Turkey has been a part of Australia’s history, dating back to the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign in World War 1. Paying your respects to our fallen soldiers at Anzac Cove is an emotional rite-of-passage for many Australians, and is well worth the trip alone. However, Turkey also offers plenty of other options for holiday-makers, including its culture, World Heritage Sites and the architecture of numerous historical buildings.

We’ve put the country through our Optimise Travel holiday destination test, and it certainly passes.

• Is now a good financial time to go? 

• Is there a wide variety of interesting things to see and do? 

• Is there a good time of year to go? 

• How hard is it to get to and get around when you’re there? 

We’ll look at each one of these criteria in more detail in this article, offering you some practical tips and advice along the way.

A good financial time to go √

Current exchange rates between the Australian dollar and the Turkish lira make Turkey a great value for money destination for Australian tourists, which is a bonus.

As the graph below shows, this has been the case for the last few years in particular. The Australian dollar (AUD) will currently buy you approximately 2.04 Turkish liras (TRY), about double the figure of a decade ago when it hovered around the 1 lira mark. Even 5 years ago, an Australian dollar would only get you about 1.5 Turkish liras. So now is a good time to go.

Image: xe.com

A variety of interesting things to see and do √

Before we get into those, you need to get your head around the geographic layout of the country, and in particular, appreciate two of its bordering countries. The capital city of Turkey is Ankara, and as you can see from the map below, the country is bordered by Syria and Iraq in the south, two countries that are currently in conflict. It is best to avoid Turkish regions that border those two countries accordingly.

In addition, you need to appreciate that there will be an English language barrier to some extent in Turkey. Turkish is the official language, and while young people in Turkey may know some basic English, older people are less likely to know any.

Image http://guidemap.tk

ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli peninsula

ANZAC Cove is a small, 600-meter long cove on the Gallipoli peninsula, about 200 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. It is where the ANZAC soldiers landed at dawn on April 25, 2015 (a date commemorated each year via the Anzac day public holiday in both Australia and New Zealand).

8709 Australians lost their lives in the ill-fated, 8-and-a-half month Gallipoli campaign of World War 1, and a further 19, 441 were wounded. Each year thousands of Australians and New Zealanders trek to Gallipoli to pay their respects, firstly at the ANZAC Day dawn service, followed by visiting the grave sites of fallen soldiers. It is a truly moving and humbling experience.

                                                           Image:http://www.syne.com

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century and is remarkably well preserved. Formerly a mosque and before that a church, it is now a museum. Its distinctive architecture is a landmark in Turkey, and its inner walls feature a variety of striking religious mosaics.

Image: www.wikipedia.com

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

Topkapi Palace was a royal residence that also served as the administrative centre of Turkey from 1465-1856. It is now a museum containing artefacts from that era, holy relics and jewellery.

Image: http://ephesus-tour.com

Pamukkale

Meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, Pamukkale is a distinctive travertine (white limestone) terraced hot spring landscape in the south-west of the country. People have bathed in its pools for thousands of years, and it is a World Heritage Site.

Image: http://www.sademdis.com

Ephesus

Ephesus is a city from the Roman empire in south-west Turkey that still has many of its monuments largely intact, as well as its marble-columned roads from that era. It is another World Heritage Site.

Image: http://www.wanderlustturkey.com

Bodrum Castle

Built in the 15^th century, Bodrum Castle in south-west Turkey has a fascinating history. It has been used variously over the years as a chapel, mosque, military base and prison. It is now an underwater archaeology museum, containing ancient shipwrecks extracted from the Aegean Sea.

Image: https://evapartments.files.wordpress.com

Relax by the beach or paraglide at Ölüdeniz

Ölüdeniz is a small secluded beach resort in Turkey’s south-west. Its turquoise coloured water makes it one of the most photogenic beach location in the world. Tandem paragliding is a popular option available to take in its panoramic views.

Image: http://www.otelseden.com

Cruise the Mediterannean, off Bodrum

Hundreds of tiny islands are scattered off the coast of Bodrum in the south-west, and these can be explored on a relaxing yacht cruise.

Image: http://www.turkeytraveller.com

Hike or go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a historical region located in the provinces of Nevşehir, Kayseri, Aksaray and Niğde in central Turkey. Its World Heritage listed rock formations and underground cities built hundreds of years ago provide lots of exploring opportunities for hikers. You can also take in the breathtaking views via hot air ballooning.

