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Best Travel Cards for Australians Heading Overseas in 2024

We compare the best travel money cards including prepaid cards, debit cards and credit cards. Whether you want ease of access to money at any cost or no-frills or fees cash, find the best money solution when you travel overseas.

Wise - our pick for travel card

No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, no exchange rate markups
No minimum balance requirements
Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR), Canada (CAD) and New Zealand (NZD)
Available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand

Find out more about the Wise card .

With this card:

It's very easy to set up and order
You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
Pay with your Wise card in most places overseas where debit cards are accepted
Get the mid-market rate for currency conversion

Go to Wise or read our review .

It's not all good news though

There is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
It takes 7-14 days for delivery

How do I pick the best travel card for me?

Fed up with ATM charges when you travel overseas? Or running out of money when you need it the most? You probably brought the wrong card with you.

It can be tricky to choose the best travel card to use when you travel overseas. The best one for you will really depend on what you need from the card you're using.

You will generally use travel cards to make purchases online, in-stores and to withdraw money at ATMs. All travel cards have these basic capabilities. This means what you should really compare between travel cards are the following:

Exchange Rates and Fees

Compare exchange rates and fees

Conditions and limits

Spending conditions and max/min limits

Make sure your money is secure

Best Travel Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas

Wise is our pick for travel debit card.

You can transfer money to a bank account overseas
Currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rate

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Wise compares

Read the full review

No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, exchange rate markups
Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR) and New Zealand (NZD)
It takes 7-14 business days to receive the card
Can't always access local technical support depending on where you are
Free cash withdrawals limited to under $350 every 30 days
Only currently available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

Revolut - multi-currency travel card

No purchase fee, load fee, reload fee, exchange rate margin or minimum balance requirements
Unlike other Travel Cards, its free and easy to use the balance of your currency or convert it back to AUD
Mid-market exchange rate, they add a mark-up for currency conversion during weekends
For the free Standard account, there is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
The premium account costs $10.99 a month, which can really add up if you are not using it often

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

Very easy to use app
Free to set up
No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas
Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
3-4 business days before you receive your card
Ongoing subscription fee for Premium and Metal cards

Citibank Saver Plus - bank travel card

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account - bank debit card. With this card you can:

withdraw money for free at over 3000 ATMs Australia-wide and overseas
take advantage of no foreign transaction fees, monthly fees, or minimum opening balance
transfer money to friends and family anywhere in the world for free

We think this is the ideal debit card whether you're staying local in Oz or travelling to destinations in Asia or Europe.

No international ATM or transaction fees
Fee-free international money transfers to any account worldwide
SMS notifications through Citi Alert
Cash deposits available within 24-48 hours
Can't have two cards active at the same time
$5 account closure

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card. With this card:

There are no annual fees
No overseas purchase fee or currency conversion fee
You get 55 days interest free on purchases
Access to free 24/7 concierge service
Emergency card replacement worldwide

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has additional benefits including shoppers and repayments benefits cover. For more information read our review .

Can have 9 additional cardholders
No overseas purchase fee, or currency conversion fee
No foreign transaction fee
Free Replacement Card
High interest rates after the initial 55 days
Minimum credit limit is $6000
No introductory offers or rewards

Learn more about the 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard

Travelex money card - prepaid travel card.

Travelex Money Card - prepaid travel card. With this card:

There are no ATM fees so you can withdraw cash at no extra cost
You can access Travelex's online rates
You can lock in your initial loading cross currency rate
Ideal for the organised traveller.
Can load up to 10 currencies including AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, THB, SGB, HKD and JPY.
Smartphone App & Free Wifi Cross
$0 overseas ATM fees (Australia excluded)
24/7 Global Support
Limited Currencies
5.95% currency conversion rate
$100 minimum initial load
2.95% Australian ATM withdrawal fee

Learn more about the Travelex Money Card

What are the other travel card options.

Check our travel card comparison table for a comprehensive list of fees and features for different travel debit and credit cards available for Australians travelling overseas.

*ATM operators will often charge their own fees.

** Up to 5 ATM fees and unlimited currency conversion costs may be rebated if you deposit $1,000 and make 5 purchases per month.

***Account fee waived if you meet eligibility criteria, including depositing $2,000 per month

What are the different types of travel card in Australia?

There are 3 popular travel cards you can take with you on your trip:

Prepaid Travel Card

Travel Debit Cards

Travel Credit Card

1. Prepaid Travel Card

For prepaid travel cards, you're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currencies you need. Ideally you do this before your trip, but often you can reload them as well.

Most prepaid travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

With prepaid travel cards you need to be careful, as they can have numerous fees and charges which can make it more expensive than other options. But if you're organised and travelling to multiple cities a prepaid travel card is a good option. Read more of how to find the best travel card with no foreign transaction fees .

If you need more flexibility or you don't want to pay the multiple fees associated with prepaid travel cards, the HSBC and Citibank global accounts are better options.

Exchange rate margins when you load your card
Exchange rate margins when you close the card
Flat or percentage-based fees to load the card
ATM withdrawal fees
Exchange rate conversion fee when you use the card
Reloading fees
Closing fees

Prepaid travel cards are best if:

You want to lock in a rate
You want to stick to a budget
You lose it/it's stolen

Prepaid travel cards are not great if:

You want the absolute best rates
You need to hire a car, make payments on a cruise ship, or pay for a hotel

2. Travel Debit Card

An international card or your bank card offers the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. They draw money directly from your bank's everyday transaction account when you make a purchase. It's designed for everyday money transactions and means that you're not accumulating debt.

A debit card could make you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account. And for daily purchases, we think a debit card can help you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account.

We recommend bringing both a debit card and credit card for safety, flexibility and convenience on your trip.

Currency conversion fee for overseas debit transactions
Flat fee or percentage-based ATM withdrawal fees
Foreign ATM owner fees
Flat fee or percentage fee for debit card purchases via EFTPOS

Debit cards are best for:

When you have time and you're happy to open a bank account to get one
Fee-free cash withdrawals from ATMs

Debit cards are not great if:

You switched from a better account to get one
Or if you want to switch, but pick a costly travel debit card instead

3. Travel Credit Card

Credit cards have obviously been around for a long time. But now there are specialised travel credit cards. Generally, these cards give you longer to pay back what you've spent but the interest rates after this time can be quite high.

The main advantage with credit cards are the reward points you get in return for your customer loyalty when you spend. But it only works if you pay off the balance in full each month.

Credit cards are great to use for car hire, restaurants and accommodation - larger expenses that are easier for you to pay back over time. Some services only take credit cards to hold purchases so they can definitely be handy while you're travelling.

Annual and reward scheme fees
Cash advance fees
Interest charges

Travel credit cards are best for:

Getting the best spending rates
If you have decent credit score and are legible for the credit card
Frequent flyer points to help you get discounted or free flights
Low or zero international transaction fees
Complimentary travel and/or medical insurance offered with a lot of cards

Travel credit cards are not great if:

Your credit score is poor
You won't repay in full every month
Can't afford high minimum credit and annual fees
Want additional card holders (usually an extra cost)
Your monthly salary minimum isn't high enough
For some travel credit cards you have to be a permanent Australian resident

Best travel money card tips

Before you decide which travel money card will best suit your needs, it’s worth comparing a few, bearing in mind these handy travel money card tips:

Exchange rate - check what rate is used to convert your dollars to the currency needed for spending in your destination. A card which uses the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually the best value
Coverage - make sure your card covers the currency you’ll need in your destination, as fees may apply if it doesn’t. Picking a card which covers a large number of currencies can also mean you’re able to use your travel money card on future trips.
Safety - check the card’s safety features. Most cards are linked to an app which allows you to view transactions, check your balance and freeze or unfreeze your card if you need to
Fees - read through all the possible fees associated with your card before you sign up. Costs may include a foreign transaction fee when spending an unsupported currency, ATM fees, a cash out charge or inactivity fees if you don’t use your card often for example
Rewards - some travel money cards also offer some nice extras, like ways to earn rewards or discounts, or free wifi when you travel. Travel credit cards in particular have lots of rewards on offer, although you may have to pay an annual fee to get them

Travel card fees

The fees you pay for your travel money card will vary depending on the type of card you select, and the specific provider.

Travel prepaid cards fees can include:

Fees when you get your card in the first place
Load or top up fees
An exchange rate margin when topping up foreign currencies
Foreign transaction fees if you spend a currency you don’t have in your account
ATM charges at home and abroad
Cash out, close or inactivity charges

Conclusion - What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which works best for you will depend on your personal preferences and where you’re heading.

Using a multi-currency debit card which supports a large range of currencies can keep your costs low and allow you to skip foreign transaction fees . Plus you’ll be able to use your card for online shopping in foreign currencies, or for your next trip abroad, with no ongoing fees to worry about.

Prepaid travel money cards are safe and easy to use , and you can often pick one up instantly if you’re in a hurry. You’ll be able to add travel money before you leave or top up as you travel, although it’s worth converting to the currency you need in advance, and looking for a card with mid-market exchange rates to avoid extra costs.

Generally using a credit card will come with the highest overall fees - but you’ll be able to spread out the costs of your travel over a few months if you need to, and you may also be able to earn rewards or cash back as you spend. Use this guide to compare different card types and options, and pick the perfect one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Best travel cards to use overseas

Which is the best travel card for use in australia.

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account is the best travel debit card for use in Australia. It works as a normal debit account, with no ATM fees at 3000 ATMs across Australia and has no account minimums.

Which travel card is best for Europe?

The best travel card for Europe is Wise . Not only do you get a great rate when spending in Euros, You get a set of bank account details with which you can recieve EUR transfers, as if you were a local.

Which high-street bank has the best travel card?

The best travel card from an Australian high-street bank is either the Citibank Plus Everyday Account or the CommBank travel money card . While Citibank's card offers more as a travel card (fee-free ATM withdrawals and excellent exchange rates), CommBank has far more in-person branches in Australia if you're someone who prefers doing your banking in person.

What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Usually having a few different ways to pay is a smart move, so packing a travel debit card or prepaid card, your credit card and some cash can mean you’re prepared for all eventualities.

Which bank travel card is best?

Australian banks offer travel credit cards, and some also have travel debit or prepaid card options which can be worth considering. Which is best for you will depend on the type of card you’d prefer, so comparing a few options from banks - and from specialist providers like Wise or Revolut - can help you find the best deal for your needs.

Join CHOICE

Travel money cards with the lowest fees

We look at seven travel money cards from the big banks and airlines..

Prepaid travel money cards are offered by major banks, airlines and foreign exchange retailers like Travelex. Before travelling overseas, you load money into the card account, which locks in the exchange rate for foreign currencies at that time.

You can then use the card for purchases and cash withdrawals just like a debit or credit card, usually wherever Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

You can reload money on-the-go via an app or website, and if the card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced (usually at no cost to you).

Prepaid travel money cards also give you assurance that you're not handing the details of your everyday banking account to merchants you're not familiar with, and they provide easy access to cash when you want some, says Peter Marshall, head of research at money comparison website Mozo .

CHOICE tip: Travel money cards are best for longer trips. They're usually not worth your while if you're only taking a short trip, as some have closure, cash out and inactivity fees.

Travel money card fees

A major difference between prepaid travel cards and debit or credit cards is their fees. Some costs aren't immediately apparent, such as hefty margins built into the exchange rates.

And although fees have come down since we looked at these cards two years ago, you still need to watch out for:

fees to load the card – either a percentage of the total or a flat fee
ATM withdrawal fees
a cross currency fee or margin when you use the card in a currency you haven't preloaded
further fees if you close the account or haven't used the card for a period of time.

Travel money card with the lowest fees and best exchange rate

Westpac worldwide wallet.

Westpac closed its Global Currency Card in July 2021 and offers its new card in partnership with Mastercard. It's also available from Bank of Melbourne and BankSA.

Currencies: AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, ZAR.

Key features:

No loading, reloading, closing or inactivity fees.
Free to use it in network ATMs in Australia and partner ATMs overseas in a range of countries including the UK, US and New Zealand.
A charge applies at non-Westpac and non-partner ATMs in Australia and overseas.
Best exchange rates for the US dollar, the Euro and GBP in our comparison.*
The only card that lets you preload the South African rand.

Other travel money cards

Next to the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are six other travel money cards available.

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

Available online or at post offices.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED.

Fee to reload the card via BPay, debit card or instore, but free via online bank transfer.
Closure fee.
Fees for ATM withdrawals in Australia and overseas.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

It's issued by Heritage Bank and is available online and from a number of smaller banks and credit unions (like Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland) as well as travel agents.

Fee to reload with a debit card or instore, but free via BPay.

CommBank Travel Money Card

CommBank Travel Money Card (Visa)

As NAB and ANZ have closed their travel money cards, this is the only other travel money card available from a major bank. This card has the largest variety of currencies that can be preloaded.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED, VND, CNY.

Fee if you make a purchase with currencies not preloaded.
Fee for withdrawals at overseas ATMs.

Qantas Travel Money Card

Qantas Travel Money Card (Mastercard)

The only travel money card offering from an airline. It can be added as a feature to your Qantas Frequent Flyer card, so you don't need a dedicated card, and you can earn points using it.

Free to reload via bank transfer or BPay, but there's a reload fee if using debit card.

Travelex Money Card

Travelex Money Card (Mastercard)

Travelex is an international foreign exchange retailer. In Australia, it operates more than 140 stores at major airports and shopping centres, across CBDs and in the suburbs. It was the card with the best exchange rate for New Zealand dollars.*

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD.

Fees :

Load fee instore, but free via Travelex website or app.
Reload fee instore or via BPay, but free via Travelex website or app.
Closure fee and monthly inactivity fee (if not used for 12 months).

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard)

The Travel Money Group is owned by Flight Centre and is a foreign exchange retailer.

Reloading the card via an online bank transfer or instore is free, but there's a fee if you reload via BPay, debit card or credit card.
Cash out (closure) fee.

Travel money card tips

Make sure the card allows the currencies you'll need, and also consider stopovers. For example, the South African rand is only supported by the Westpac card.
Try to load your card with the right currencies and amounts on days with good exchange rates.
Make sure you know how to reload your card if you run out of funds while overseas.
It may be more convenient to choose a card that has an app that can be linked to your bank account.
Avoid loading more money than you'll need as there may be fees and exchange rate margins to get the unused money back.
Remember to cancel the card once you're finished your trip, especially if it has inactivity fees.
Be mindful that you still may need a credit card, as travel money cards may not be accepted as security for hotels and car rental agencies.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Join the conversation

To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

Travel Money Card Comparison

How to find the best card for your next overseas trip.

Credit cards
Frequent flyer
Credit score
Money management
Sustainability

In this guide

Travel money card comparison

What is a travel money card, the pros and cons of different options, what are the travel money card fees i should know about, how to find the best travel money card, top travel money tips, australian travel statistics, faqs about prepaid travel money cards.

Travel Money Cards

Key takeaways

The most important features to compare are the foreign transaction fees, exchange rates and usability.
If you want to withdraw cash, a prepaid travel card or debit card will likely be cheaper than a credit card.
It is a good idea to have several travel money options in case of loss, damage or theft.

A travel money card is a prepaid card which you can add multiple foreign currencies onto to use while you're travelling overseas. You can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Prepaid travel cards work similarly to debit cards as you can deposit a certain amount of money into the card and only spend what you've got available in the account. However, unlike a standard debit card, a prepaid travel card allows you to lock-in exchange rates before you travel.

You can also avoid some of the fees that you might be subject to if you were to use your normal bank card. Many transaction accounts have international transaction fees or other limitations, so getting a travel money card can save you money there. It can also feel safer to have a travel money card, avoiding the risk of losing your money if something were to happen to your bank card.

Prepaid travel money cards

Advantages of a travel money card.

Pre-load your funds. Depositing your money on the card in advance can help you to stick to a budget, though you can always reload if needed.
Multiple currencies. You can convert Australian dollars into several supported currencies (great for a multi-country trip) and avoid currency conversion fees.
Locked-in exchange rates. Funds are converted based on the exchange rate at that time, so you avoid any exchange rate fluctuations while travelling. Caveat: this can be an advantage or a disadvantage.
Frequent flyer points. The Qantas Pay prepaid card means you'll earn frequent flyer points for your spending both overseas and in Australia.
ATM fees. Many travel money cards don't charge overseas ATM fees.

Disadvantages of a travel money card

Additional fees. Some card charge additional fees including ATM, reloading, account closure and inactivity fees.
Reload delay. Some cards may take a few days for the funds to be available.
Acceptance. Travel money cards are not as widely accepted as debit or credit cards in some countries.

Newcastle Permanent Everyday Account

There is no universal best travel money card as your options vary from country to country and person to person. In saying that, some of favourable features of travel cards include:

No additional fees: including ATM fees, reloading fees and card closure fee
The option to lock in exchange rates before you leave
The option to add multiple currencies onto the one card
Digital wallet compatibility so you can add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
Low or no additional cost to convert your left-over money back to AUD
Security, including card pin

You should also consider exchange rates, conditions, limits and safety.

Here are our top travel money tips:

Pay for your purchases in the local currency. This will help avoid any currency conversion fees.
Keep an eye on your transactions . It's always a good idea to regularly check your transaction history to make sure there's no unauthorised transactions - and if there are, you should report them to your bank immediately.
Always take more than one travel money option. You don't want to be left stranded if you lose your card or it gets stolen. Consider bringing 2 forms of travel cards to avoid being left cashless in a foreign country.
Keep your travel money in a few different places. Having all your foreign cash and cards in a wallet means you'll have no backup if you lose your wallet. Instead, consider keeping some of your travel money in a separate place. For example, you could keep most of your cash in a hotel safe or a locked part of your luggage.
Inform your bank. If you're using your regular debit or credit card, let your bank know. You wouldn't want your card to be cancelled due to a 'suspicious transaction' while you're overseas because your bank thinks you're still in Australia.

