barring the fact that you can't walk through objects, people or walls, you'll find the ANZ currency change.

Now it begs me to think where is the Travelex on the airside? Or are ANZ and Travelex in kahoots in MEL?