Image: http://www.asherworldturns.com

A good time of year to go √

Being located in the northern hemisphere, Turkey’s seasons occur at the opposite time to Australia’s. Coastal areas of Turkey tend to have hot, dry summers and cool to cold, wet winters. Winters in the interior of the country are more severe, with significant snowfall.

Turkey’s major summer school holidays occur each year predominantly between mid-June and mid-September. A shorter 2 week winter school holiday period occurs during the last week of January and the first week of February each year. You can expect holiday destinations and accommodation within Turkey to be more crowded and expensive accordingly during these times, especially in summer.

Islam is the major religion in Turkey, and in 2016 the Ramadan month of fasting will begin in early June. It is recommended that tourists respect the locals by not eating, drinking or smoking in public during this time, nor in the presence of people who are fasting.

Getting there and getting around while you’re there √

There are regular flights to Ankara and Istanbul (the two largest cities in Turkey) from most capital cities in Australia. It’s a long flight, taking between 16 and 19 hours from the east coast of Australia, based on one quick stopover at a connecting flight destination along the way (such as in Singapore or Dubai). Connecting flights are common for such a long journey. Your total travel time will obviously be affected by the length of any stopovers, so you should plan accordingly.

Within Turkey, there are airports in each of its major cities. Flights between cities are relatively short by Australian standards. For example, a flight between Ankara and Istanbul only takes about 30 minutes. An example of a long flight within the country would be between Istanbul in the north-west to Erzurum in the east, which takes about 2 hours.

Is it safe?

The Australian government’s official advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is that Australians should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in Turkey. This is because there is a relatively high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping in the country, especially in regions near Syria, due to the on-going conflict in Iraq and Syria.

In addition, as you should in any international country, pay close attention to your personal security and belongings in Turkey. You should also talk to your doctor about appropriate vaccines and preventative medicines before you go. In addition to the routine vaccines, for Turkey, you should prevent your chances of contracting any of the following diseases –hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies and malaria.

Please Share your travel tips, tricks and stories about Turkey in the comments section so that others can benefit on their travels!

*We aim to provide up to date content and information. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section

The post Visit Turkey: Why Australians Would Enjoy This Rich Culture appeared first on Optimise Travel.

Planning a trip to South America for your holiday is an incredible opportunity. Not only because of the inherent natural beauty that awaits you, but also due to the advantages you gain in terms of paying less for more. The reason is that most countries in South America favor the Australian Dollar (AUD) in their rates, meaning that, considering the past couple of years and present currency exchange, Australians can obtain a superior price-value ratio when planning their holidays to these regions. The National Currency of Brazil (Brazilian Real R$) has lost value consistently against the AUD and current prices make these destinations the perfect retreat – filled with pleasure and adventure at an affordable cost.

Brazil is the most well-known country in South America. It is renowned for its beautiful, vibrant beaches and giant mountain ranges that provide an exquisite backdrop for tourists and locals alike. The city’s landmark is Christ the Redeemer is a 38 meter Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ welcoming visitors to Corcovado Mountain perched high above the city below.

Image: youtube.com

One of the biggest carnivals in the world is the Rio Carnivale, held from the 1st-9th of March in 2019. Music, street festivals and dancing converge at this time of the year, resulting in lavish parades and extravagant parties throughout Rio de Janeiro. The streets come alive with laughing, dancing and endless fun alongside approximately 2 million other people.

For a more comprehensive guide to visiting Brazil please please see our guide.

        Image: www.ibtimes.co.uk

In the past 5 years, the Brazilian Real has constantly depreciated with respect to the AUD, making it possible for Australians to spend less and experience more. 

Image via xe.com

The numbers indicate that you’ll definitely enjoy the value of your money in Rio but if you want to feel the vibration of Latin America outside of Brazil then Argentina & learning to dance the Tango in Buenos Aires should be on your bucket list. Infamously easy to learn, this dance brings out the warmth and friendliness of people to the surface irrespective of the harmony of their movements. Certainly an authentic experience for travellers who want to step into the shoes of a local.

Image: hotel-magazine.com

The capital city of Argentina is another one of the incredible value spots for Australian vacations. Sports enthusiasts are recommended to experience a Boca Juniors vs. River Plate football match. The festivity, intensity of emotions and engaging shows put on by the crowd’s often make the stands look as exciting as what’s happening on the pitch itself.