How do you top up travel money cards?

You can top up your travel money card if you need more money while you're on your trip. Depending on your specific travel money card, you can reload your card online, using BPAY, through your bank's app or via your bank's branch. Look into the card you are topping up because some methods do incur fees e.g. the Qantas Pay Card has an instant reload fee of 0.5% while its BPAY and bank transfers are free.

Can you get your money back if you don't spend it all?

You can generally get your money back if you don't end up spending it all while overseas. However, you might encounter fees to get the remaining money back into your regular bank account.

What should I do if my travel money card is lost or stolen?

The first thing you should do upon discovering that your card is missing is call your card provider. Reporting the theft or loss immediately will help protect the funds on your card.

Most of the card companies provide 24/7 customer service emergency numbers. Some even accept reverse charges, so it can be as simple as dialling the operator to connect your collect call. If you dial the number directly, you may be charged for the call.

CommBank Travel Money Card: +61 2 9999 3283
Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard: +44 207 649 9404
Qantas Pay Card: +61 1300 825 302
Travelex Money Card: 1800 303 297
Revolut: +61 1300 281 208

What are the travel money card exchange rates?

Travel credit cards typically use the Mastercard or Visa network and use the daily exchange rates that the networks provide. You can find out the daily exchange rate by going to the Mastercard or Visa website. Prepaid travel cards allow you to lock in the exchange rate beforehand, so if you find a favourable one you can lock it in and not have to worry about fluctuations while you're away.

What is a cross currency conversion fee?

A cross currency conversion fee is charged when you use your Australian card with Australian dollars to make a purchase in a foreign country. The money is exchanged from Australian dollars into the local currency electronically. You can avoid this fee by choosing to pay in the local currency.

When are inactivity fees charged with prepaid travel cards?

If you have a travel card that charges an inactivity fee (a fee that's charged every month when your account is inactive for a period of time), you will lose any remaining funds on the card, but your account won't go into a negative balance. Once the card has a zero balance, this fee will not be charged.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio

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320 Responses

When travelling from Australia to Switzerland is it best to exchange money at Australia Post from AU dollars to Swiss Franc in advance rather that change on arrival in Switzerland.

Hi Marjorie,

If you exchange your money at an airport or at a kiosk once you’ve arrived overseas, you may pay a hefty commission – it’s hard to know what charge in advance. Banks and licensed currency exchange outlets are likely to offer the best rates overseas but again, its hard to know what fees you’ll pay.

AustPost exchange is conveneint but it is not always the cheapest. Today, if you exchange $1000: – At AustPost, you’ll get CHF541.80 – The same transfer with Travelex is CHF550.80 – With Wise, you get CHF572.05

It pays to shop around and compare to find the best value.

Hope this helps!

I want a good all-rounder card, locked in FX, no maintenance charges, ATM fees , no withdrawal fees. What card is best ?

Hi Charles,

The comparison table in this guide includes details of ATM fees, load and re-load fees that can help you compare different options. For example, currently the Wise Travel Money Card and Revolut standard card both offer $0 ATM withdrawal fees for the first $350 per month, with charges for further ATM withdrawals. The Travelex Money Card also offers $0 ATM withdrawal fees.

All of these cards also let you lock in FX rates for supported currencies, but may charge fees when you’re spending in a currency that’s not loaded on the card. So it’s a good idea to consider which currencies you plan to spend, as this could have a big impact on the overall costs and help you choose a card that’s suitable for you. You can also view more details on potential costs for each card on Finder’s review pages. I hope this helps.

I am going to the Uk in 2019. Confusions is supreme. I see there is information about conversation currency fees, however on individual travel card sites they claim 0 fees. If I have a facility with my current domestic bank that charges no fees to transfer money to another facility and I use a travel card that states they have 0 fees for upload and currency conversation fee, am I correct in believing that there will be no cost to me to upload AUD to GBP. I am traveling for about 3 months and with a budget of around AUD 20,000. What cards should I consider compared to using my domestic Credit and Debit cards. I have tried using your search engine for best card for country but it is not uploading.

Thanks for getting in touch.

Sorry to hear about your confusion as to which card you would bring to the UK and apologies as well if you’re having a hard time uploading our page. Nevertheless, to help you narrow down your options, you can refer to our guide on travel money to the UK . From the page, you’d be able to compare your options for pre-paid, debit, and credit cards, and even foreign cash. Just click on the tabs to see the list. Once you have chosen a particular travel card, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.

With regard to the cost, usually, there’s no cost in loading AUD to the prepaid travel cards. If the currency is supported by the card, say GBP, it’s also free.

I hope this has helped.

Cheers, May

Hello, just wanted to let you know that unless I’m mistaken, the Qantas Cash card has differing information on your website. On one page it says that there is a 1% reload fee and on another that there is 0%. That said, thanks for offering unbiased easy to understand information, much obliged…

Thank you for your inquiry.

There are actually two ways to reload your Qantas Cash Card. The first option is via bank transfer or BPAY which has 0% fee and the second option through Direct Debit that charges 1% of the total amount. As a sample, this is how Direct Debit works:

If you wish to load or reload 200 AUD onto your card using Debit Card Load, you will be charged a fee of 1% of the load amount being AUD 200 x 1% = AUD 2. This means you will be required to pay AUD 202 to complete your Debit Card Load transaction.

Please also note that you may be charged other fees by third parties in relation to the Debit Card reloading transaction like the fees charged by your financial institution.

I hope this information helps.

I am traveling to South Africa and wanted to take a prepaid debit card but do not know who to contact for something like that. I talked to Travelex but they do not deal in South African currency. Any suggestions?

Thank you for contacting Finder .

Our Travel money guide to South Africa will provide you some options that may suit your needs. On the page, is a comparison table for a list of travel debit cards and prepaid travel money cards. You can use the table to help narrow down your options. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.

Before applying, please ensure that you read through the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Danielle

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Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard®

A prepaid travel card with 11 currencies to load from, giving you confidence when spending overseas.

About Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard
Fees & limits
Get started
Support & FAQs

The ideal prepaid card for overseas travel

Travel smarter with our Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard, a reloadable, multi-currency prepaid card that’s accepted wherever Mastercard is, worldwide 1 . Easily swipe or tap in-store, use online and withdraw money from ATMs 2 .

Load up to 11 currencies. Easily switch between USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, AED and AUD on your travels.

Lock in your exchange rates. Know exactly how much you have to spend online or in-store with locked-in exchange rates 3 .

Travel safely. With no link to your bank account and Mastercard’s Zero Liability 4 protection against fraud and other unauthorised transactions.

Total control. Manage and load your prepaid travel money card on the go via ‘ My Account ’ or the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard app.

24/7 global assistance. Card lost or stolen? Call for a replacement anytime. You may also be eligible for emergency funds assistance 5 .

Managing your travel money just got easier

Our Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard app makes managing your travel money faster and easier. Check your balance, reload in-app, track your spending and switch between currencies.

Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386837) arranges for the issue of the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited ('EML') ABN 30 131 436 532 , AFSL 404131. Australian Postal Corporation (ABN 28 864 970 579, AR No. 338646), the card distributor, acts as an Authorised Representative of Australia Post Services Pty Ltd (ABN 67 002 599 340, AFSL 457551). You should consider the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 254kB) and Financial Services Guide (PDF 72kB) before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

View the Target Market Determination (PDF 88kB) for this product.

If you click on links to Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard you will be leaving the Australia Post site and be directed to a third-party site to place your order and complete your purchase. Please see the terms and conditions of the third-party site for further details.

1 The ATMs and POS terminals are not owned or operated by Australia Post, the Issuer or Mastercard Prepaid Management Services and Australia Post, the Issuer and Mastercard Prepaid Management Services are not responsible for ensuring that they will accept the Card

2 Some ATM operators may charge their own fees and set their own limits.

3 Lock in your exchange rates means the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

4 Further information relating to Zero Liability card protection can be found at the Mastercard website .

5 T&Cs apply. Customers must contact Customer Service to report lost or stolen cards. Emergency cash can be arranged up to the balance of your Australia Post Everyday Mastercard, subject to availability of funds at the approved agent location.

Australia Post Travel Chance To Win 2024 competition winners

Congratulations to our winners of the Australia Post Travel ‘Chance To Win’ competition:

KATHERINE JANE SHARLEY
ADRIAN BROCKLEHURST
GRANT FEREY

For a full list of Fees & Limits, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 258kB) .

Travel smarter with our prepaid travel money card

Buy your Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard® at a participating Post Office or online .

Register / Activate

If you purchased your card online, you’ll need to activate it.

Load your card anytime online through ' My Account ', the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard® app or at any participating Post Office .

Use your card wherever Mastercard is accepted 1 .

More information

Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 254kB)
Financial Services Guide (PDF 72kB)
Target Market Determination (PDF 88kB)

Can't find an answer below? Call Card Services on 1800 549 718 within Australia or +44 207 649 9404 internationally for help 24/7.

If you have a transaction on your card that doesn't seem right, download the disputed transaction form .

Frequently asked questions

Australia Post acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live and gather as a team. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Travel Money Card

Get our best rates on the award winning Travelex Money Card.

Top Up Card
Our best rates
No commission or hidden charges
Free Click and Collect
Next day home delivery

Travelex Money Card

A safe way to carry and spend travel money abroad
Load up to 15 currencies on your Travelex Money Card
Manage your balance 24/7 through the Travelex Money App
Freeze and unfreeze your card, reveal your PIN or other card details via the Travelex Money App
Pay with confidence anywhere Mastercard Prepaid is accepted

Already have a card?

The travelex money card.

An award-winning prepaid travel card that can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted online or in-store at millions of outlets around the world, conveniently allowing you to tap & go worldwide with your card and phone via Google Wallet™. 5☆ Canstar rating: 2016, 2017, 2018 2019, 2020 and Mozo best prepaid travel card winner 2022, 2023 & 2024.

Mozo Experts Choice Awards for Prepaid Travel Card 2022, 2023, 2024; Canstar Outstanding Value for Travel Money Card 2016-2020

Travel money card benefits

Easy to use.

No fees when you buy online
Unlimited FREE overseas ATM withdrawals 1
Convenient Travelex mobile app
Shop at millions of outlets and websites wherever Mastercard prepaid is accepted
Award winning travel money card
Tap & go with your Android phone via Google Pay™ and Google Wallet™

A woman wearing an orange jacket is smiling while making a payment using a Travel Money Card through a digital wallet on her smartphone at a street vendor. The scene is set in an outdoor market, illuminated by red lanterns in the background, highlighting the convenience and security of digital wallet payments with branded cards in everyday transactions.

Save on fees & earn cashback

Our award-winning, reloadable, multi-currency, prepaid card allows you to save on a range of fees.

$0 Eftpos fees
$0 ATM fees 1
$0 Currency conversion fees 2
$0 Online shopping fees 3
$0 Free delivery to your home
Earn cash rewards with Mastercard® Travel Rewards 6

Safe & supported

Your bank account is not linked to the Travelex card
Receive access to emergency funds 4
Stay protected with Mastercard's Zero Liability 5
Dedicated 24/7 Mastercard Global Support
Temporarily lock your card if lost or stolen

$25 welcome bonus

Use code: welcome25 at checkout for a $25 bonus.

Load AUD on your Travelex Money Card and save when spending in the below currencies:

Purchase a new Travelex Money Card with AU$2,000+ in foreign currency equivalent to get a AU$25 bonus
Exclusively available online or via the Travelex money App
Don't miss out, bonus offer ends Thursday 26 th Sep at 11:59pm AEST. T&C apply

A Travelex Money Card surrounded by various national flags and currency codes, including AUD, PHP, MYR, VND, IDR, KHR, CNY, TWD, KRW, FJD, and AED, representing different currencies available on the card.

How does a Travelex Money Card work?

It’s fast and easy to get a Travelex Money Card.

A cheerful young person is standing outdoors, holding and looking at a smartphone with a smile. They're wearing a winter jacket and backpack, suggesting they might be traveling or commuting. The scene is set against a clear blue sky.

1 | Order your travel card

Order your Travelex Money Card online or in-store (passport or driver's license required).

Collect from a Travelex store or delivered FREE to your home (allow up to 7 business days from when payment is received).

A man and woman sitting together on a balcony, looking at a smartphone and smiling. The woman is holding a Travelex Money Card, suggesting they might be shopping online. A laptop is open in front of them, and there is a coffee cup on the table. A flowering plant adds a touch of nature to the cozy setting.

2 | Download the app and register

Download the app from the Google Play and Apple app stores.

Simply activate your card by registering your account via the app or online.

A person's hand holding a Travelex Money Card with a chip over a card payment machine at a dimly lit bar, with blurred lights in the background creating a bokeh effect.

3 | Spend & top-up

Manage and check your balance online and on your mobile.

Top-up via the app or online.

Travel Card Exchange Rates & Currencies

Choose from 22 currencies

Currency to currency conversion calculator

Use our handy currency to currency conversion calculator to estimate the indicative exchange rate which will be applied when spending using an unsupported currency not on the Travelex Money Card.

$0 Currency Conversion Fee

when spending a currency not on your travel card:

No currency conversion fee will be charged when transacting in a local currency that is unsupported or insufficiently loaded on your card. The applicable Spend Rate will apply to foreign exchange transactions in accordance with the Terms and Conditions 1

The below calculator is a handy tool to help you estimate the applicable exchange rate for your transaction 2 :

Spend Calculator

You can use this calculator to see what your spend would look like for your trip. It will help you estimate the applicable exchange rate for your transaction.

Fees and limits

No fees online.

No initial charges for card purchase and no currency conversion fees^.

Free replacement card

Enjoy peace of mind with our free replacement card service, available if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged or access to emergency cash.

Flexible ATM withdrawal limits

Withdraw the equivalent of $3,000 AUD from ATMs worldwide within a 24-hour period.

Generous maximum card balance

Hold up to $50,000.00 AUD at any one time, easily accommodating all your travel plans.

Fees & limits disclaimer: The following fees and limits apply. Fees and limits are subject to variation in accordance with the terms and conditions. Unless otherwise specified, all fees will be debited in AUD currency.

If there are insufficient funds in AUD Currency to pay such fees, then we will automatically deduct funds from other currencies in the following order of priority: AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD.

Terms and conditions

Additional important information.

Your Travelex Money Card does not generate any interest or any other similar return. You do not earn interest on the amount standing to the credit of the Travelex Money Card Fund accessed by the card.
Although the issuer of the card is an authorised deposit-taking institution in Australia, the Card is not a deposit account with the Issuer.

Important Information about Fees & Limits for loads/top ups made online:

If you are making a purchase or topping up the Card online via www.travelex.com.au (i) the initial load and top up fee may differ to (but not be greater than) those contained in the “Fees and Limits Table” of this The Product Disclosure Statement ; and (ii) the limits may differ to those contained in the “Fees and Limits Table” of this The Product Disclosure Statement . Travelex may also charge a card surcharge if you pay with a credit or debit card. Please refer to the relevant online terms and conditions available at www.travelex.com.au for details of the applicable fees and limits.

Save with AUD

IDR, AED, FJD, PHP, MYR, TWD, KRW, KHR, VND, CNY
Free online AUD load and top-ups
$0 International ATM fees 1

What our customers say

Find out why our community trust in Travelex

Download the Travelex Money App

Top-up your Travelex Money Card in a flash
Manage your money on the move
View your latest transactions and track your spending
Instantly freeze your card to protect your account

Travelex travel card currency information

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Travelex Money Card FAQ

Important note about purchasing a travelex money card.

When purchasing foreign currency and travel money card online, the name on the order details must match the name on the payer’s bank account, debit or credit card. For this reason, Travelex Money Card cannot be bought as a gift for someone else.

You can only hold one card in your name at any one time .

Help & support contact numbers

Mastercard card services and Travelex customer support centre are here to help.

Find who to contact here (local and international numbers).

Travelex Money Card top-up tips

Top-up via the Travelex website

Note that you must use your unique reference number when paying or the transfer may be delayed.

Top-up via the Travelex Money App

Move currencies on your card, instantly!

If you have AUD (or any other currency) already loaded on the card, you can move your funds to another currency within the Travelex Money App. Instant top-up!

Top-up in a Travelex store

Direct top-up via BPAY:

Top-ups not made via travelex.com.au or the Travelex Money App incur a fee of 1% of the amount. You must make payment using your own account.
MasterCard Biller Code: 184416 Reference No: your 16 digit Travelex Money Card number
Funds will be allocated to your default currency. To check your default currency login to your account. Top ups will generally take two business days to be processed however may take longer if the payment is not made before 2pm on a business day Australian Eastern Standard Time.

What is the best prepaid travel card for Australians?

The best travel money card for Australians is the one that caters to the currencies available at your destination, removes ATM withdrawal and foreign purchase fees, and has the best exchange rate.

Find our exchange rates for all major currencies and plan your holiday today. The Travelex Money Card is a prepaid travel card and has been awarded the best prepaid travel card by Mozo two years in a row.

Are Travelex Money Cards worth it?