Image:xe.com

If you feel closer to nature, the majesty of Iguazu Falls might be exactly what you need. These wondrous cascades are located on the junction of the Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay borders with many airlines within Argentina and Brazil offering direct flights from larger cities to this beautiful site.

Image source: sploid.gizmodo.com

For a dose of history and heritage in South America, Peru’s Cusco is very popular due to its Incan architecture and Renaissance cathedrals. This world heritage site at the base of the Andes is famous for the ancient ruins of Saksaywaman, whose mysteries have yet to be fully deciphered by modern science. Baroque constructions and churches from the 1500s make it the perfect place to start exploring South American Culture. Even though the Peruvian Nuevo Sol has steadily gained in value relative to the Australian Dollar in the past couple of years, this country is currently one of the most affordable destinations on our list.

Image: tarainperu.wordpress.com

Another popular destination in South America is Bolivia, housing the amazing Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat and home to the iconic species of pink flamingos. This stunning formation of prehistoric lakes is not only picturesque but also teaming with unique wildlife.

Further North on the continent, The Santuario de las Lajas in Colombia should be of particular interest to Australians coming to South America since the AUD has gained a bit over 30% in relation to the Columbian Peso. Here, you can find the Las Lajas Sanctuary, a Gothic Revival style church built in the 20^th century that attracts millions of pilgrims every year due to its incredible architecture and religious connections. According to a folklore legend, an apparition of Virgin Mary took place here as a miracle in 1754 and the image is still visible on the stone to this day.

Image: xe.com

South America offers more than meets the eye, from natural beauty to man-made ancient wonders the arsenal of tourist attractions rivals any other continent in the world. Travel from the top of the mountains to the warmth of the beaches and everything in between. Australians can explore South America with value for Australia Dollar being at record highs.

Please feel free to write about your South American recommendations and experiences in the comments below so that others can benefit on their travels.

*We aim to provide up to date content and information. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section

The post Why Smart Australians are Travelling to South America appeared first on Optimise Travel.

Australians have many choices when it comes to purchasing a Travel Money Card with each bank or institution offering different terms, conditions, fees and charges. It is, therefore, important that Australians compare and review travel money cards available on the market.

We have done this work for you by comparing Eight of the Best Travel Money Cards available in Australia. The two tables below give a clear summary of the different cards available and show how you can save on fees and charges.

Travel Money Card – Table 1

Travel Money Card –  Table 2

Westpac global Currency Card – It charges $10 for reloading card and its conversation rates stands at 3%. One can load five different currencies at ago and the maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,500.

Global Wallet (Velocity Frequent Flyer) – It does not charge any fee for purchasing initial card but charges monthly inactive fee of $1 after 12 dormant months. It also charges $15 for emergency transfer and the conversation rate is 3%.

ANZ Travel Card– The fee for acquiring initial card is $11 and the conversation rate is 3%. There is no monthly inactive fee and maximum number currencies loaded at ago are 10.

Load & Go (AUSTRALIA POST) – The conversation rate is at 3% and maximum currencies loaded at a point are 5. It does not charge fee for acquiring initial card.

Cash Passport – Monthly inactive fee of $4.00. There is 25% load balance and 24 hours customer service.

Nab Travel Card – Conversation rate is 4% and no charge for acquiring initial card. One can change pin and access funds online.

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card – Fee for acquiring initial is $15 and the number of currencies available is 13. There is same day reloading and 24 hours customer service.

Cash MasterCard (Qantas Cash) – There is no linkage with bank account and one can lock the card in case of lose. There is 24 hours customer service and online account access.

Please Share your tips, tricks and stories regarding Travel Money Cards in the comments section so that others can benefit on their travels!

*We aim to provide up to date content and information but care should always be taken when purchasing products from retailers. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section

The post How To Find Best Travel Money Card For Australian Travellers appeared first on Optimise Travel.

The catch for Aussies in 2015/2016 is the currency exchange rate. The Australian dollar has been at all-time lows for the past 5 years relative to the Euro and British Pound. In November 2015, around 2 AUD will get you 1 GBP and 8 AUD receives 5 EUR. These figures highlight the extra burden travellers now face when visiting European cities meaning their hard-earned AUD won’t go as far as it once did.

Optimise Travel has done the research for you to showcase european holiday destinations that will give you more ‘bang for your buck’.

Image via xe.com

Nonetheless, European holiday destinations do not only include the UK, France, Germany, Spain or Italy.

Central and Eastern Europe

These are amazing destinations that offer unique and memorable experiences similar to the more popular regions, but at a much better price. This is the case because not every EU country has adopted the Euro as its currency, our table below explains.

Countries such as Sweden and Denmark have their own currencies and while the exchange rate might be favorable to the AUD in 2016, the services, food and travelling costs in these northern countries are almost equivalent to those practiced in Western Europe, so they do not represent great deals for Australians. To gain significantly more value for your European holiday in 2016, you can visit the following countries which are not in the Eurozone: 

Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, and Turkey.

Image via http://www.economist.com

The major Eastern European capitals such as Warsaw in Poland, Budapest in Hungary or Bucharest in Romania are just as technologically advanced and up-to-date with 21^st century trends as any western city. These come with the added benefit of generally less tourists. The adventures awaiting travellers visiting this region of Europe is extremely unique, highlighted by the diversity of Serbia and Macedonia, Russian vodka tasting in Moscow or the outstanding all-inclusive offers in Turkey’s beach resorts.

The Czech Republic others coffee festivals, fantastic art collections including Andy Warhols best work, castles, caves and gorgeous Chateaux’s. Even though Prague has attained popularity in the past decade and prices have increased, it still represents high value for Australians. Architecture from the Gothic and Renaissance eras is littered throughout the capital. English speaking guided mountain bike tours are available and extremely popular along with Czech beer. This brew is known around the world for its taste, which comes from decades of brewery experience passed down from one generation to the other. The best thing about it is that you can get the finest Czech beer at excellent prices regardless of where you stay.

Religion or literature enthusiasts can follow in the footsteps of Rabbi Loew and the renowned legend of the Golem – a trip that starts in front of his statue, takes you through the Kafka square, two synagogues, and a Jewish cemetery. Just outside of Brno, in the east of the Czech Republic lies the Moravian Karst, a vast landscape of gorges, caverns, underground rivers and cave systems.

Image via https://www.ietf.org/

The next on our list is Poland and the city of our choice is Krakow, which seems to be the most accessible destination. Free walking tours of the city are available for backpackers leaving daily from the main square. This central grand square (Rynek Glowny) is the perfect people watching both day and night and is an excellent starting point when exploring the city.

Attractions such as the Wawel Royal Castle, Bunker of Modern Art and the Church of the Virgin Mary (Kosciol Mariacki) are all within walking distance and easily accessible. If walking and site seeing takes its toll then Spa and wellness resorts are also popular throughout Poland with more than 40 renowned for their affordability, modern features and tranquility.

Travel further east to a Romania to experience Medieval Castles such as Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula. Located just outside of the picturesque mountain town of Brasov and just a few hours north of the capital Bucharest, this 600 year old castle is a must see for adults and children alike and with tickets no more than 30 Romanian Lei (€6).

In terms of modern scenery, the capital Bucharest is renowned for its historic beauty and with many focal points showcasing its communist times. You can learn something about Romania’s roots at the Village Museum or the Museum of the Romanian Peasant or gaze upon the 2^nd largest building in the world, the Palace of the Parliament.

Art galleries are plentiful and usually come without the crowds of its Parisian counterparts. The most interesting 21^st century galleries include the Anaid, Zorzini Gallery or H’art Gallery. Alternatively, the capital is renowned for its nightlife and entertainment scene. Low prices, plenty of underground locations and live music clubs can turn every night into a party.

Image via www.reddit.com

The Russian economy has experienced difficult times recently, with the AUD gaining as much as 60% in value when compared to the Russian Ruble since January. Services are quite pricy in Moscow, seeing as it is one of the largest capitals in Europe, but transportation, food and drinks are more than reasonable.

Visit the Kremlin, a fortress dating back to the 1100’s and renovated in the 15^th century by Italian architects and currently the seat of the Russian state power, as well as the Red Square, where you’ll be blown away by the the psychedelic onion domes of St. Basil.

Image via www.holidaystoturkey.com

Antalya, Turkey is the place for your perfect European holiday in 2016. Considerably cheaper than the capital Istanbul, Antalya is mostly known for its beach resorts. The incredible value of your vacation is powered by an exceptional currency rate between the AUD and Turkish Lira. Additionally most hotels offer ‘all inclusive’ packages meaning you can indulge in all the food and drink you that your stomach can handle. Visit our comprehensive guide to Turkey here.