Locking in fixed foreign currency exchange rates and avoiding foreign transaction fees before you travel
The ability to load multiple currencies onto one card, similar to a travel debit card
The ability to spend money conveniently and comfortably overseas
No overseas ATM withdrawal fees 1
No fees when making online purchases

Money travel cards can be ordered online and topped up via a convenient mobile app.

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a global currency card that allows you to load several foreign currencies into a personal account at a prevailing exchange rate . Like debit and credit cards, a travel money card can be used to make purchases in stores, online, and to withdraw cash at ATMs while travelling. You can buy currencies and add or reload them into your travel money card account via a mobile app whilst abroad. One of the best ways to use the Travelex Money Card is with the Travelex Money App. The Travelex Money App makes ordering, transferring, and checking currencies quick and simple on your travel card. You can also use the Travelex travel exchange rate tracker to check currencies in real time. You can order a travel money card online or purchase one directly from a Travelex store. Find a store near you.

How long does it take to get a travel money card?

Travel money cards can be ordered online and collected in store next day (when paying by debit/credit card).
Just walk in store. Cards purchased and loaded in-store are active and ready-to-use on the spot. We will automatically transfer funds between currencies complete your card transactions.
Home delivery within 5-7 business days (from when payment is received).

Travelex Money Cards ordered online and picked up in-store, or those purchased directly in-store do not require activation.

Do you get charged for using a travel money card?

The Travelex Money Card is a Mastercard travel card, meaning it is free to make international withdrawals at ATMs displaying the Mastercard acceptance mark. It is also free to obtain cash over the counter and to make online purchases with a travel money card. However, some ATM operators may charge their own withdrawal ATM fees. Be sure to check with the ATM in question prior to making cash withdrawals.

Can I withdraw money from my travel card?

Similar to any bank account, you can withdraw money from your travel money card at ATMs worldwide. When withdrawing cash, select the “credit” option on the ATM machine screen to access funds. You will not be charged credit card fees by selecting this option. If the “credit” option does not work, try selecting “debit” or “savings”. The maximum withdrawal amount is 3,000 Australian dollars each 24 hour period. Bear in mind that some ATMs may also have their own ATM fee, adding a cost to your withdrawal.

Where can I use travel cards?

The Travelex Money Card is a multi currency card that can be used in most countries around the world. Widely considered the best travel money card for overseas travel, the Travelex Money Card can be used in the US, Europe, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, and many more countries.

Travelex stores abroad: good to know

Travelex stores abroad cannot provide balance enquiries or offer cash-out as they do not have access to your Australian issued Travelex Money Card details.

For balance enquires, you can check it on the Travelex Money App or call us on 1800 440 039 .
Cash-out may be offered in local shops that provide this service.

How much does a Travelex Money Card cost?

The initial card fee is free, subject to minimum load amounts. Please see the fees and limits section for more information.

There are fees associated with the way you use your card e.g. the type of transaction, the currency you use, and when you move currencies on your card. Limits also apply to top up amounts and method of top up.

Please see more information on applicable fees and limits section.

How secure is the Travelex Money Card?

Activity on your Travelex Money Card is monitored every day to detect unusual behaviour, and if something is spotted you'll be contacted to check your transactions.

There are also things you can do to help keep your travel money secure:

Sign your card as soon as you receive it
Check your transactions regularly and report anything unusual to Card Services immediately
If you print statements from the internet, keep them safe and shred them when you've finished using them
Never give your personal details to someone on the phone
Don't give out your details in response to unsolicited email
Be wary of anyone who asks for common security details like your mother's maiden name, passwords, date of birth, or information about your work
Never give your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be from your card issuer
Don't let yourself get distracted when using cash machines or point of sale terminals - somebody may be trying to find out your PIN

Still have questions?

Explore our support categories for more help.

Basic information about the Travelex Money Card.

Getting started

Details on obtaining and eligibility for the card.

Information about you Pin.

Managing your Travelex Money Card account.

Using the card

Card usage, currencies, and topping up.

Your card and ATM usage.

Details about adding your card to a Google Wallet.

Information on fees and limits.

Support for lost/stolen cards.

Contact details for further assistance.

1 Please be advised that although Travelex do not charge ATM fees, some operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits. Please check with the ATM before using
2 A foreign exchange ‘Spend Rate’ rate will apply to foreign exchange transactions in accordance with The Product Disclosure Statement .
3 Transacting via some online merchants may incur a surcharge.
4 Customers must contact Mastercard Customer Service to report lost or stolen card. Emergency cash can be arranged up to the balance of your Travelex Money Card, subject to availability of funds at the approved agent location.
5 As a Mastercard holder, Zero Liability applied to your purchases made in store, over the phone, online, or via mobile device and ATM transactions. You will not be held responsible for unauthorised transactins if you have used reasonable care in protecting your card from loss or theft, and you promptly report loss or theft. For more information, please visit the Mastercard Zero Liability Terms and Conditions page.
6 Terms and Conditions apply for the Mastercard Travel Rewards program. Please see the Mastercard Travel Rewards terms and conditions . This rewards program is available on the Travelex Money Card until the 31st of December 2024 or may be extended or withdrawn and you may receive prior notice where it is reasonably practicable to do so.
Google Pay and Google Wallet are trademarks of Google LLC. Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Travelex Money Card in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited (‘EML’)(ABN 30 131 436 532, AFSL 404131). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Travelex Money Card and Target Market Determination available at www.travelex.com.au, before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
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Customer support.

Online Order Queries:

Tel.: 1800 440 039
Email: [email protected]
Map: Suite 45.01, Level 45, 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000

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Help & support

Travel Money Card

Lock in exchange rates and load up to 16 currencies on one account to easily access your money while you’re travelling.

Features & benefits

$0 card issue fee.

Order a Travel Money Card for free in branch or online (search 'Travel Money Card' in the CommBank app or log into NetBank ).

Lock in exchange rates

Load up to 16 currencies on one card before your trip, so you know how much you have to spend, no matter how the Australian Dollar moves.

Spend anywhere in the world

Shop online, in-store, or over the phone wherever Visa is accepted, plus get access to Visa ® travel offers .

Easily manage your travel budget

Manage your holiday money and track your spending via the CommBank app or NetBank.

Your purchases, covered

Lost or stolen personal belongings? We may be able to cover the cost to repair or replace them up to 90 days after purchase. 2

Extra card security

Lost, misplaced or stolen card? Lock it and report it in the CommBank app or NetBank.

Currency converter

Exchange rates

Load up to 16 currencies on one account

Lock in exchange rates and load up to 16 currencies easily on one account – wherever you are in the world – through NetBank or the CommBank app:

United States Dollars (USD)
Euros (EUR)
Great British pounds (GBP)
Australian Dollars (AUD)
Japanese Yen (JPY)
New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
Canadian Dollars (CAD)
Singapore Dollars (SGD)
Thai Baht (THB)
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
Emirati Dirham (AED)
Fijian Dollars (FJD)
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Indian Rupees (INR)

No load or reload fees

You can load up to 16 currencies on your Travel Money Card with no load or reload fees. The exchange rate is the CommBank Retail Foreign Exchange Rate at the time of the conversion.

When you’re ready to pay for something, we will always try to complete the transaction for the country you are in. Make sure you have enough of the correct currency for the country you’re in on your card to avoid additional fees. If you don’t have enough of the local currency, we’ll use the next available currency instead, so long as there’s enough of it loaded on your card.

If you load multiple currencies on your Travel Money Card, you can change the order (the next available currency) anytime online.

Rates & fees

See all fees and charges

Who can apply

To get your Travel Money Card, you’ll need to:

Be at least 14 years old;
Be registered to use NetBank, or register online New to CommBank? Sign up to NetBank at your nearest branch ;
Provide a valid email address; and
Have an Australian residential address

How to apply

Before your trip.

Order a Travel Money Card in the CommBank app (search 'Travel Money Card'), NetBank , or at your nearest branch .
Load at least AUD 50 or the foreign currency equivalent to get started
Once you’ve got your card, activate and set your PIN online in NetBank, or under Cards in the CommBank app
Lock-in the exchange rate by loading currency on your card in NetBank or the CommBank app

How it works

During your trip.

The local currency will be automatically applied when you pay for something, as long as it’s loaded on your card and you have sufficient funds
Reload in real time , fee-free if your balance gets low
Stick to daily transaction limits
The maximum value of purchases per day is unlimited, however no more than your available balance
The maximum amount you can withdraw from ATMs per day is AUD 2,500 or the foreign currency equivalent. Keep in mind most ATM operators have a limit on how much you can withdraw from an ATM per transaction
The maximum amount for over-the-counter withdrawals per day is AUD 2,500 or the foreign currency equivalent.

When you’re home

Got leftover currency? Exchange it for another currency or back into your CommBank account from NetBank or the CommBank app
Top up your Travel Money Card (it’s valid for 4 years) in preparation for your next trip
Donate your foreign (and local) currency to any CommBank or Bankwest branch and every cent will go to UNICEF
How to manage your Travel Money Card

You’ve got your new card – here’s how to get the most out of it.

Find detailed info on getting started, loading and reloading currencies, setting a currency order, checking your balance and tracking your spend. Plus, info on Purchase Security Insurance Cover and access to Visa ® travel offers .

Manage your Travel Money Card

Need foreign cash? Have it ready before you travel

If you’re a CommBank customer, you can buy or sell up to 9 foreign currencies at selected CommBank branches in exchange for Australian Dollars.

You can also order foreign cash in over 30 currencies online – even if you’re not a CommBank customer.

Discover Foreign Cash

Planning an overseas trip?

Discover travel tips to help make the most of your European summer holiday.

See travel tips

Emergency support & tools

What to do if you’ve lost your card or it’s stolen.

If you’ve lost your Travel Money Card, or you think it might’ve been stolen, we can have an emergency replacement card sent to you anywhere in the world.

You may also be eligible for an Emergency Cash Advance, giving you access to cash within 24-48 hours (often on the same day).

Call us in an emergency on:

1300 660 700 within Australia
+61 2 9999 3283 from overseas (reverse charges accepted).

When calling from overseas using your mobile, standard roaming charges may apply. To avoid roaming charges, call the international operator in the country you’re in from a landline and give them our reverse charges number +61 2 9999 3283.

Tools & calculators

Saving calculator
Budget planner
Managing multiple currencies on your Travel Money Card
Travelling overseas: 10-step money checklist
Beginners guide to exchange rates
Online banking while overseas
Planning an overseas holiday

We can help

Your questions answered

Get in touch

Visit your nearest branch

Things you should know

1 The cash withdrawal fee will not apply to cash withdrawals made in Australia.

2 For more information relating to the complimentary Purchase Security Insurance refer to Travel Money Card Complimentary Insurance Information Booklet (PDF) .

As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should before acting on this advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. The Product Disclosure Statement and Conditions of Use (PDF) issued by Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 for Travel Money Card should be considered before making any decision about this product. View our Financial Services Guide (PDF) .

To raise a dispute related to your Travel Money Card please complete the Travel Money Card Dispute form (PDF) .

Any withdrawal or balance enquiry fee will come from the currency for which you are using your card. If this currency is not loaded on your card, the fee will be taken from the first (or sole) currency loaded on your card. Any SMS balance alert fee will come from the first (or sole) currency loaded on your card.

The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available here .

Disclosure: Privacy Australia is community-supported. We may earn a commission when you buy a VPN through one of our links. Learn more.

Best Travel Card for Australians

By Will Ellis

When you spend money abroad, the fees can quickly make the trip more expensive, especially when using your regular debit card and bank account. T

here are usually foreign currency fees and additional fees when you withdraw money and the exchange rates, too. Using a travel card can reduce the cost of fees when you use one for spending money outside of Australia.

There are three types of travel cards: prepaid travel money cards, travel reward credit cards, and travel debit cards. In this article, you’ll learn all about travel cards, and we’ll introduce you to the best ones on the market.

Table of Contents:

What Is a Travel Card
Travel Cards: Pros and Cons
1. Travelex Money Card
2. Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard
3. Qantas Money Travel Money Card
4. Wise Travel Money Card
5. Revolut Travel Money Card
6. HSBC Everyday Global Account Debit Card
7. Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card
8. ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card
9. 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard
The Verdict

What Is a Travel Card? 💳️

A travel card is a card that is specifically to be used when someone is planning to travel outside of their home country. Travel cards allow you to spend money abroad with lower fees than expected with your everyday bank account . Most travel card providers will tell you about the currency conversion fee, interest rates and other fees before you make a transaction so you know exactly how you could spend abroad on fees.

You can use different types of travel cards; each will depend on your spending needs and financial situation. Before diving into the best travel cards on the market, we’ve provided a list of all three types of travel cards.

There are three types of travel cards:

Prepaid travel card: A prepaid travel card is a card you load money onto. You can use a prepaid card wherever Mastercard is accepted. You can use it like your everyday debit card, but it helps you shop safely and stick to a budget, as you can’t spend more than the balance allows. You can load more than one foreign currency onto the card, so it’s perfect for travelling overseas. You simply need to bank transfer money across to the prepaid debit card.
Travel debit card: A travel debit card is part of a travel bank account, usually known as a multi-currency account; you can use it just like your everyday bank account, but it’s for travelling. If planning a long trip, you may benefit from opening a travel bank account.
Travel credit card: Travel credit cards are similar to credit cards you can apply from your main bank provider. However, they usually offer better currency conversion fees and reward you with travel points or perks for using the credit card and repaying the balance on time. Travel credit cards typically require a good or excellent credit score.

Travel Cards: Pros and Cons ➡️

You may be unsure if a travel card is the right option, so we’ve compiled a list of all the pros and cons of using one for travelling overseas.

Cheaper foreign transaction fees: Travel cards typically have lower foreign currency conversion fees. Plus, you won’t be charged as much as you were if you used your everyday bank account.
Easy access: You can apply for and access your travel money card online. Most prepaid cards allow you to reload money onto the card via an app on your phone.
Hold multiple currencies: When you have a travel debit card, you will get a multi-current account, which allows you to hold multiple currencies on one account. You can use this bank account for spending abroad; currency conversion fees are usually the lowest with these types of accounts. Prepaid travel cards also allow you to hold and use multiple currencies on one card.
Earn reward points: When you use a travel credit card, you can earn reward points when you use the credit card for spending. You can use the points for travel perks, discounts, cheaper flights, and lounge access.
Helps to budget: With a prepaid card, you can only use the balance as there is no credit option. So, if you’re trying to stay on a budget, it’s easier when there is no temptation of an overdraft or credit balance.
Locked-in exchange rates: Most prepaid cards have a locked-in exchange rate, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuation of exchange rates when transferring money into a different currency. Some companies may use a live exchange rate; always check with the provider about fees before you use your card abroad.
Use just like a debit card: A prepaid debit card allows you to spend and pay for things like your regular debit card. If you choose a prepaid debit card, it will be attached to a bank account that works like your everyday account.
Backup card: Most prepaid card providers will send you a backup card if you lose or damage the first one. They will send you two cards together, so keep one separate from the other for safekeeping so you don’t lose them both together.
Currency conversion: When you use a travel card overseas, especially a travel debit card, the provider will automatically transfer funds into the currency you’re paying with.
Potential reload delay: Sometimes, there can be a delay in reloading prepaid cards. To prevent potential delays, try to transfer all the money you need before you travel so you don’t have to worry about it whilst you’re away.
Travel money card fees: A travel money card has its own fees, such as account fees, reload fees, and inactivity fees. Some travel credit cards have monthly fees.
ATM fees: Depending on the country you visit, there may be overseas ATM withdrawal fees and which ATM operators are used. Some ATMs charge fees when you withdraw cash, so you should look out for that.

Best Travel Cards: Reviews 🔎️

As there are three types of travel credit cards, we’ve provided a list of the top three of each type so you can pick which card suits your needs the best.

1. Travelex Money Card: Award-Winning Prepaid Travel Card

Exchange rates: Locked-in exchange rates that vary between foreign currencies
Currency conversion fees: None
Loading money fee: Free online AUD load and top-ups
ATM fees: There are no ATM fees outside of Australia

With the Travelex Money Card, you can load up to 15 currencies onto the card, including AUD, GBP, EUR, UDS, NZD, CAV, TJB, SGB, JPY and HKD. There are no fees for cash withdrawals overseas. However, you may be charged for withdrawals in Australia using this card. The prepaid card is accepted at millions of locations worldwide; look out for the Mastercard logo, and you can use your prepaid card at that location.

There is currently an offer online that offers free online AUS load funds and top-ups. If you apply for a prepaid card in-store, there will be a 1.1% fee of 1% of the transaction amount for adding AUD. However, if you load a foreign currency, the top-ups are free. If your prepaid card is inactive for over 12 months, there will be AU$4 monthly inactivity fees.

The minimum top-up amount is AU$50, and the maximum you can load on initial purchase is AU$5,000 so if you want to add a large sum of money to the card, you will have to do it once you’ve applied for the card and already have funds on it. The maximum balance during any 12 months is AU$75,000.

Benefits of this prepaid card include free Wi-Fi worldwide; you can reduce your data usage without worrying about roaming fees with on-the-go internet access using free Boingo Wi-Fi. If your card is lost or stolen, Travelex offers 24/7 global assistance to help replace the card or provide emergency cash so you’re not stuck without money when travelling. You can also add an optional additional emergency card at checkout.

2. Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard: A Low Fee Prepaid Travel Card

Exchange rates: The exchange rate will vary between each foreign currency
International transaction fees: None
Loading money fee: Free for bank transfer, but there is a 1.1% for instore and 1% for BPAY
ATM fees: $3.50 for international cash withdrawals and 2.95% for domestic cash withdrawals

The Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard is a prepaid card that allows you to load with 11 different foreign currencies and easily switch between currencies as you travel. There are fixed exchange rates, but they may vary depending on the currency you’re converting. You can manage and load your prepaid card on the go by accessing your ‘My account’ on the website or using the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard app.

There is no direct link to your bank account, and your prepaid card is Mastercard’s Zero liability protection against fraudulent and unauthorised transactions; you can travel and spend safely without worrying about compromised data or funds.

Benefits include three months of access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide when you reload $100 onto your card. You can reload money onto your prepaid card at any Australia Post Branch or online in the app.

3. Qantas Money Travel Money Card: Earn Reward Points With a Prepaid Travel Money Card

Exchange rates: Locked in
Currency Conversion fees: 0%
Loading money fee: Fee-free load options; otherwise, a 0.5% debit card instant load fee
ATM fees: $1.95

To make the most of a prepaid card, you can earn Qantas points with the Qantas Travel Money Card. You can load up to 10 foreign currencies, lock in exchange rates before you travel, and transfer between currencies.

Using the prepaid card, you earn 1.5 Qantas Points for every AU$1 spent in a foreign currency. You’ll earn 1 Qantas Points for every AU$4 spent in Australian dollars. You can earn double points when you spend with Qantas Frequent Flyer program partners using Qantas Travel Money. If you load over AU$1,500 equivalent of foreign currency by 20 November, you can earn up to 10,000 bonus points. For shopping discounts, you can use your Qantas Points for cheaper travel at select airlines or popular retailers.

If you lose your card or it’s stolen, you can temporarily lock it and access emergency funds while travelling. You’ll also have access to the 24/7 Mastercard Global Support team, who can help you if you have any issues or are seeking help while travelling. You will also receive fraud protection against unauthorised transactions.

4. Wise Travel Money Card: Travel Debit Card and Multi-Currency Account

Exchange rates: Competitive exchange rate
Currency conversion fees: From 0.43%, fees vary by currency
Loading money fee: $2
ATM fees: 2 free ATM withdrawals per month up to AU$350

With the Wise card and multi-currency account, you can spend and withdraw money in over 40 currencies at a live exchange rate. You can transfer money between banks, use the wise debit card overseas, receive and add money to your account and hold different currencies in one account. It’s free to register for a Wise account.

The wise card works just like your regular debit card, but it’s designed to help make spending money abroad cheaper. The card costs $10, but you also get a free digital card that you can use on your smartphone to spend online, in-store and overseas safely with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

So, while waiting for your debit card to be delivered, you can start spending using your virtual card. There are no markups, monthly or hidden fees; you can spend overseas with the real exchange rate. You’ll know how much each transaction will cost upfront.

The application process is simple; you can create an account and order a card within five minutes. So, if you’re travelling soon, you still have time to order a wise travel debit card. With the account and card, you can manage your finances from the Wise app. On the app, you can freeze and unfreeze your card whenever you want, generate digital cards and get notifications for all your transitions to keep in control of your spending.

5. Revolut Travel Money Card: Low Fee Travel Debit Card

Exchange rates: Competitive rates
Loading money fee: No loading fee
ATM fees: Fee-free for withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days

There are over 30 currencies available with the Revolut Travel Money Card, that you can spend in over 150 currencies. You can spend overseas with one of the best exchange rates globally. With this travel debit card, there are no fees. You simply pay the exchange rate and for any additional cash withdrawals above the free amount with the standard free plan. You can transfer money across borders at low rates, and the transactions are quick to complete no matter where in the world you are.

You can choose the colour of your Revolut travel debit card and even personalise it. With a Revolut account and card, you can create one-use virtual cards to help make shopping online more secure. Additionally, if you want to control your spending whilst travelling, you can set up spending limits and freeze your card immediately if you lose it.

Revolut offers paid plans, but they’re optional. If you want to invest in cryptocurrency and save more globally, you can apply for the Premium account for $9.99 monthly. Additionally, if you want all available benefits, plus earning cashback and getting a metal card, you can pay A$24.99 monthly for the Metal plan. Whatever your budget, you can still benefit from the Revolut debit travel card.

6. HSBC Everyday Global Account Debit Card: Banking for Home and Overseas

Exchange rates: Competitive real-time exchange rates
Loading money fee: None
ATM fees: None for ATMs with a VISA or VISA plus logo

If you’re looking for a bank account that you can use at home and on your travels, the HSBC Everyday Global Account allows you to do fee-free everyday banking across 10 currencies. You don’t need to pay a monthly HSBC ATM or transaction fees. You can switch between 10 currencies seamlessly with the HSBC Mobile Banking App; available currencies are EUR, GBP, AUD, USD HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, and CNY (with some restrictions with CNY).

If you’re sending money overseas, there are no HSBC fees for you to worry about. You don’t have to worry about ATM fees either. When you’re in Australia, you can get free cash withdrawals from HSBC ATMs, and when you’re overseas, you have to look out for ATMs with the VISA logo.

You can earn up to 2% cashback for contactless payments under $100, so you can earn money just by using your travel debit card to make purchases when you’re home in Australia. You can use your card with Visa payWave, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

7. Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card: Complimentary Travel Insurance

Annual fees: No annual fee for the first year, then $69 yearly
Interest rates: 12.99% after the introductory period
Foreign transaction fees: None
Minimum credit limit: $6,000

If you’re looking for a travel credit card with low-interest rates, consider Bankwest’s Breeze Platinum credit card. You can spend interest-free for the first 55 interest-free days on purchases if the balance is repaid in full and on time, then you’ll only have to pay 12.99%. When using your credit card overseas, there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can spend knowing there won’t be additional fees to pay. You can use the credit card anywhere that accepts Mastercard.

There is no annual fee for the first year; after the first year, there is a $69 annual fee. A perk of the Breeze Platinum card is complimentary overseas travel insurance, interstate flight inconvenience insurance and 90-day purchase security insurance. Additionally, new customers will benefit from a 2% balance transfer fee.

To be eligible for this credit card, you must be a permanent Australian resident over 18 with a regular income of over $15,000.

8. ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card: No Annual Fee Travel Credit Card

Annual fees: No annual fee
Interest rates: 11.99% variable
Foreign transaction fees: No international transaction fees
Minimum credit limit: $1,000

The ING Orange One Low Rate credit cards are ideal if you’re concerned about additional fees when spending overseas. There are two Low Rate cards, classic and platinum, to choose from. Both cards have no annual costs, and there are no international transaction fees either.

To benefit from no international transaction fees, you need to make a $1,000 monthly deposit to any of your ING accounts (Super and Orange One accounts not included) and make more than five credit card purchases that are settled each month.

The most significant difference with the cards is credit limits. With the Low Rate Classic, the credit limit ranges from $1,000 to $5,999. The Low Rate Platinum has a credit limit range of $6,000 to $30,000. The interest rate is 11.99%, but if you use instalment plans to pay off your purchases, you can lock in a lower interest rate plus manage your repayments to ensure they’re on time.

To be eligible for this credit card, you will need to be aged 18+, be an Australian citizen, New Zealand or Australian permanent resident, earn $36,000 or more a year, have a good credit rating and have an active Orange Everyday account (or you can open one alongside your credit card application).

9. 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard: Low Fee Travel Credit Card

Interest rates: 26.99% after the introductory period

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has low fees, with no annual fee, no overseas purchase fee, currency conversion fee or foreign transaction fee. So, you can use your card without worrying about payments racking up. With this travel credit card, you get 55 days interest-free on purchases and access to free 24/7 concierge service.

Perks of this credit card include a complimentary Flight Delay Pass and Global Data Roaming. Additionally, you can get a discount on upcoming trips with 10% discounts on selected hotels at Wotif and Expedia when you have your 28 Degree card before 30 September 2024 and when you stay before 31 December 2024. If you lose your card whilst on holiday, 28 Degrees offers worldwide emergency card replacement.

To be eligible for this credit card, you must be 18 years old and over and be a permanent Australian resident.

Leading Travel Cards for Australians: The Verdict 💡️

Using a travel card for your spending abroad can help you stick to a budget, avoiding credit options to reduce debts, and you can use one just like your debit card so you can seamlessly spend whilst on your adventure overseas. You don’t need to meet any specific requirements to get a travel prepaid card, so that you can get one with little to no fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions 📢️

What is the difference between a prepaid travel card and a travel debit card.

A prepaid travel card is a card you load money onto. You can use a prepaid card wherever Mastercard is accepted. You can load more than one foreign currency onto the card and transfer money to the prepaid card. A travel debit card is part of a travel bank account, usually a multi-currency account; you can use it just like your everyday bank account, but it’s for travelling.

What Are the Benefits of Travel Money Cards?

There are many benefits to travel cards, the main benefits include:

Lower foreign currency conversion fees, as you won’t be charged as much as you were if you used your everyday bank account.
Most travel cards will allow you to hold multiple currencies, so if you’re travelling to a few different countries with different currencies, you can hold more than one at a time.
Most prepaid travel cards have a locked-in exchange rate, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuating exchange rates when transferring money into a different currency.

What Fees Are There for Using a Travel Money Card?

The fees involved for a travel money card will depend on the type of travel card you have. In general, a travel money card will have costs for annual or monthly fees, exchange rates, currency conversion fees, interest rates, and international transaction fees. How high the fees are will vary from card type and provider.

The Best Overseas Travel Cards That Are Available in Australia

I tested the travel money cards from Commbank, ANZ, Macquarie, Wise, Revolut, and Travelex by using them overseas. Then S Money compared their exchange rates, fees and services to 10 other cards available in Australia.

Choosing the right travel money card really comes downs to 3 things

Making sure the card has the currency you need.
The exchange rate.
Card fees - particularly ATM fees and currency conversion fees.

With the best travel money card in hand, you can easily make payments whilst traveling overseas. It will make paying easier for shops, restaurants, hotels, and ATMs without getting slugged with massive fees.

In fact, according to a recent study by ING, Australians are losing an average of $92.62 in international transaction fees.

In this guide, we have compared travel money cards to help you make the best selection for your next trip.

Best travel cards to use overseas:

Wise Travel Card - Exchange Rates Champ
Revolut -Low Fee Travel Card

Travelex Money Card - The All Rounder

Bankwest Breeze Platinum - Best Travel Credit Card
Pelikin Student Traveller Card - Good for Students
HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card
Qantas Travel Money Card - For the Reward Benefits

Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates

40+ currencies available
Best exchange rates globally
One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
No international transaction fees
No annual or monthly fees
Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Fees and limits

Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise Card charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

Read our Wise Card Review

What I liked

Before I even left Australia, the Wise Card was one of the easiest cards to apply for and set up. It was delivered in under a week and the app was simple to download.

I used it to pay for restaurants, a taxi and had no problem. You get notifications every time you use it and there is the ability to freeze the card on the app if you think you've been hacked.

When it comes to exchange rates - what you see is what you get. Wise use the market rate that matches up to be roughly what you see online and there are no hidden margins built in.

The fees are transparent and easy to understand.

The only annoying thing was the ATM limits. Particularly in countries like Japan where cash is more commonly used, the limits are just another fee that you have to be mindful of.

Revolut - Low Fees

30+ currencies available
One of the best exchange rates globally
No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
No initial card fee
Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies
No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

Read our Revolut Card Review

The Revolut Travel Card was the only card that could come close to the exchange rates on offer by Wise.

The app was also really easy to use, but came with more features than I actually needed for an overseas trip.

The Standard Plan is more than enough for most people using it as a travel card. The other plans seem a touch expensive for what you get.

If you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition, Revolut have introduced fees for international transfers. Outside of these two exceptions, the cards fee structure is one of the best in the Australian market.

Key Features

Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Initial and replacement card are free
Lock in up to 10 currencies
Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

Multi Currency Travelex Travel Card Review

The Travelex Money Card was easier to buy than the Wise or Revolut cards, but the fees soon started to add up overseas.

The free wifi hotspots are handy, however, with a decent eSim , I didn't end up using that many of them.

You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as the Wise or Revolut cards abroad, the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good.

Once I got back to Australia, I had to make sure there was almost nothing left on it given the closure and inactivity fees.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
No international transaction fees on purchases
Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
Low annual fee
Complimentary international travel insurance

Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
$6,000 minimum credit card
0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places that take Mastercard.

HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card

Great exchange rates
No fees at ATMs to withdraw cash
No initial card, closure, account keeping or monthly fees
No cross currency conversion fees

HSBC Global Everyday card is one of the top 5 travel money cards to take to Japan

10 Currencies can be loaded are JPY, USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, SGD, INR and CNY (currency restrictions on CNY)
No maximum balance for any currency
Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100.
Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card is a good option to take overseas and to spend money with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees.

There is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Best Student Card

Pelikin student traveller card.

Use promo code SMONEY10 for a $10 discount
Up to 15% off international flights
A globally accepted virtual student ID card
2% cash back on food & drinks, transport and accommodation
Over 150,000 discounts worldwide

$30 for 12 months
20+ currencies available
Split bills, pay and get paid instantly

Pelikin is one of the only travel cards in Australia specifically for students. While it has a small annual fee, the range of discounts and offers more than make up for it.

The app is relatively easy to use and card arrives in under a week.

Best Rewards Card

Qantas travel money card.

No monthly fees, purchase fees and currency conversion fees
No load fees if you pay by bank transfer or BPay
Locked in exchange rates: 4%+ margin on exchange rates
Earn 1.5 Qantas points for every AU$1 spent in foreign currency

The currency used in Europe is the Euro, €.

10 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB, NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED
Free Australia ATM withdrawals
0.5% fee debit card reload fee
ATM fees overseas (USD 1.95; GBP 1.25; EUR 1.50; THB 70; NZD 2.50; SGD 2.50; HKD 15.00; CAD 2.00; JPY 160; AED 6.50)
Minload of $50 and max of $20,000
Available to 16 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)

Qantas Travel card is a great option to spend foreign currency overseas if you are already a loyal Qantas customer and use your frequent flyer points regularly on flights, accommodation or gifts. The fees are low, the exchange rate is average however the ATM fees are expensive and will easily add up.

Methodology

We used 6 of the cards overseas in variety of cases including ATMs, Apple Pay, purchases over the counter and tap and go.

Every card we tested was either a Visa or a Mastercard, so they were universally accepted in all locations. What really set some cards apart from others were the exchange rates, fees (particularly the ATM) and ease of use.

While the other fees are worth keeping an eye on, the ATM fee had the most impact on the overall cost of using the card.

When it came down to ease of use, we judged

The ability to spend money in any currency
The ability to spend money in any location
The ability to spend money by any method

From these experiences, the data was then verified by the Product Disclosure Statement of each card which includes each point of comparison:

Exchange rates
Purchase Fee
Overseas ATM fees
Cross Currency conversion fee
Closure fee
Minimum and maximum amounts
Currencies available
Services included such as ApplePay, online support and an app.

Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

How to pick the right travel card.

When selecting a travel money card, several key features can affect your travel budget:

Foreign Transaction Fees : Compare cards that offer low or waived foreign transaction fees to minimise costs when purchasing abroad.
Exchange Rates and Currency Conversion Fees : Look for cards that provide competitive exchange rates and minimal currency conversion fees to maximise the value of your money.
ATM Withdrawal Fees and Limits : Evaluate the cost and limits associated with ATM withdrawals overseas to avoid unnecessary fees.
Additional Perks : Consider cards that offer supplementary benefits such as travel insurance, emergency assistance, and rewards programs, which can enhance your travel experience.

Other popular travel money cards

Aside of the travel money cards listed above, there are many more options to consider. These include well known brands such as the Commonwealth Bank and ANZ travel card and less known services like Up Bank and Bendigo Bank.

Here is a rundown of their best features, fees and available currencies:

Best Features

13 currencies available, including Vietnamese Dong and Chinese Yuan
No issue fee, load fees, closure and card replacement fees
Additional card offered
Can be accessed through Commonwealth Bank app

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

$3.50 fee at ATMs overseas
13 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB , NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED, AUD, VND & CNY
Minload of $1 and max of $100,000
Available to 14 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)
When you use your card for a purchase or withdrawal in a currency that is not loaded, or when they automatically transfer funds between the currencies on your card to enable the completion of the transaction at the Visa retail exchange rate plus 4%
To transfer money between currencies or a transaction account, it will be at the bank rate which is normally 4% above the market value

The Commonwealth Bank travel money card is great if you are already a Commonwealth bank customer who banks online and knows exactly how much money in each country you want to spend. However if you need to transfer between currencies or make a purchase in a currency you don't have funds loaded, then you can get an additional expensive charge. Watch how many withdrawals at ATMs you make as well to keep the costs down.

Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP and THB
No fee on initial card or load (not BPay)
No fee on reloads via bank transfers
No monthly or inactivity fees
Card is valid for 5 years

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

1.1% reloading fee via Travel Money Oz Login or with debit or credit card
1% reloading fee for BPay
$10 closure fee and replacement card fee
2.95% on withdrawals from Australian ATMs is expensive
Roughly $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATMs is expensive.
$3.99 + 5.95% fee on cross currency transactions
10 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB & AUD
Exchange rates for SGD and CAD are the least competitive
Minload of $20 and max of $10,000
Only 1 card per account
According to the website they won't take online orders if you are departing within 14 days as the card can take up to 2 weeks for delivery.