Image via xe.com

Even though the AUD has lost a lot of ground in the past 5 years compared to the Euro and British Pound, Europe still remains an attractive destination for Australians. This is because tourists can experience art, history, mountains, beaches, spas, nightlife, medieval castles and architecture all on the one continent. Travellers who venture outside the more recognised european cities can stretch the AUD further, experiencing more on their European holiday adventures.

Please Share your European holiday tips, tricks and stories in the comments section so that others can benefit on their travels!

*We aim to provide up to date content and information. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section

The post Getting the Most Value from Your European Holidays appeared first on Optimise Travel.

Croatia offers plenty of options for holiday-makers, including its culture, historical buildings and national parks, as well as beautiful coastal and inland mountain resorts.

We’ve put the country through our Optimise Travel holiday destination test, and it comes up trumps.

• Is now a good financial time to go? 

• Is there a wide variety of interesting things to see and do? 

• Is there a good time of year to go? 

• How hard is it to get to and get around when you’re there? 

We’ll look at each one of these criteria in more detail in this article, offering you some practical tips and advice along the way.

A good financial time to go √

Current exchange rates between the Australian dollar and the Croatian kuna make Croatia a good value for money destination for Australian tourists.

As the graph below shows, the Australian dollar (AUD) will currently buy you approximately 5.17 Croatian kunas (HRK). Although you would have been able to get more than 6 kunas to the dollar 2 or 3 years ago, the Australian dollar has held up better against the kuna in recent years than against currencies like the United States dollar (USD) and the Euro (EUR).

Image: xe.com

A variety of interesting things to see and do √

Before we get into those, you need to get your head around the geographic layout of the country. The capital city of Croatia is Zagreb, and the country is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Croatian is the official language in the country, but most people speak at least a little English, so the language barrier won’t be as acute as in some other countries.

Image: http://reliefweb.int

Pula Arena

This amphitheatre was built in the first century, and is the 6^th largest surviving arena from the Roman Empire. It is also the best preserved historical building in Croatia, and hosts a variety of festivals and concert performances over the summer months.

http://www.houseofcoco.net/park-plaza-arena-hotel-pula-croatia/

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes is a World Heritage-listed national park located near Croatia’s border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is particularly famous for its series of cascading lakes and their green, blue and azure watercolours. Its dense forests are home to unique flora and fauna species, including the European brown bear, eagles, owls, wolves and wild cats.

Image: https://acoupledetours.files.wordpress.com

Hvar

   Hvar is a Croatian island town located in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast near the city of Split. It is home to some of Croatia’s more upmarket resorts, and is known for its sunny weather, beaches and harbour.

Image: http://www.suncanihvar.com

Zlatni Rat Beach

This much-photographed and popular beach, also off the coast of the city of Split, is surrounded by pine trees and is typically lined in summer with sunbeds. It is ideal for water sports activities such as wind-surfing and kayaking.

Image: http://stuffpoint.com

Korčula

Korčula is also an island town located off the coast of Split. There you can stroll and explore its centuries-old stone buildings, medieval walls and towers on car-free stone alleys. You can also visit Marco Polo House, the birthplace of the famous 13th-century explorer.

Image: http://i.uniline.hr

Dubrovnik

Nicknamed “the pearl of the Atlantic”, the city of Dubrovnik in the south is one of Croatia’s most prominent tourist attractions. It is a walled city, and the stunning architecture of its churches, monasteries and museums are its most striking feature. Besides walking the streets to take its history in, a great way to view the city as a whole and its neighbouring islands in the Adriatic Sea is via aerial cable car. In addition, the ‘old city’ was used in filming the HBO TV series Game of Thrones.

Image: http://www.valamar.com

A good time of year to go √

Being located in the northern hemisphere, Croatia’s seasons occur at the opposite time to Australia’s. Its weather is much cooler than in Australia, with average summer temperatures of 18°C and -3°C in winter. Coastal areas are warmer than inland areas.

You can expect holiday destinations and accommodation within Croatia to be more crowded and expensive during school holiday times. Approximate Croatian school holiday dates are as follows:

Christmas: 24 December 2015 to 8 January 

Spring:       21 March 2016 to 28 March 2016

Summer:   13 June 2016 to 31 August 2016

Autumn:     5 September 2016 to 9 September 2016

Getting there and getting around while you’re there √

There are regular flights to Zagreb (the capital and largest city in Croatia) from most capital cities in Australia. It’s a long flight, taking approximately 24 hours from the east coast of Australia, based on one quick stopover at a connecting flight destination along the way (such as in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok or Dubai). Connecting flights are common for such a long journey. Your total travel time will obviously be affected by the length of any stopovers, so you should plan accordingly.

Within Croatia, there are airports in each of its major cities. Flights between cities are relatively short by Australian standards. For example, a flight between Zagreb in the north of the country and Dubrovnik (popular tourist destination in the far south) only takes about an hour.

Is it safe?

The Australian government’s official advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is that Australians should exercise normal safety precautions when travelling in Croatia. As you should in any international country, pay close attention to your personal security and belongings.

You should also talk to your doctor about appropriate vaccines and preventative medicines before you go. In addition to the routine vaccines, for Croatia, you should prevent your chances of contracting any of the following diseases –hepatitis A/B and rabies.

Please Share your Croatian tips, tricks and stories in the comments section so that others can benefit on their travels!

*We aim to provide up to date content and information. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section

The post Why Croatia Is a Must See Destination for Australian Travellers appeared first on Optimise Travel.

It is also important to note that at times it may be easier to simply purchase a prepaid sim card from one of the local mobile carriers in the country that you are visiting. This will likely cut down on costs.

However, if you do not want to lose the practical advantages of having your Australian Prepaid Sim Card with you, then our list below showcases the top mobile carriers and what they have to offer. It is also wise to remember that if your Smartphone is locked to one network it is likely that it will need to be unlocked to use most of these prepaid sims.

Mobile Phone Options for Travelling Abroad – Prepaid Sims

1) Vodafone

5 AUD daily plan For people headed overseas, there is little that could beat the amazing 5 dollars a day roaming plan that Vodafone has. This deal is available on all postpaid plans, including the month to month deals that it offers in Australia. This plan will let you use your plan’s data, voice and text allowance for a flat 5 dollars every day in close to 46 countries all over the world. Examples of countries covered include: New Zealand, The United States, The United Kingdom and other countries in Europe and Asia.

You will also get access to unlimited standard calls to the motherland as well as in the country that you are currently visiting. You will also enjoy free text messages.

For countries that are not in the 5 dollars a day flat rate, you will be charged a flat rate of 1$ per minute for all calls made and 1$ for every megabyte used on the internet. These plans are great for short trips up to 2 weeks. Travelling for long periods can get expensive on these plans if overused.

2) The Optus 10$ per day Travel Packs

Optus also has great travel packs that will make international roaming hassle free. For example, you will have access to unlimited standard calls and international calls and texts together with 50 MB of data for a flat rate of 10$ every day when in the following areas: New Zealand, The UK, The US, Canada, Asia and Europe.

When your travel pack runs out, charges will be as follows: 1$ per minute for calls, 50 cents for each SMS sent and 50 cents for data. These plans are great for short trips up to 2 weeks. Travelling for long periods can get expensive on these plans if overused.

3) Telstra Data Packs

Telstra has the reputation for having the greatest coverage and least black holes in Australia.However, its international roaming rates are not particularly good. For example, Telstra offers 100MB of data at 29$, 85$ for 300 MB and 600 MB for 160$ before topping out at 1GB for 350$. Each data pack is valid for 30 days from the day of activation and can be used in about 50 countries from New Zealand to Canada, Europe, Asia and The US. These plans are designed for longer term travel. When travelling for a minumum of 2-4 weeks these bundle packs become moreappealing and better value as they last for 30 days.

4) Truphone: Local Anywhere

Truphone adds a spanner to the works by allowing an Aussie traveler to view most of the world as a single roaming zone, all while using their local phone numbers. The Truphone World ‘300, plan features 300 voice minutes, 300 SMS and 300MB for 55$ every month. There are similar plans such as 500 plan, 1000 and 2000 plans that are priced at 71.50$, 104.50$ and 159.50$ per month respectively. Truphone is excellent for people who tend to travel to many countries all year round and especially business travelers as it offers local rates and phone numbers to users all on the one sim.