The Travel Money Oz travel money card seems to be an outdated version of the Travelex or Australia Post travel card as it does not offer Global Emergency Assistance or Boingo hotspots. However exchange rates and fees are similar to Travelex, so if you are travelling to the US, UK or Thailand, this is a great card to pay for accommodation and things in shops. We would avoid using it at any ATM, to save costs.

No ATM fees in Australia or internationally
No minimum monthly deposit
No account keeping fees
Can be used in Australia as an EFTPOS card
Available to 14 year olds and older

Macquarie Travel Card

$2,000 daily limit for ATM withdrawals
Simple and easy to work out costs for account
Exchange rates are MasterCard exchange rates, which are normally 4%+ market rate.
90-day theft and damage protection on eligible purchases and stolen wallet protection up to $500
Can be used in Australia to buy goods overseas and not pay international transaction fees
Get discounts of up to 10% on eGift cards to use at over 50 leading retailers

The Macquarie Travel Card is a very good option to take overseas for ATM withdrawals as they are all free. In addition in Australia you can buy goods online and not pay an international transaction fee. Furthermore you can use the card like a normal debit card in Australia with no hefty fees or monthly minimum deposits. However the exchange rate is the MasterCard rate which is normally 4%+ above the market rate. Finally we would recommend this card for cash withdrawals at ATMs internationally but not paying for accommodation due to the added margin on the MasterCard exchange rate.

Cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank
UI and UX better than traditional banks making it super easy to use
Competitive savings interest rate

Up Bank Travel Card

Backed by Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank and partnered with Wise so it has financial backing and access to the cheapest exchange rates to send money overseas
Nifty online tools to help you track spending, budget and save. These include a detailed transaction history often including a company logo, when you paid down to the minute and the suburb where the transaction was made. In addition it has a ‘Regulars feature that detects regular billers and estimate of upcoming bills so you get a heads-up before they are due
Good savings account interest rates of 1.85% (0.10% base rate plus 1.75% bonus). Bonus interest is easily unlocked after making five successful card or digital wallet purchases each month

The Up Bank Travel Card is aimed at younger markets who are looking to save on bank costs and receive online tools to help them budget and save for their goals. It is also able to be used overseas at any ATM without fees, no international fees and is the cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank due to their partnership with Wise (the largest money transfer company in the world). In addition the exchange rates are Mastercard rates which are normally 4% above interest rates. Finally, while this card is very useful domestically and for ATMs overseas we would not recommend it for big ticket items overseas as it is an expensive card to use.

No foreign transaction fees
No fee on initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
No cross currency transactions fees
Lock in exchange rates before you leave
Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP, EUR and CAD and JPY
No ATM fee at 50,000 Global Alliance ATMs worldwide
Free additional card
Flight delay pass

Westpac Travel Money Card

11 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB, AUD & ZAR
$2,000 maximum limit on ATM withdrawals overseas within 24 hours
$50,000 maximum limit on currencies loaded on to travel card
$3 roughly for ATMs that are not within the Non Westpac Global Alliance
If you run out of one currency on the card, you can pay with other currencies without the expensive cross currency transaction fee
No foreign transaction fees, initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
According to the Westpac it can take upto 8 business days to receive the travel card
Secure from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection
2 cards per account for free

The Westpac Travel Card is a no frills handy travel card with very low fees, no foreign transaction fees, access to some free ATMs worldwide and competitive exchange rates, especially on USD, EUR, GBP, CAD and JPY. In addition it has the South African Rand (ZAR) which is not common in prepaid travel cards. Finally it has access to a flight delay pass in case your flights are delayed and you need to access airport lounges.

Linked to ANZ Rewards program
7 types of insurance for free
55 days interest free
Good security on card purchases

ANZ Travel Adventure Card

20.24% interest on purchases and cash advances
$120 annual fee
No international transaction fees in person or online
Offer 7 types of insurance for free
ANZ Reward points can be used to buy gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account.
Earn 1.5 Reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $2,000 per statement period
ATM fees at non ANZ ATMs
Minimum credit of $6,000

If you utilize rewards points then the ANZ Travel Adventure Card might be suitable for you. Reward points can be used to buy a wide range of gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account. In addition no international transaction fees are charged for purchases online or whilst you travel overseas. Finally this card is not recommended for cash withdrawals as the interest rate of 20.24% will eat up any savings.

No ATM fees
Can be used in Australia with no additional costs
No fees for paying via bank transfer or Bpay
Transfer limits can be set by user

ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card

As long as you you deposit at least $1000 and make at least 5 payments each month ING will waive international transaction fees and refund overseas ATM withdrawal fees
Can be used in all countries
Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay
Visa currency conversion rates apply, which are normally 4% above market

The ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card is a good card for most Australians travelling overseas for ATM access, with no fees. It also allows you to to buy goods online without an international transaction fee.

Furthermore you can use it in Australia for free and there are no fees to get your initial card, for account keeping or to top up your card. A word of caution however, if you travel overseas for longer than 1 month, you still need to deposit at least $1,000 and make at least 5 payments each month to get the rebates.

Initial card and replacement cards are free
Increased protection with Mastercard Zero Liability
Access to cash from your account through the Global Emergency Assistance, if your card is lost or stolen

Australia Post Travel Money Card - Platinum Mastercard

1.1% Admin fee for instore loads, including initial load
$5 fee for reloads via debit bank card
$10 closure fee
$3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATM is expensive
Currencies that can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD , AED and AUD
Minload of $100 and max of $100,000
If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash that is in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
Boingo hotspots offer the free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Australia Post travel money card is a popular option for Australian travellers due to the convenience of stores. However we would recommend the Australia Post travel money card for paying in shops or accommodation as it is costly to withdraw cash from ATMS. As the Australia Post travel money card is fee heavy we recommend not making withdrawals at ATMs or making cross currency transactions to keep additional fees down.

Up to 11 currencies available
Manage your account and card online
24/7 global assistance
Access to emergency cash
Free additional card when ordered at time of purchase
Can be used at millions of locations worldwide – wherever Mastercard purchase symbol is displayed

Greater Bank Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

$5 fee for reloads via debit bank card, FREE reloads via BPAY
Admin fee of up to the greater of 1.1% of the load/reload amount or $15 for in-store purchases
Debit card load fee 0.5% of the amount loaded, per Debit Card Load transaction
Domestic ATM fee 2.95% of value Withdrawn
International ATM fee USD 2.50, EUR2.50, GBP 2.00,NZD 3.50, THB80.00, CAD 3.50,HKD 18.00, JPY260.00, SGD3.50, AED 10.00, AUD 3.50
Minimum load of AUD100 and a Maximum of AUD100,000

The Cash Passport is one of the most popular travel cards in the Australian market. With Greater Bank, you can purchase it online and at one of their branches, then download the app or use the website to manage your card. While the card may be useful for international purchases, be mindful when using an ATM both locally or overseas as the fees can add up if you are withdrawing money often.

Learn more about the Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard through Greater Bank .

Is it worth getting a travel card?

Only if the bank you already use, charges high international transaction fees. Unfortunately, that’s most Australians that bank with the big 4 banks.

For example, using your ING, Macquarie or Up Bank debit card overseas is not that much different to a specialised travel card. The effort to get a new card set up may not be worth it.

Alternatively, if you are losing 5% on the exchange rate and getting hit with high ATM fees from your local bank, then it’s definitely worth getting a travel card that isn’t issued by one of the large, retail banks.

What is the best card to use while abroad?

The best travel card in Australia depends on its use, for ATM withdrawals it is ING Orange , for best exchange rates it is Wise Travel Card, the best credit card is Bankwest Breeze Platinum , for overall best card by a bank its HSBC Global and the best rewards card is the Qantas Travel card.

Which cards do not charge international transaction fees?

Macquarie, ING and Up are 3 banks in Australia that don’t charge international transaction fees .

The most straightforward way to avoid fees on each transaction is to bring cash with you. All you have to do is convert your Australian dollars to the foreign currency of the country or countries you plan to travel to.

You can convert your currency either online, and have your money delivered directly to you, or in-store.

Online money exchangers like S Money are often an easy and cheap way to buy foreign currency. You usually only pay a small fee and the currency exchange rate, no hidden fees!

Is a money travel card better than cash?

A travel money card is safer than cash overseas and if you select a Wise travel card, it is the best exchange rate as well. Most places around the world accept MasterCard or Visa, so you should be able to pay for all your purchases by card.

Can I use my travel money card in Australia?

Yes you can use all travel cards in Australia but you might choose not to due to the fees. ING , Macquarie , Up , Citibank are all good examples of travel money cards that do not charge for ATM withdrawals in Australia. However examples of travel money cards that charge $3.50 per Australian ATM withdrawal include Travelex , Australia Post and Travel Money Oz .

Is it cheaper to use cash or card abroad?

Both if you buy your cash from S Money and pay with a Wise card overseas, as they both use the exchange rate you see online and charge very low fees. However if you buy your foreign currency at the airport, you are paying top prices so using a card is cheaper.

Which travel money cards no longer exist?

There are many travel money cards that no longer exist but appear in search engine page results. Travel money cards that no longer exist include 7-11 Just Go, NAB Travel Money Card, Travelex Cash Passport, Australia Post Cash Passport, ANZ Travel Card, Westpac Global Currency Card and the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet program.

The best debit, credit and prepaid cards for travel

Best Prepaid Cards

Credit Card

More Travel Card Guides

Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

Personal Loans

Business Loans

Credit Cards

Travel Credit Cards

10 Of The Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia in 2024

Sean Callery

Reviewed by

Shaun McGowan

Last updated 5 September 2024

See our picks of the best travel credit cards based on foreign exchange fees, travel perks and more. Plus get expert tips on using your credit card overseas from a veteran frequent flyer.

Featured travel credit cards

NO ANNUAL FEE OFFER

American Express Qantas Discovery Card 2024

$0 annual fee with Qantas points

Qantas American Express® Discovery Card

Enjoy a $0 annual card fee and earn Qantas Points with no limit on the number of points you can earn.

SPECIAL OFFER

Earn 50,000 bonus Qantas Points

American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

When you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3k on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months of approval. T&Cs apply. New Amex members only.

200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points

American Express® Platinum Card

When you apply online by 1 October 2024, are approved, and spend $5k on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months. New American Express Card Members only. T&Cs apply.

Top travel credit cards in Australia (Money picks)

These cards were selected based on our expert analysis of more than 200 credit cards on Money's database. We selected the cards based on features and costs relevant to travellers and they are ordered by the lowest annual fee.

How to compare travel credit cards: 6 key questions to ask

What’s the foreign transaction fee.

It will be somewhere between 0% and 3% of the transaction value depending on the card. If you spend a lot overseas, it’s worth minimising this fee as much as possible.

Will the card be accepted where I’m travelling?

Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. Amex is a bit more limited but still widely accepted in the countries Australians travel to in numbers.

What’s the interest rate?

Ideally you’ll be clearing the balance of the card within the interest-free period, but if not, a lower interest rate will help you minimise your travel costs.

What’s the annual card fee?

There are some credit cards with no annual fee that offer benefits for travellers, but most do come with a fee. If there is a fee, look carefully at what you’re getting in return.

Is travel insurance included?

A credit card that comes with travel insurance included could save you hundreds of dollars if it means you don’t need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy. Pay attention to what is covered by the policy and if it’s suitable for you.

Are there any other travel benefits thrown in?

Some travel credit cards offer lounge access (usually a limited number of passes per year), plus travel discounts credits you can put towards flights, accommodation and dining. These can be a nice ‘cherry on top’ if the rest of the card fits the bill.

Expert tips for using your credit card while travelling

Cover as many of your costs as you can before you travel

As soon as you leave Australia (or buy from an overseas retailer) you become a much more profitable customer for your bank because of the fees they charge. Avoid foreign exchange fees by prepaying for as many expenses as you can (e.g. your accommodation) assuming you can do so in AUD.

Get clear on fees

If you’re going to be spending overseas regularly, it’s worth seriously considering a credit card with 0% foreign transaction fees. This could save you up to 3.65% on every transaction. This fee is often overlooked when people apply for a credit card. Also be clear on what you’ll be charged for using an ATM. Chances are it will be a lot.

Don’t accept the “Do you want to pay in Australian Dollars” option

When you’re making a card payment overseas, a lot of the time you’ll get the option to pay in the local currency or have the amount converted to Australian dollars. Paying the AUD amount shown would seem like the sensible choice here, but trust me, it’s almost always a rip off. That option involves what’s called dynamic currency conversion which means the conversion rate is determined by the merchant and it’s usually a much worse rate than what your credit card provider will give you if you pay in the local currency.

Don’t withdraw cash overseas using your credit card

Using a credit card to withdraw cash at an overseas ATM is going to be very expensive. You’ll be stung with a fee from the local ATM operator (unless it happens to be a Westpac card and the ATM is part of the Global ATM alliance), a foreign transaction fee, plus a cash advance fee. You won’t get any interest-free days, meaning you’ll immediately be paying a high rate of interest on the funds you withdrew. Basically unless it’s an emergency, don’t go near an ATM with your credit card.

Make sure you ‘trigger’ your card’s travel insurance

Even if your credit card comes with travel insurance , there’s a good chance it won’t cover your trip automatically. You usually need to trigger the cover, in many cases by booking the travel/accommodation using the card itself. If you pay in full with card points (e.g. with Qantas credit card points ), that mightn’t be enough to trigger the insurance – you usually need to make an actual card purchase.

Have at least one backup payment option

When it comes to travel in particular, one card does not fit all. You might like the idea of using a single card for all your spending, but there are situations when a debit card will be better. Having a card from a different financial institution can also be a life-saver if your primary bank has an outage while you’re away.

Bonus tip: Bring the physical card with you

In Australia we’re very used to paying through a phone or watch using the likes of Apple Pay and Google Pay. But that kind of payment is not as widely accepted overseas. You’ll need to use the physical card and, for a dose of nostalgia, you may even need to insert it into a card chip reader and enter a PIN. You will also likely need to have the physical card if you’re using your card for pre-authorisation when checking into a hotel or renting a car.

Sean Callery is the Editor of Money.com.au. He has over 15 years of international experience. He is qualified with a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821) and is compliant to provide general advice in Tier 1 General Insurance (RG 146) products.

Shaun McGowan is the founder of Money.com.au. He's determined to help people and businesses pay as little as possible for financial products, through education and building world class technology. Previously Shaun co-founded CarLoans.com.au and Lend.

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Which country or destination are you traveling to?

Speeds and device compatibility vary based on location and roaming partners’ network frequencies. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks. Voice call destinations may be limited in some areas. Rates vary by plan and location.

Speeds vary based on roaming partners’ network; high-speeds not available in all locations. Maps do not depict exact coverage and display the general availability of roaming partner networks. Coverage not available in some areas. We are not responsible for the performance of our roaming partners’ networks. Voice call destinations may be limited in some areas. Simple Global Destinations: High-speed data, where available, may be included with qualifying plans or require purchase of international pass. Check your plan at www.T‑Mobile.com/customers/data-pass for details. Mobile Without Borders Destinations (Canada/Mexico): Up to 5GB of LTE speeds included with qualifying plans. Non-qualifying plans require purchase of high-speed data pass. Check www.T‑Mobile.com/customers/data-pass for details.

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Everyone on a T-Mobile Essentials™ plan gets unlimited texting and calling at $0.25 per minute in 215+ countries and destinations.

Essentials™ plans get free texting in 215+ countries and destinations. If you need data, purchase International Passes to get high-speed data and unlimited calling for 1, 10, or 30 days.

If you’re a T-Mobile customer on qualifying plan, you can add an International Pass to get more high-speed data and unlimited voice calling in 215+ countries and destinations.

1-Day (512MB) International Pass: 512MB of high-speed data and unlimited calling, to be used up to 24 hours, for $5.
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Use your International Pass high-speed data however you’d like throughout the designated time. You’re not restricted to a certain amount of data per day.

If you’re a primary account holder or authorized user, get an International Pass by using your T-Mobile app, logging on to My.T-Mobile.com, or following the link in the welcome text message you get when you enter an eligible country. Also, you can call our Team of Experts ® before your trip by dialing 611 on your mobile device.

Click here to see if you’re traveling to one of the 215+ countries that gets free data and texting as part of your eligible plan.

You can check your cruise coverage here . We recommend that you turn off roaming while the ship is docked in a US port. Otherwise, your phone may pick up the ship's network, and you'll be charged cruise ship roaming charges for any usage. Once you're out to sea, you can turn roaming back on and pay for the data, text, and voice you use.

International roaming is a service allowing you to continue using your mobile phone or other mobile device to browse the internet, as well as send and receive: emails, voice calls, and text messages while visiting another country.

The price you pay for Wi-Fi calls to international numbers when you're outside the US, depends on your international roaming option. The good news is, with most of our international roaming add-ons, you'll pay less for these calls than you did before. All Wi-Fi calls to US numbers are free of charge.

Our most popular plans include international texting from home and while traveling. Click here to see if you’re traveling to one of the 215+ countries and destinations that gets data and texting as part of your eligible plan.

Great news, while roaming internationally, you won't be charged for voicemails left in your inbox if your phone remains powered off or in airplane mode. However, you will be charged for the following:

If you answer an incoming call, you will be charged for the duration of the call.
If your phone is on when you get an incoming call, even if you don't answer it and it goes to voicemail, the call is charged one minute for the call coming into the phone, based on the international roaming rate of the country you’re in. (There are no charges at all if your phone is turned off.)
If you call your voicemail from your mobile phone to listen to messages while traveling internationally, that call will be charged at the international roaming rate of the country you're in.

Check out our international roaming checklist for everything you need to know before traveling abroad.