5) Woolworth’s Global Roaming Sim Card

For only 29$, you can get the Woolworth global roaming sim card, together with 10$ credit for making phone calls and purchasing data. The sim card is active in over 180 countries, and the fact that you can recharge online is a huge plus for weary travelers who would not want to start looking for scratch cards in the middle of the night. The company also has a page dedicated to comparing rates among all the major sim card companies offering global roaming sim card. As such, you can exercise your judgment in choosing the best card for your purposes. The global data only bundles are also competitive, with 250 MB going for 40$ with a 7-day expiry date, 500 MB for 60$ and 1GB for 90$ both with a 30-day expiry date. Despite being a well recognised brand in Australia and offering good rates there are many stories of the Woolies Sim card not working or being extremely difficult for travelers. Please post your experiences with all Sim cards in the comments below.

6) Gosim International Sim Card

Get the Gosim international sim card at only 19$ to have access to the following benefits:

a) Calls from 15 cents per minute

b) Have access to more than 195 countries worldwide

c) 10$ credit included, further reducing the cost of acquiring a sim card

d) Enjoy having no connection fees

e) Send text messages at 15 cents per text message

Data rates are competitively priced, starting from 35 cents per MB depending on the country that you are visiting. The company also offers bonus data depending on the type of bundle that you subscribe to. For example, the lite data bundle costing 49$ will give you 65$ value, while the medium data bundle going for 69$ gives you 140$ value and the heavy data bundle pack for 119$ unlocks 360$ worth of data bundles. This represents a credit bonus of 30%, 100% and 200% respectively.

7) Australia Post Prepaid Travel Sim

For 24.95$, the Australia Post Prepaid Travel sim will unlock the following for you:

a) One contact number to use in over 190 countries

b) No contract, no minimum spend requirements and no hidden charges

c) Unlimited free web-based SMS to your travel sim

d) 5$ call credit when you buy your travel sim

e) 0.50$ per MB while in Europe

f) 24/7 personal assistant services when you encounter difficulties

g) Loyalty program for airlines and hotels that rewards you with 1 mile for every minute

called.

My girlfriend and I used the option when travelling to America previously. It was easy to reload and reliable to use but the rates for calls, texts and data were not as competitive as other options.

8) TravelSIM

TravelSIM is a roaming service that will give you access to over 190 countries. It is interesting to note that with this sim card, your friends and family will be able to call you toll-free and also send you web-based SMSs. There are no hidden charges, connection charges and flag falls with the TravelSIM. The sim card is prepaid, meaning that you will not see any surprise bills at your front door at the end of the month.

There is a personal assistant service on standby 24/7 that you can call when you experience difficulties. The official website for TravelSIM has a page for frequent travelers to calculate and compare rates while using the prepaid sim card for overseas travel.

The TravelSIM starter pack goes for 49.95$, though it includes a 20$ call credit, which means that its true cost is about 29.95$.

9) Aussie Sim

The Aussie sim is for travelers visiting popular hotspots such as the UK, Europe, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The company also claims to have rates that are 95% cheaper than using your Australian mobile phone. It will cost you approximately 24.95$-39.95$ to purchase an Aussie sim card for global travel. This offer comes with free shipping. Being primarily focused on South East Asian countries and Europe this option is aimed at backpackers

The sim card will give you coverage in over 175 countries. The company has an interactive web page where you can calculate call, text and data rates in the country of your choice.

Please Share your tips, tricks, and stories in the comments section so that others can benefit on their travels!

*We aim to provide up to date content and information but care should always be taken when purchasing products from retailers. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section

The post Mobile Phone Options for Travelling Abroad appeared first on Optimise Travel.

 Credit Cards – Travel Money Cards – Travellers Cheques – Cash

When Exchanging Travel Money we are constantly being bombarded with deals and being told the best way to use our Australian Dollars when we travel. Most of the time it is companies promoting their product as ‘the best’ or ‘the safest’ product for the consumer when their main focus is it exploit travellers with hidden fees and charges.

I have travelled to many countries, changed many currencies, used many types of Bank Cards and even cashed travellers cheques before (yes that’s old school). These experiences always left me feeling that I had been ripped off and that I had lost a lot of money during the process. My aim is to explain the Pros and Cons with each method so travellers can make smart choices and get more when Exchanging Travel Money.