If you are a T-Mobile customer on qualifying plan, we have you covered with free data and texting in 215+ countries. There are some countries in which international roaming benefits do not apply, and international data passes cannot be used, you can check the list of those countries here .

A Virtual Private Network (VPN), is a way to help keep your connection secure, even while traveling. Be aware, that while on Wi-fi and connected to a VPN, your Internet usage goes through the VPN network you are connected to, wherever it's located. This means that while connected to a U.S. based VPN network, Wi-Fi calls made to non-US numbers, while outside the U.S., will be charged at international long-distance rates. See more details here .

Heads up! Many VPN services may connect automatically, or even be included in other services such as AdBlockers.

Qualifying plan and capable device required. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network before international use. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Calls, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico, and Canada). Go5G plans: Up to 10GB high-speed data in select Central European countries; otherwise, standard speeds approximately 256 Kbps. Go5G Next and Go5G Plus: Up to 15GB high-speed data in 215+ countries and destinations, then unlimited at up to 256 Kbps. Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; see www.T‑Mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T‑Mobile's discretion). Qualifying postpaid plan and capable device required. Taxes additional; usage taxed in some countries. Voice and text features for direct communications between two people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g., 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network . Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Calls in 215+ countries and destinations, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico, and Canada). Up to 5GB high-speed data, then unlimited at up to 256 Kbps. Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; see www.T‑Mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T‑Mobile's discretion). Qualifying postpaid plan and capable device required. Taxes additional; usage taxed in some countries. Voice and text features for direct communications between two people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g., 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Calls, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico, and Canada). Up to 5GB high-speed data in select Central European countries; otherwise, standard speeds approximately 256 Kbps. Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; see www.T‑Mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T‑Mobile's discretion). Qualifying postpaid plan and capable device required. Taxes additional; usage taxed in some countries. Voice and text features for direct communications between two people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g., 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Qualifying plan required. Speeds and coverage vary based on device and location. Check www.T‑Mobile.com for details. After allotment, data slows to plan speed (up to 128Kbps for plans without international data service). Activating a new pass ends remaining benefits of prior pass. Usage rounded up to the nearest MB each session.

Qualifying plan. On US-based airlines; Wi-Fi Calling functionality, valid e911 address, and one prior Wi-Fi call with current SIM card required for messaging. Where available on select US airlines.

International calling from U.S./Canada/Mexico to landlines in over 70 countries and destinations, plus unlimited calling to mobiles in over 30 countries. Qualifying service required. Calls must originate on our U.S. network or in Canada/Mexico; otherwise international roaming rates apply. Must be direct communication between 2 people; certain numbers not included. See T‑Mobile.com for countries and rates; subject to change at our discretion.

Receive up to 40% off available accommodation bookings in the US including AK, HI, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands and bookings for international travel. Discount is applied to price of room before taxes and any fees, including additional fees collected by the property at check-in. Reservations can only be made up to eleven months in advance of stay and are based on availability. All reservations are subject to the terms of the property and may not be able to be refunded, see individual location for details. Not valid for existing reservations, or with any other promotion, offer, discount, or coupon.

Receive up to 40% off pre-paid ("Pay Now") rental cars. Pay Now savings up to 30% discount is automatically applied to the Pay Now price if you select a Pay Now rental option. Up to 10% T‑Mobile Exclusive discount automatically applied to select Pay Now vehicle rentals. Discounted pricing is displayed at the time of booking compared to equivalent Pay Local/Later prices. Reservations can only be made up to twelve months in advance. Pay Now rates and vehicles based on availability. All reservations are subject to the terms of the supplier and may not be able to be refunded; see individual supplier for details. Not valid on existing car rental reservations, or with any other promotion, offer, discount, or coupon.

Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia methodology

Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia methodology Reference Period June 2024
Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia methodology Reference Period May 2024
Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia methodology Reference Period April 2024
View all releases

Introduction

1. This page provides a reference of the various methods and changes that occur from time to time that may impact the quality of OAD statistics. Changes can be due to any part of the end-to-end processing, from passenger data collection to the output of OAD statistics. They can range from the design, provision and collection of the passenger cards through to the administrative systems and updates at Home Affairs. They can also result from better capture of passenger data, methodological improvements or improved processing systems.

Abbreviations

Classifications.

1. The classification of countries in this release is the Standard Australian Classification of Countries, 2016 . For more detailed information, refer to the ABS release Standard Australian Classification of Countries, 2016 . The entire historical series has been backcast using this version of the classification.

2. The statistics on country of residence or main destination, and country of embarkation or disembarkation have certain limitations because of reporting on passenger cards. For example many travellers just list the UK on their passenger card rather than stating England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

State and territory

1. Overseas arrivals and departures data covers Australia and its states and territories, as defined by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard 2016 . Jervis Bay Territory, the Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Norfolk Island are included as one spatial unit at the State and Territory level under the category of Other Territories.

Historical changes to the State and Territory classification

2. Following the 1992 amendment to the Acts Interpretation Act, the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands were included as part of geographic Australia. To reflect this change, another category was created, known as Other Territories which also included Jervis Bay Territory (previously included with the Australian Capital Territory). Overseas arrivals and departures data for Other Territories commenced from February 1995. 3. Norfolk Island was included in the Other Territories category from July 2016 following the introduction of the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015. Prior to this, Norfolk Island was an external territory and not included within geographic Australia.

Confidentiality

1. The Census and Statistics Act, 1905 provides the authority for the ABS to collect statistical information, and requires that statistical outputs shall not be published or disseminated in a manner that is likely to enable the identification of a particular person or organisation.

2. Some techniques used to guard against identification or disclosure of confidential information in statistical tables are suppression of sensitive cells, random adjustments to cells with very small values and rounding. In these cases data may not sum to totals due to the confidentialisation of individual cells.

3. The statistics in this release have been rounded to the nearest 10 to maintain confidentiality. Where figures have been rounded, discrepancies may occur between sums of component items and totals. All calculations and analysis are based on un-rounded data. Calculations made on rounded data may differ to those published.

Data sources

1. Administrative information on persons arriving in, or departing from, Australia is collected via various processing systems, passport documents, visa information, and incoming passenger cards (see Passenger card image section). Aside from persons travelling as Australian or New Zealand citizens, persons travelling to Australia are required to provide information in visa applications. These administrative data are collected by the Home Affairs under the authority of the Migration Regulations 1994 made under the Migration Act 1958.

2. ABS statistics on overseas arrivals and departures (OAD) are mainly compiled using information from Home Affairs sources. All overseas movement records are stored on Home Affairs' Travel and Immigration Processing System (TRIPS). Each month all OAD movement records and related information, including those matched to an incoming passenger card, are supplied to the ABS and then processed.

3. From July 2017, due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card, the ABS has also used Medicare enrolment data. This is a secondary source of state or territory of residence information for Australian residents and is used for a small proportion of records. For further information see ABS Privacy Impact Assessment Report 'Traveller Information and Medicare Enrolment PIA' released on the 12 September 2017.

Australian resident

For a resident returning it is someone not travelling on a temporary visa and has self identified as an Australian resident when completing an incoming passenger card. From 1 July 2007, Resident departures include all Australian citizens, permanent visa holders, and any New Zealand citizens who can be identified as a resident.

Category of travel

Overseas Arrivals and Departures data are classified according to length of stay (in Australia or overseas), as recorded by travellers on passenger cards, or derived with reference to previous border crossings. There are three main categories of movement and 10 sub-categories:

Permanent movement;

permanent arrivals (PA)
permanent departures (PD) - only available prior to July 2007.

Long-term movement - has a duration of stay (or absence) of one year or more;

long-term resident return (LTRR)
long-term visitor arrival (LTVA)
long-term resident departure (LTRD)
long-term visitor departure (LTVD).

Short-term movement - has a duration of stay (or absence) of less than one year;

short-term resident return (STRR)
short-term visitor arrival (STVA)
short-term resident departure (STRD)
short-term visitor departure (STVD).

A significant number of travellers on the first leg of their journey (i.e. overseas visitors on arrival to Australia) state exactly 12 months or one year as their intended duration of stay. The majority of these travellers actually stay for less than their intended duration of stay and on their departure from Australia are therefore classified as short-term movements (i.e. less than 12 months) at the second leg of their journey. Accordingly, in an attempt to maintain consistency between an arrival and the corresponding departure, and improve the quality of statistics on the duration of stay measurement, movements of travellers who report their intended duration of stay as being exactly one year automatically have their duration of stay imputed. The duration of stay of these travellers is imputed using the actual recorded duration of stay from donors who have similar characteristics from two years earlier.

Country of birth

Country of birth refers to the country in which a person was born. For Overseas Arrivals and Departures data, the country of birth is usually collected from a traveller's passport or visa information.

Country of citizenship

Country of citizenship is the nationality of a person. For Overseas Arrivals and Departures data it is usually taken from a traveller's passport or visa information and in some cases from their passenger card.

Country of embarkation

Country of embarkation is collected from flight information, or, for long-haul flights, from travellers' passenger cards in response to the following question:

For someone arriving in Australia - In which country did you board this flight or ship?

Country of residence/stay

Country of residence/stay is collected from the country a traveller indicates on their passenger card.

For overseas visitors to Australia, it is their country of residence prior to travel as recorded on their passenger card or visa.
For Australian residents, it is the country in which they spent most time abroad (i.e. their country of stay).

Departures SmartGate system

Departures SmartGate is a secure system that automates the checks otherwise conducted by a Border Force officer at Australian airports. Departing travellers use SmartGates to self-process through passport control at Australia's International airports.

Duration of stay

The duration of stay can be accurately measured for most travellers, especially when the second leg of their journey has been completed. For visitors arriving, it is based on their intended length of stay in Australia.

Intended length of stay

On arrival in Australia, all overseas visitors are asked to state their 'Intended length of stay in Australia'.

Long-term arrivals

Long-term arrivals comprise long-term visitor arrivals (LTVA) and long-term resident returns (LTRR).

Long-term departures

Long-term departures comprise long-term resident departures (LTRD) and long-term visitor departures (LTVD).

Long-term resident departures (LTRD)

Australian residents who stay abroad for 12 months or more. For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Long-term resident returns (LTRR)

Australian residents returning after 12 months or more overseas. For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Long-term visitor arrivals (LTVA)

Overseas visitors who state that they intend to stay in Australia for 12 months or more (but not permanently). For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Long-term visitor departures (LTVD)

Overseas visitors departing after a recorded stay of 12 months or more in Australia. For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Main reason for journey

Overseas visitors/temporary entrants arriving in Australia and Australian residents returning to Australia are asked to state their main reason for journey using the following categories:

convention/conference;
visiting friends/relatives;
employment;
education; and
other.

For any distribution, the median value is that which divides the relevant population into two equal parts, half falling below the value, and half exceeding it. Thus, the median age is the age at which half the population is older and half is younger.

Median duration

For any distribution, the median value is that which divides the relevant population into two equal parts, half falling below the value, and half exceeding it. Thus, the median duration is the duration at which half the population spent less time and half spent more time.

Overseas arrivals and departures (OAD)

Overseas arrivals and departures (OAD) refer to the recorded arrival or departure of persons through Australian air or sea ports (excluding operational air and ships' crew). Statistics on OAD relate to the number of movements of travellers rather than the number of travellers (i.e. the multiple movements of individual persons during a given reference period are all counted).

Overseas visitor

An overseas visitor is any traveller arriving to or departing from Australia who is not a resident or permanent arrival. An overseas visitor can travel for either a long-term duration of stay (12 months or more) or a short-term duration of stay (less than 12 months).

Passenger card

Passenger cards are completed by nearly all passengers arriving in Australia. Information including: country of previous residence, intended length of stay, main reason for journey, and state or territory of intended stay/residence is collected. An example of the current Australian passenger card is provided under 'Passenger card images' in the left hand side navigation bar.

Passenger card box type

Due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card from July 2017, box types D, E and F no longer exist. For further information see 2017 within the History of changes section.

a. Country of residence/stay is not collected from the passenger card for permanent arrivals. However, some information is collected from some permanent arrival visas.

Permanent arrivals

Permanent arrivals comprise:

travellers who arrive on a permanent migrant visas for the first time;
New Zealand citizens who indicate for the first time an intention to migrate permanently; and
those who are otherwise eligible to settle (e.g. overseas born children of Australian citizens).

For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Permanent visa

A visa allowing the holder to remain indefinitely in Australia's migration zone.

Port of clearance

The air or sea port where a traveller is cleared for international travel by the Australian Border Force.

See Australian resident.

Resident returns

See Short-term resident returns (STRR).

The sex ratio relates to the number of males per 100 females.

Short-term arrivals

Short-term arrivals comprise of short-term visitor arrivals (STVA) and short-term resident returns (STRR).

Short-term departures

Short-term departures comprise of short-term resident departures (STRD) and short-term visitor departures (STVD).

Short-term resident departures (STRD)

Australian residents who stay abroad for less than 12 months. For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Short-term resident returns (STRR)

Australian residents returning after a recorded stay of less than 12 months overseas. For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Short-term visitor arrivals (STVA)

Overseas visitors who intend to stay in Australia for less than 12 months. For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

Short-term visitor departures (STVD)

Overseas visitors departing after a recorded stay of less than 12 months in Australia. For a list of the categories see category of travel in this glossary.

State or territory of clearance

The state or territory where a traveller is cleared for international travel by the Australian Border Force. Also see port of clearance.

State or territory of residence/stay

State or territory in which overseas visitors lived/stayed or the state or territory in which residents live/lived.

On arrival, overseas visitors are asked on their passenger card for their state or territory of intended address in Australia. Residents returning to Australia are asked on their passenger card for their state or territory of intended address.

Temporary entrants

See temporary visas.

Temporary visas

Temporary entrant visas are visas permitting persons to come to Australia on a temporary basis for specific purposes. Main contributors are tourists, international students, those on temporary work visas, business visitors and working holiday makers.

Permission or authority granted by the Australian government to foreign nationals to travel to, enter and/or remain in Australia for a period of time or indefinitely.

Visa applicant type

Under the Migration Regulations 1994, there are two types of applicants - primary and secondary applicants.

The primary applicant is generally the person whose skills or proposed activities in Australia are assessed by Home Affairs as part of their visa application. They will usually have been specifically identified on the application form as the 'main applicant'.

A secondary applicant is a person whose visa was granted on the basis of being a family member (e.g. spouse, dependent child) of a person who qualified for a primary visa. They will have been identified on the visa application as an 'other' or secondary applicant with the person who met the visa criteria being specifically identified on the visa application as the 'main applicant'.

Visa group - permanent family visas

Persons who have arrived in Australia on a Child, Partner, Parent or Other Family stream visa. These migrants are selected on the basis of their family relationship (spouse, de facto partner, intent to marry, child, parent, other family) with their sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen.

Visa group - permanent other visas

Includes humanitarian and refugee visas as well as all other permanent visa holders.

Visa group - permanent skilled visas

Those categories of the Migration Program where the core eligibility criteria are based on the applicant's employability or capacity to invest and/or do business in Australia. The immediate accompanying families of principal applicants in the skill stream are also counted as part of the skill stream.

This definition of skill stream is used by Home Affairs who administer the Migration Program.

Visa group - temporary other visas

Includes other temporary visas not already stated.

Visa group - temporary student visas

These are overseas students who undertake full-time study in a recognised educational institution.

Visa group - temporary skilled visas

Includes Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa holders who were permitted to travel to Australia to work in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor for up to four years as well as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482).

Visa group - temporary visitor visas

A visitor is any traveller arriving to or departing from Australia who is not a resident. A visitor can be either short-term (less than 12 months) or long-term (12 months or more). Visitor visa holders are non-permanent entrants to Australia whose visa is for tourism, medical treatment, short stay business or visiting relatives.

Visa group - temporary work visas

Known as Working Holiday Makers visa and includes subclasses 417 and 462. Permits young adults from countries with reciprocal bilateral arrangements (with Australia) to undertake short term work or study while holidaying in Australia.

Visitor arrivals - short-term trips

See Short-term visitor arrivals (STVA).

History of changes

July 1998, permanent departures.

1. Prior to July 1998, the number of overseas-born (excluding NZ) permanent departures of Australian residents was overstated.

2. In July 1998, Home Affairs introduced a box type validation edit to the processing system. The edit checked and corrected the box type according to the Visa Class/subclass. With the exception of Australian and NZ citizens, only Australian residents departing permanently (Box F) who hold permanent visas were retained in this box type. For temporary visa holders who incorrectly ticked Box F, their box type was changed to visitor or temporary entrant departing (Box D).

July to December 1998, reason for journey

3. Before the introduction of the redesigned passenger card in July 1998, 5% of short-term visitor arrivals, on average, were recorded as having a reason for journey of 'Other' or 'Not Stated'. This percentage rose to 14% for July, 16% in August and 29% in September 1998 as a result of processing problems. These problems were addressed by Home Affairs, with the percentage of 'Other' and 'Not Stated' dropping to 8% and 7% in October and November respectively.

4. From January 1999, OAD statistics referencing these three months have been revised. The revised data were calculated by estimating the number of persons responding 'Other/Not Stated' using past trends for each country of citizenship and proportionally allocating any persons in excess of the estimated 'Other/Not Stated' total amongst the remaining categories.

July to December 1998, state or territory of residence/stay

5. For the months of August 1998, September 1998 and October 1998, data entry problems experienced by Home Affairs caused an overstatement of the Northern Territory as the main state of stay with a corresponding understatement for the remaining states and territories. In November 1998 these numbers returned to levels more comparable with previous years, with Home Affairs indicating that they had instigated data quality procedures to address this issue.

6. From January 1999, OAD statistics referencing these months have been revised. The revised data were calculated by estimating the number of persons indicating the Northern Territory as their main state of residence/stay using past trends and proportionally allocating any persons in excess of these estimates amongst the remaining states and territories.

7. With the introduction of the new processing system from July 2001, Home Affairs started providing the ABS with data on all missing values for state or territory of residence/stay. From July 2001 to Jun 2004, any missing state or territory of residence/stay were imputed using category of movement and state of clearance.

September 1998, age, country of birth, citizenship and sex

8. A problem was experienced in the processing of OAD data for movement dates between 6 September 1998 and 16 September 1998 following the introduction of changes to Home Affairs' input processing system. This problem may affect around 10% of all September 1998 records used in estimation and result in incorrect details for citizenship, date of birth, sex and country of birth.

September 1999, China and Hong Kong

1. September 1999 overseas arrivals and departures data were revised for movements to and from China and Hong Kong for three variables: country of birth, country of citizenship and country of residence/stay. Changes to 'country of birth' and 'country of citizenship' have been made from data supplied by Home Affairs. Changes to 'country of residence/stay' have been made by assuming the average proportion of country of birth to country of residence/stay for migrants from China and Hong Kong in September 1995 to September 1998.

New Zealand - permanent arrivals or residents

1. Under the Trans-Tasman Agreement, New Zealand (NZ) citizens are not required to have a visa to travel to Australia. As a result, on their arrival in Australia, visa documentation cannot be used to determine whether they are either a permanent migrant or a temporary visitor, or an Australian resident returning from NZ. Analysis undertaken by Home Affairs suggests that a substantial proportion of NZ passport holders tick Box A (migrating permanently to Australia) each time they arrive in the country, causing an overcount of NZ migrants entering Australia. The following edits were applied to arrival movements to correct the overcounting of NZ migrants.

2. From July 2001 to June 2002, Home Affairs coded all NZ citizen arrivals who had ticked Box A (migrating permanently to Australia) and had been to Australia previously (based on Home Affairs records) to residents returning (Box C). However, if these people were visitors previously, this recoding had the effect of incorrectly reducing the number of NZ migrants whilst at the same time incorrectly increasing the number of NZ citizen who were returning residents. This problem was overcome by coding the NZ citizens who had been changed by Home Affairs from Box A to Box C back to Box A.

3. Since July 2002, Home Affairs has utilised a new edit system to ensure accurate measurement of permanent arrivals of NZ citizens. Where a person ticks Box A on their passenger card (migrating permanently to Australia), the record is verified by checking previous entries and related passenger card records, and if the person is previously recorded as a permanent migrant or resident then they will be counted as returning residents. This resulted in more accurate recording of NZ citizens who were migrating permanently to Australia and those who were residents returning.

July 2004, all data

1. In 2013, the ABS completed a rebuild of the system which creates OAD data. The rebuild of the system resulted in a break in series, necessitating a revised time series for OAD data based on the improved methodology from July 2004 to December 2013. The break in series was from July 2004. Most of this has now been superseded due to the 2017 review which has revised the series from July 2007 onwards.

July 2007, all data

1. In 2017, due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card, the ABS undertook a review of its OAD statistics, methodology and processing systems. The review resulted in a break in series, necessitating a revised time series for OAD data from July 2007 to June 2017 based on the new methodology. Figures prior to June 2007 may not be strictly comparable to those which follow.

July 2007 to June 2017 data revised

1. In April 2023, the ABS identified a data quality issue with the visa group for “Other Visas” being unusually high. The issue was identified as being due to a processing issue which prevented some arrivals records from having their correct visa subclass and state of clearance counted. To fix this issue, the ABS has reprocessed the affected records.

2. Revised Overseas Arrivals and Departures data from September 2007 to August 2015 was released in the March 2023 issue. The time series spreadsheets for Tables 13, 15 and 16 were revised.

3. A second group of affected records spanning July 2007 to June 2017 was revised and released in the April 2023 issue. The time series spreadsheets for Tables 13, 15 and 16 were revised.

The 2013 review of OAD statistics

1. In 2013, the ABS undertook a major review of its OAD statistics, methodology and processing systems. The primary aim was to improve the quality of OAD data, given its importance as an input to a broad range of statistical outputs. The new system was thoroughly tested by processing over ten years of data. Imputation methods for missing traveller data were improved, in particular the duration of stay and the country of birth variables. For further information see the 'Imputations and derivations' section.

2. The rebuild of the system resulted in a break in series, necessitating a revised time series for OAD data based on the improved methodology from July 2004 to December 2013. The break in series was from July 2004. Most of this has now been superseded due to the 2017 review which has revised the series from July 2007 onwards.

January 2013, duration of stay and reason for journey

3. Investigations by the ABS and Home Affairs uncovered a high non-response rate for both duration of stay and reason for journey for the month of January 2013. This was mainly due to changes to the collection and processing of passenger cards, which were introduced in that month. January is the only month that was affected and the non-response rates for subsequent months were at an acceptable level.

October 2014 to May 2015, delay in OAD statistics and missing passenger cards

1. A number of releases of Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia were delayed. This was due to an attempted transition to a new provider of passenger card processing by Home Affairs. During this period there was a higher number of cards missing than expected.

July 2016, Norfolk Island

1. From 1 July 2016, Norfolk Island was integrated into Australia for administrative purposes. Travel between mainland Australia and Norfolk Island is no longer considered an international movement and has been excluded from the Overseas Arrivals and Departures statistics.

September 2016, New Zealand citizen long-term resident returns to Australia

2. The ABS became aware of an increase in resident returns to Australia by New Zealand citizens with an overseas stay of one year or more (long-term resident returns). This increase is visible from September 2016 onwards and is not fully supported by real world explanations and has been traced to the input data ABS has received from Home Affairs. This issue has been flagged as a data quality concern and is being investigated by Home Affairs.

The 2017 review of OAD statistics

1. From 1 July 2017, travellers leaving Australia were no longer required to complete an Outgoing Passenger Card (OPC) .

2. Due to the removal of the OPC by the Department of Home Affairs, the ABS undertook a review of its Overseas Arrivals and Departures (OAD) statistics, methodology and processing systems. This provided an opportunity to consider alternative data sources and ways to make better use of a range of existing data collected by Home Affairs about Australia's international border crossings.

3. The review resulted in a break in series, necessitating a revised time series for OAD data from July 2007 to June 2017 based on the new methodology. Figures prior to June 2007 may not be strictly comparable to those which follow.

4. For this 10 year period, the ABS used the existing data collected from the OPC for the following variables: Country of Disembarkation, Country of Residence, Country of Stay (but not for Australian residents departing), Reason for Journey, State of Residence, and State of Stay. From 1 July 2017, after the removal of the OPC, each of these variables use their alternate source or are no longer available as identified in Table 1 below.

Data no longer available due to the 2017 review

5. Although the majority of the OAD data has continued to be published, some data items that were previously available are no longer available from 1 July 2017 as a result of the retirement of the OPC. They include:

Permanent Departures for Australian residents are no longer published. Analysis of historical OAD data indicates that quality was not high for this category. For example, many travellers stating an intention of permanently departing return to Australia within twelve months or were actually not Australian residents. Net Overseas Migration statistics (published quarterly in National, state and territory population ) are a better measure of long-term overseas migration. Permanent Departures are no longer available for the revised series from July 2007. Permanent Departures of Australian residents have been grouped with all Australian Citizen and Resident Departures.
Country of Disembarkation for Visitors and Australian residents departing.
Country of Stay for Australian citizens or residents departing is no longer available for the revised series from July 2007. An alternate source for this variable is Australian residents returning to Australia (i.e. a resident's second leg of journey). The ABS has produced a full 10-year historical trend and seasonally adjusted series for Short-term Resident Returns from July 2007 to June 2017 to assist data users transitioning to the new series.
Main Reason for Journey for Australian residents departing - from 1 July 2017, an amended Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) has been used to collect data for an alternative to this series. Australian residents returning are asked to provide their ‘main reason for overseas travel’. Therefore, the main reason for journey is provided for all Short-term Resident Returns and Long-term Resident Returns from July 2017 onwards.

Data that has changed due to the 2017 review

6. All data items, other than those outlined above will continue to be available. However, with the use of additional data sources, some definitional changes, and changes to the methods applied, all OAD data will change to some degree. In particular:

Moving from a passenger card base to an all movements base

7. Previously, OAD data was based on a count of all passenger cards collected. Historically, this was usually 99% of all movements stored on Home Affair's Travel and Immigration Processing System (TRIPS). In the revised data from July 2007, the ABS has used all movements stored on the TRIPS system. This has provided a full count and an improved measurement of all overseas arrivals and departures.

Accessing pre and post-reference date data

8. By accessing all movements stored on the TRIPS system, the ABS is able to make use of information from a corresponding incoming passenger card to acquire information about departure movements from Australia. Pre-reference date data includes all previously processed historical records, whereas the post-reference date data includes all TRIPS records up to and including 27 days after the end of the reference month.

Use of alternate data sources

9. Information from existing electronic movement records maintained by Home Affairs is able to provide state of residence for most movements. A small number of records do not have state of residence able to be derived from the data supplied to ABS by Home Affairs. The ABS worked closely with Home Affairs, Tourism Research Australia, the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services to identify and test alternate data sources to the OPC that could provide state of residence information. Medicare enrolments were identified as the only viable source for this information given the vast majority of Australian residents are registered with Medicare.

10. Some variables in OAD data have changed. The removal of the OPC has directly impacted on the variables listed in the table below. Their availability, any alternate sources to be used, and definitional changes are also noted. All other variables have not been directly affected. Changes to overseas arrivals data have been minimal. For some variables there has been minor improvement.

.. not applicable

11. To identify a New Zealand citizen as a resident or a visitor, the following rules are applied. For a departure movement, if any individual (including New Zealand Citizens) has self-identified as a resident (Box C from the incoming passenger card) on their return trip (i.e. only up to 27 days after the reference month is available), then they are deemed to be a resident at the departure. In addition, the ABS is able to measure exactly how long since an individual's previous arrival. If a New Zealand citizen has been measured to be living in Australia for one year or more prior to departure, they are then identified as a resident departing. For all other New Zealand citizens departing they are deemed to be a visitor departing.

July to November 2017, state or territory of stay/residence

12. The ABS identified a data quality issue with state or territory of stay/residence for the period July to November 2017, with estimates for the Northern Territory being understated and a corresponding overstatement for New South Wales. The cause was identified as a coding issue with the new incoming passenger card, introduced from July 2017.

13. Affected cards were re-processed and revised statistics for July to November 2017 were included in the December 2017 issue of Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia. The result of this revision is that estimates for the Northern Territory are approximately 30-40% higher in the revised data.

July 2017 to February 2018, state or territory of stay/residence

14. Investigations by the ABS and the Department of Home Affairs identified quality issues with the capture and coding of state or territory of stay/residence from incoming passenger cards from July 2017 onwards. A resolution to these issues was implemented and data re-processed. Revised OAD data from July 2017 to February 2018 was released in the March 2018 issue.

15. For the difference between revised and previously published OAD data for Short-term visitor arrivals and Short-term resident returns by State or territory of residence/stay, see Table 6 at the end of the Data Quality Issues Appendix in the March 2018 issue.

July 2017 main reason for journey

16. In July 2017 the Department of Home Affairs discontinued the outgoing passenger card and introduced changes to the layout of the incoming passenger card in order to capture the main reason for journey for residents returning to Australia, as well as visitors arriving in Australia.

17. As the layout of the potential responses on the card changed from this point, there were some changes to the distribution of responses to the question on main reason for journey for short-term visitor arrivals, most notably an increase in the number of persons reporting that the main reason for travel was visiting friends and relatives and a decline in the number of persons reporting the main reason was a holiday. Following an extensive investigation of this issue, ABS modelling suggests that the proportion of people reporting visiting friends and relatives was approximately 4 percentage points higher, and holiday approximately 4 percentage points lower, after the introduction of the revised card layout. Also following this investigation, improvements were made by Home Affairs to the process of capturing and coding main reason for journey from the card, and the ABS has further reviewed and made improvements to imputation of reason for journey.

18. Therefore, when comparing statistics on reason for journey between periods before and after July 2017, users should consider the changes noted above.

March to May 2018, state or territory of stay/residence

1. Investigations by the ABS and the Department of Home Affairs identified quality issues with the capture and coding of state or territory of stay/residence from incoming passenger cards from March 2018 onwards. A resolution to these issues was implemented and data re-processed. Revised OAD data from March to May 2018 was released in the June 2018 issue. All time series spreadsheets and data files were revised. For the difference between revised and previously published OAD data for Short-term visitor arrivals and Short-term resident returns by State or territory of residence/stay, see Table 6 at the end of the Data Quality Issues Appendix in the July 2018 issue.

April to July 2018, country of residence/stay

2. In June 2018, the ABS identified a data quality issue with the country of residence of Bangladesh being implausibly high for short-term visitor movements. There was a corresponding decrease for Singapore and Malaysia. To fix this issue Home Affairs implemented a procedural change in September 2018. For the period from April to August 2018 the ABS identified the affected records and amended them by assigning to either Malaysia or Singapore. The amendments were based on historically observed distributions for travellers on visa subclass 601, stratified by country of embarkation and country of citizenship. Revised OAD data from April to July 2018 was released in August 2018 issue. All time series spreadsheets and data files were revised. For the difference between revised and previously published OAD data for Short-term visitor arrivals for Bangladesh, Singapore and Malaysia by country of residence, see Table 6 at the end of the Data Quality Issues Appendix in the August 2018 issue.

September 2019, overseas visitor arrivals - short-term trips - corrections

1. A replacement issue containing corrected data on short-term visitor arrivals was released on 6 December 2019. It included corrections to some key statistics dot points and to some columns in Tables 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the Time Series Spreadsheets. Data on individual countries was not affected.

February 2020, COVID-19 and travel restrictions

1. On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Initially the Australian Government placed travel restrictions on those travelling to Australia from mainland China commencing 1 February 2020 and restrictions on other countries soon followed. From 20 March 2020, all overseas travel was banned, with few exceptions. The pandemic has continued to disrupt international travel.

February 2020 onwards, suspension of trend estimates

2. Trend estimates have been suspended from February 2020 for all Short-term Visitor Arrivals (STVA) and Short-term Resident Returns (STRR) series due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel.

3. Trend series attempt to measure the underlying behaviour in passenger travel movements. This measurement may be affected by unusual influences in the original and seasonally adjusted data, like those currently observed for February 2020. These current influences are expected to continue for the coming months. If trend estimates were calculated without fully accounting for these unusual influences, they would be likely to provide a misleading view of the underlying trend in activity over the longer term.

4. Trend estimates will be reintroduced when patterns in the underlying behaviour of passenger travel movements stabilise.

5. For more details on trend estimates, please see the 'Seasonally adjusted and trend estimates' section and the ABS Feature Articles: Methods changes during the COVID-19 period (cat. no. 1359.0 for Jun 2020) and When it's not "Business-as-usual": Implications for ABS Time Series (cat. no. 1350.0 for Aug 2009).

April 2020 onwards, suspension of seasonally adjusted estimates

6. Seasonally adjusted estimates have been suspended from April 2020 for all Short-term Visitor Arrivals (STVA) and Short-term Resident Returns (STRR) series due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel.

7. Seasonally adjusted estimates will be reintroduced when patterns in the underlying behaviour of passenger travel movements stabilise.

8. For more details on seasonally adjusted estimates, please see the 'Seasonally adjusted and trend estimates' section and the ABS Feature Articles: Methods changes during the COVID-19 period (cat. no. 1359.0 for Jun 2020) and When It's not "Business-as-usual": Implications for ABS Time Series (cat. no. 1350.0 for Aug 2009).

April to July 2021, COVID-19 and trans-Tasman travel bubble

1. From 19 April to 23 July 2021 a trans-Tasman travel bubble was in place, allowing quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand.

November 2021 onwards, COVID-19 and easing of travel restrictions

2. From 1 November 2021, the Australian Government began to ease international travel restrictions with some fully vaccinated groups. Initially, Australian citizens and permanent residents were permitted to travel to and from Australia without exemption. This was then extended to citizens from additional countries and eligible visa holders.

July 2021 to February 2022 data revisions

1. In March 2022, the ABS identified a data quality issue, with the state and territory of stay/residence being implausibly high for NSW. The issue was due to the capture and coding of state or territory of stay/residence from incoming passenger cards from July 2021 onwards. To fix this issue, the ABS worked with Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force and arranged for the affected cards to be re-processed and re-supplied.

2. Revised OAD data from July 2021 to February 2022 was released in the March 2022 issue. All time series spreadsheets and data files were revised. For the difference between revised and previously published OAD data for short-term visitor arrivals and short-term resident returns by state or territory of residence/stay, see table below.

As published in previous issues of Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia (cat. no. 3401.0).
A positive number means the revised data is higher than the previously published data and a negative number means it is lower.

January to March 2022 data revisions

3. Due to improvements made to the quality of the imputations used to estimate duration of stay, OAD data from January to March 2022 was revised and released in the April 2022 issue. These imputations use historical data and have been impacted by changed travel behaviour during the COVID-19 travel restrictions period. For further information about the duration of stay imputations refer to the Imputations and derivations section on the left hand navigation bar and then the List of variables imputed.