Credit Cards ‘CC’

• are dangerous if used without self discipline and this can be amplified when travelling abroad. Banks charge a currency conversation fee, meaning that when you buy in a foreign currency the bank of the CC will take between 0.5% – 3% of the purchase price as a fee. Eg: if you buy a 200 USD pair of shoes in New York on your Australian CC with a 2% fee, you pay an extra $5.50 AUD just for using your card. If you like swiping your card these fees will quickly accumulate.
• You are locked into the banks exchange rate with the currency you purchase in and this is often unfavourable for the traveller
• Credit Card fraud is more common outside of Australia and I have many friends who have been scammed for thousands of dollars (feel free to post your story in the comments section)
• One benefit (depending on your type of card) is that these purchases both in Australia and abroad can contribute to Frequent Flyers points and bonuses that can be used at a later date.
• Please visit our article on Credit Cards and Frequent Flyer points for more information on Australian Credit Cards

Travel Money Cards ‘TMC’

This type of Bank Card acts similar to a Debit Card in that you preload your card with however much ‘cash’ you would like and once you it runs out you will need to add more usually from your internet banking. Many of these cards allow you to set specific currencies ahead of time so that travellers can see how much of a local currency they have in their account. In facilitating this convenience to its customers, banks take various fees and charges. Like Credit Cards, many banks will charge a currency conversion fee for your transaction also while using travel money cards.

Please read our article on different Travel Money Cards which breaks down the fees and charges you will encounter and also the benefits of this type of card.

Cash

As the old saying goes. Cash is King. In my experiences as a traveller, CASH will give you best value for your Australia Dollar.

But what does that mean?

Do I carry Australian dollars to another country?

Or do I buy foreign currency before I go?

Where should I do this?

And most of all…is it safe?

Most of us who travel abroad will have little experience in exchanging travel money to and from Australian Dollars. This can make for an uncomfortable experience, especially in a foreign country and often feels like it is bordering on some type of illegal activity. This is not the case and problems rarely arise when following some simple steps to keep safe and get the best rates.

In Australia:

Banks and foreign exchange shops are commonly used and found in all major areas of the country with the majority located in big cities and close to the tourist hot spots. These are all safe and secure but offer various rates for different currencies. Travelex offers best rate guarantees on many currencies but negotiating is key when making a transaction and smaller, independent FOREX places can call their bosses and ask for a better rate than what is advertised. Things to keep in mind when Exchanging Travel Money.

• Always use foreign exchange that is situated in safe and visible street location
• Play different FOREX places against each other to get the lowest rate
• Travelex and small independent venues have ability to lower rates beyond advertised market rates
• Check our currency converter for same day median rates and aim to get as close to that as possible (top right of homepage)
• The larger amount of money you exchange the more negotiating power you have
• NEGOTIATING is key. If you do not ask for a better rate then you will not receive one

Overseas

Many of the tips that apply within Australia will also apply in foreign countries. Changing money in a secure, safe and open location is a priority in any countries where crime an increased concern. Also being aware that people may be watching you and taking care of your bags and belongings is always a good idea. Using the room safe to keep your cash, passport or other valuables is also highly recommended. Just don’t forget your belongings when you checkout!

AUD is readily accepted in almost all foreign destinations with the best returns coming from checking our currency converter rates, changing larger amounts of cash and negotiating for every last peso, yuan, dinar, lira or dollar.

Bringing Money back to Australia

A few years ago on the rare occasion that I had money left over in a foreign currency I would be madly exchanging it at the airport a few minutes before departing on my flight home. This resulted in me taking whatever rate was available and not giving it a lot of thought as to how I could better use my leftover cash.

Nowadays I bring home my foreign cash instead of losing out to the FOREX places. If I bring $200 USD back from the states to Australia I will simply save it and change it with a friend (or a friend of a friend) who is travelling in the next few months. This benefits both parties because neither have to pay fees for exchanging money.

Of course, I would probably not bother to bring Nigerian Naira back to Australia but currencies from places like Indonesia, the United States, Thailand, Hong Kong and Euros can be easily sold to someone you know or possibly saved if you plan on returning to the same destination in the future.

Travellers Cheques

With modern technology and increased security in the digital age this form of currency exchange has been largely fazed out and is not widely used. I would not recommend buying travel cheques but if you would like to use this method then talking with your bank is a must.

Changing currency when travelling is often a difficult and frustrating experience. By following these steps you can tackle this stressful task confidently and with the knowledge that you are not being ripped off.

If you have any suggestions for exchanging travel money please comment below and share your experiences in the comments below

*We aim to provide up to date content and information but care should always be taken when purchasing products from retailers. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section.

The post Tips and Tricks for Exchanging Travel Money appeared first on Optimise Travel.