4. The following categories of travel were revised: short-term resident departures; long-term resident departures; short-term visitor arrivals; and long-term visitor arrivals. For the difference between revised and previously published data, see table below.

(a) As published in previous issues of Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia (cat. no. 3401.0). (b) A positive number means the revised data is higher than the previously published data and a negative number means it is lower.

February 2022, removal of travel restrictions

5. On 21 February 2022, the Australian Government removed the travel restrictions for all fully vaccinated visa holders. For more information, see the media release on reopening to tourists and other international travellers .

Imputations and derivations

1. Every effort is made to minimise errors, both through careful design of the passenger cards and through checks on the information once it is received by the ABS. During the editing process some items are corrected where they conflict with other known information. There are a number of derivations and imputations undertaken that improve the quality of variables with missing responses.

2. First, the ABS utilises alternate sources where available. The sources currently available from Home Affairs include: all overseas movements data stored on the TRIPS system, monthly missing country of birth data, and monthly New Zealand passport data. An additional alternate source used for state or territory of residence is Medicare enrolment data - see 'state or territory of stay/residence' in the 'List of variables imputed' below.

3. For certain variables that are missing, information about an individual can be derived from these alternate sources including an individual's nearest other travel movement. This is able to be done from Home Affairs sources, by using the unique person identification number to link to the various sources and over time. For example, by accessing all movements stored on the TRIPS system, the ABS is able to make use of information from a corresponding incoming passenger card to acquire information about an individual's departure movement. Pre-reference date data includes all previously processed historical records, whereas the post-reference date data includes all TRIPS records up to and including 27 days after the end of the reference month.

4. The variables which are available from accessing these alternate sources include: country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence/stay, duration of stay, passenger card box type, and state of residence/stay.

5. Second, a 'hot deck' imputation method is then used for any remaining missing responses. For 'hot deck' imputation, a record with missing responses (called the recipient), receives those of another similar record (called the donor) which has a full set of responses before the imputation process began. The recipient record keeps all of its original responses and only has the missing variables imputed, thereby keeping as much of the collected information for that record as possible.

6. The 'hot deck' imputation method uses a set of characteristics that choose the donor and recipient records which are as similar as possible. The characteristics used within the OAD system to align a recipient with a suitable donor, vary between the different imputations. A combination of different characteristics was tested for each of the imputations to ascertain which would give the best results. The characteristics used include: age, country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence/stay, direction of traveller, category of movement, passenger card box type, sex, state of clearance and visa group.

7. The variables which are subject to 'hot deck' imputation are: age, country of birth, country of citizenship, country of embarkation, country of residence/stay, duration of stay, passenger card box type, reason for journey, sex and state of residence/stay, and a specific one for the country of birth of New Zealand (NZ) citizens. All missing values for these variables are fully imputed except country of residence/stay for permanent arrivals. However, from July 2017, due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card, the following are not imputed: country of disembarkation for any departures and country of stay for any Australian resident departures as both are no longer collected.

List of variables imputed

1. The primary source for data on this variable is passport or visa information. An alternate source used is the incoming passenger card. Age is calculated using date of birth. For the hot deck imputation, the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: the passenger card box type and visa group. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for age, the missing rate is less than 1% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

2. The primary source for data on this variable is passport or visa information if available. It is not available from the passenger card. The majority of imputations are for NZ citizens. 3. There are three separate parts to the imputation for country of birth. A specific imputation is in place for the country of birth of New Zealand (NZ) citizens, as data for this variable is not directly available from the passport or visa of NZ citizens. For details see 'Specific imputation for country of birth of New Zealand citizens' below in this section.

4. The second is a hot deck imputation and is only used for non-NZ citizens. For this imputation, the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: category of movement and country of citizenship.

5. The third part is only used if partial information is supplied. For example, if Europe was supplied it would then be imputed to a country in Europe. The specific region or country grouping provided as the recipient's country of birth is used to align the recipient with a suitable donor for imputation. For the example noted above the donor would be a country from Europe.

6. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for country of birth for non-NZ citizens, the missing rate is less than 1% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

7. The primary source for data on this variable is passport or visa information. An alternate source used is the incoming passenger card.

8. There are two separate parts to the hot deck imputation for country of citizenship. The first part is used if the data is missing. For this imputation the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: direction, visa group, and country of birth.

9. The second part is only used if partial information is supplied. For example, if Europe was supplied as the nationality it would then be imputed to a country in Europe. The specific region or country grouping provided as the recipient's country of citizenship is used to align the recipient with a suitable donor for imputation. For the example noted above the donor would be a country from Europe.

10. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for country of citizenship, the missing rate is less than 1% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

11. The primary source for data on this variable is the incoming passenger card. When the passenger card is missing, the alternate source is flight schedule information. Prior to July 2007, the only available source for data on this variable was the passenger card. From July 2017, the country of disembarkation for all departures was no longer available due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card. It is therefore no longer available for visitors departing or Australian residents departing.

12. There are two separate parts to the hot deck imputation for country of embarkation. The first part is used if the data is missing. For this imputation the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: category of movement and country of residence/stay.

13. The second part is only used if partial information is supplied. For example, if Europe was supplied it is imputed to a country in Europe. The specific region or country grouping provided as the recipient's country of embarkation is used to align the recipient with a suitable donor for imputation. For the example noted above the donor would be a country from Europe.

14. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for country of embarkation, the missing rate averages less than 7% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

15. The primary source for data on this variable is the incoming passenger card. From July 2017, the country of residence/stay for Australian citizens and resident departures was no longer available due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card. For visitors departing the primary source used is now an individual's arrival passenger card from their previous movement. For example, the vast majority of travellers (excluding permanent migrants) have two legs to their journey, such as an arrival followed by a departure. As historical data is available, retrieving an individual's previous movement (where possible) allows for the country of residence to be collected for a visitor departing. Country of Stay for Australian citizens and residents departing is no longer available for the revised series from July 2007.

16. An alternative data source is visa information which may be used for some travellers when available, although this is limited. Prior to July 2007, the primary source for data on this variable was the original arrivals or departures passenger card (from the reference movement), and alternately visa information for some travellers.

17. There are two separate parts to the hot deck imputation for country of residence/stay. The first part is used if the data is missing. For this imputation the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: category of movement, region of citizenship, and visa group. Country of citizenship has also been used from April 2020.

18. The second part is only used if partial information is supplied. For example, if Europe was supplied then it is imputed to a country in Europe. The specific region or country grouping provided as the recipient's country of residence/stay is used to align the recipient with a suitable donor for imputation. For the example noted above the donor would be a country from Europe.

19. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for country of residence/stay, the missing rate averages less than 22% of all records. Country of residence/stay is not imputed for permanent arrivals and since July 2007 not for Australian citizens and residents departing as well. All other records are fully imputed.

20. Prior to the '2013 Review of OAD Statistics' and the revision back to July 2004, the ABS imputed this data item in two stages. In the first stage, records with country of residence/stay missing were set to country of disembarkation/embarkation if a response was available. In the second stage, for remaining records where country of stay/residence was missing, values were imputed at the category of movement, reason for journey and country of citizenship level based on responses to other cards within each subgroup. For permanent arrivals, imputation was undertaken using a combination of country of embarkation and the stated responses of other permanent arrivals.

Duration of stay - current

21. Data on this variable is from two separate sources; firstly, it can be sourced directly from the travellers' recorded intention and secondly, it can be measured using movement dates. These methods have been applied on the revised data series from July 2007 and are outlined below.

First, for visitors or temporary entrants arriving in Australia (i.e. first leg of their journey) the primary source is the arrivals passenger card and is based on a travellers' intended duration of stay.
Second, the actual duration of stay is measured based on a traveller's movement dates in and out of the country. By accessing all movements stored on the TRIPS system, the ABS is able to maximise the use of pre and post-reference date data, to acquire information about an individual's first or second leg of journey. Pre-reference date data includes all previously processed historical records back to April 2002, whereas the post-reference date data includes all TRIPS records up to and including 27 days after the reference month.

22. If the reference movement is the second leg of a journey, the exact dates a traveller crosses the Australian border are both available and therefore record a traveller's actual duration of stay. This applies to visitor departures and resident returns which are second leg of journey movements.

23. For resident departures, the reference movement is the first leg of journey and the intended duration is not available due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card. Accessing the post-reference date data (up to 27 days after the reference month) enables the measurement of the actual duration for the vast majority (usually above 80%) of resident departures. If the intended duration of stay is missing for a visitor arrival then this secondary source will also be used. Any remaining records with a missing duration of stay are imputed.

24. The quality for actual measured duration of stay recorded at the second leg of a journey is more accurate than that based on a traveller's intended duration of stay. In the example below for resident departures in June 2017, you can see prominent spikes for intended duration of stay at 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks which is very different to the actual measured duration.

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25. If duration is unable to be sourced from the dot points noted above then it is imputed. There are three separate hot deck imputations used for duration of stay (points 26 through to 28 below).

26. The first imputation is used if duration of stay is missing but excludes any resident departures (see point 28 below). For this imputation, the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: passenger card box type, country of citizenship and visa group.

27. The second imputation is only used when a visitor has put one year exactly as their intended duration of stay on the arrival passenger card. It only applies to temporary entrants. This imputation reflects historical patterns that clearly show the majority stay less than one year. The imputation first involves creating a historical dataset based on information from two years earlier. It then calculates the actual recorded duration of stay for those travellers who had originally put one year exactly as their intended duration of stay. This group becomes the imputation donor pool (donors from 2017 were used from January 2022 to June 2024 due to impacts of changed travel behaviour during the COVID-19 travel restrictions period). For this imputation the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: passenger card box type, country of citizenship and corresponding month. For the proportion imputed to either a long-term stay or a short-term stay, as an example see Table 1 below.

28. The third imputation is used when a resident departure has not already had their actual duration measured using the post-reference date data up to 27 days after the reference month (i.e. residents who had not yet returned). Similar to the second method noted above, this imputation involves creating a historical dataset based on information from two years earlier. It then calculates the actual recorded duration of stay for these travellers who had originally been flagged for imputation two years earlier. This group becomes the imputation donor pool (donors from 2017 were used from January 2022 to June 2024 due to impacts of changed travel behaviour during the COVID-19 travel restrictions period). For this imputation the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: passenger card box type, corresponding week of the month, country of birth and visa group. Due to this method, duration of stay is only able to be imputed up to 1 year and 11 months. For the proportions imputed to either a long-term stay or a short-term stay, as an example see Table 2 below.

29. Classification of duration of stay by category of movement is as follows:

Permanent arrivals: Duration of stay not applicable - set to zero.
Visitor arrival - first leg of journey: intended duration of stay as stated by visitors on incoming passenger cards, otherwise imputed.
Visitor departure - second leg of journey: actual duration of stay measured using the most recent arrival date, otherwise imputed.
Resident returning - second leg of journey: actual duration of absence measured using the most recent departure date, otherwise imputed.
Resident departure - first leg of journey: actual duration of absence measured using the most recent departure date up to 27 days after the reference month, otherwise imputed.

30. For a complete list of the categories of movement, see the Glossary.

Duration of stay - historical

31. Over time, there have been a number of changes to information collected on duration of stay. Initially, the intended duration of stay was only collected from information provided by all travellers on incoming and outgoing passenger cards in the intended length of stay fields. Therefore historically, the first leg and second leg of a journey both collected duration of stay based on intention.

32. With the introduction of TRIPS by Home Affairs in July 1990, the new system made possible the calculation of the actual length of stay/absence for travellers on the second leg of their journey (i.e. departing overseas visitors and returning Australian residents). This calculation based on TRIPS data commenced in July 1998. This change resulted in an improvement in data quality for duration of stay. In particular, for the distribution of the number of passengers staying for one year exactly declining significantly for this group of travellers.

33. The introduction of a new passenger card processing system from July 2001 provided further evidence of travellers rounding to one year exactly for their intended duration of stay in Australia or overseas. To reflect the historical movement patterns, the records with a reported duration of one year exactly were allocated to short-term or long-term. For visitors arriving in Australia, 75% of such records were allocated to short-term and 25% to long-term. For residents departing Australia, the distribution was 67% short-term and 33% long-term. With the '2013 Review of OAD Statistics', these proportional splits were able to be based on the behaviour of travellers from two years earlier - see Table 1. This method was applied to the revised data from July 2004. With the '2017 Review of OAD Statistics' and the removal of the outgoing passenger card, this method is not applicable for resident departures. It has been applied to the revised data from July 2007.

34. There is evidence to suggest that when completing the intended duration of stay question on the incoming passenger card (Box B), some passengers are entering their arrival/departure date or their birth date rather than their intended duration of stay. From September 2003, a rule was implemented to the data processing system at Home Affairs stating that if all three elements are complete (years, months and days), then the intended duration of stay was to be coded to a non-response.

35. Prior to July 2004, a simple assumption was put in place that set any traveller with a missing duration of stay to 10 days and therefore to a short-term movement.

36. Missing response rates for the duration of stay are only available since November 1998. Prior to this, imputation carried out as part of processing by Home Affairs prevented reliable estimation for missing duration of stay.

37. The primary source for arrivals data on this variable is the incoming passenger card. Administrative systems at Home Affairs and the ABS are also used as an alternate source for some travellers. During the editing process some items are corrected where they conflict with other known information. For example, all travellers with a permanent arrival visa arriving for the first time would be converted to Box A (migrating permanently to Australia) or all visitors on a temporary visa would be converted to a Box B (for arrivals).

38. Due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card in July 2017, the source for box type for departures data has changed. It has changed from a passenger declaration from the card to a derivation from the administrative data provided by Home Affairs. The definitions for Box D (Visitor departures) and Box E (Australian resident departures) have also needed to change as noted below. Box F (Permanent departures for Australian residents) is no longer available. In addition, a revised 10 year historical time series based on this definitional change was introduced from July 2007.

39. Variables from the TRIPS system used by the ABS to derive box type for all departures include: country of citizenship, visa type, duration of stay, and box type from the corresponding incoming passenger card.

40. From July 2007, Box E (All Australian citizen and resident departures) includes all Australian citizens, permanent visa holders, and any New Zealand citizens who can be identified as a resident.

41. A New Zealand citizen is identified as a resident if they have not departed Australia for the past 12 months and are thus deemed to be living in Australia. In addition, if an individual has self-identified as a Box C (resident) on the incoming passenger card on their return movement using the post-reference date data (up to and including 27 days after the end of the reference month) then they are assumed to have been a Box E (resident) on departure.

42. From July 2007, Box D (Visitor departures) includes travellers identified with a temporary visa or New Zealand citizen. It does not include Australian citizens who previously had self-identified on the OPC as visitors.

43. If any movements are not identified for Box E (residents departure) above, including NZ citizens, then they are assumed to be Box D (visitors departing). In addition, if an individual has self-identified as a Box B (visitor) on the incoming passenger card on their previous movement using the pre-reference date data then they are assumed to have been a Box D (visitor) on departure.

44. The hot deck imputation is only applied to arrival records as all departure box types are fully allocated based on the rules noted above. The variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: direction of traveller, visa group and country of citizenship. From July 2004 to June 2007, sampled or non-sampled data were used instead of visa group data. In addition, the variable 'stay-intent' based on 'intention to live in Australia for next 12 months (for arrivals only)' was also used.

45. Historically, prior to using the hot deck imputation for passenger card box type, the missing rate is less than 1% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

Reason for journey

46. The only source available for data on this variable is the incoming passenger card. Reason for journey is only available for visitor arrivals and from July 2017 for resident returns. Prior to July 2017, it was available for resident departures, however, it is no longer available due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card.

47. For the hot deck imputation, the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: category of movement, sampled or non-sampled data, visa group, age, duration of stay, country of citizenship region group and mode of transport. Prior to July 2017, donors used were: category of movement, sex and age. Prior to July 2007, donors used were: sampled or non-sampled data, passenger card box type, category of movement, and age.

48. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for reason for journey, the missing rate averages less than 7% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

49. The only sources available for data on this variable are passport or visa information. For the hot deck imputation the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: the passenger card box type and visa group. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for sex, the missing rate is less than 1% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

State or territory of stay/residence

50. The primary source for data on this variable is the incoming passenger card. From July 2017, for all departures the source used is an individual's nearest arrival movement where possible. For example, the vast majority of travellers (excluding permanent migrants) have two legs to their journey, either an arrival followed by a departure or vice versa, a departure followed by an arrival. By retrieving an individual's most recent other arrival movement (where possible) this allows for the state or territory of residence/stay to be collected for that same individual's arrival passenger card.

51. By accessing all movements stored on the TRIPS system, the ABS is able to make use of information from a corresponding incoming passenger card to acquire information about departure movements from Australia. Pre-reference date data includes all previously processed historical records, whereas the post-reference date data includes all TRIPS records up to and including 27 days after the end of the reference month.

52. As some departures from Australia do not have a recent corresponding incoming movement record, a small number of records do not have state of residence able to be derived from the data supplied to ABS by Home Affairs.

53. The ABS worked closely with Home Affairs, Tourism Research Australia, the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services to identify and test alternate data sources to the OPC that could provide state of residence information. Medicare enrolments were identified as the only viable source for this information given the vast majority of Australian residents are registered with Medicare.

54. Medicare enrolment records are supplied to the ABS by the Department of Human Services. The information supplied to the ABS for this purpose does not include any Medicare claims or other health information. Each month, the ABS attempts to link movement records to a corresponding Medicare enrolment record to obtain state or territory of residence. This data linkage is undertaken in a dedicated facility and follows strict protocols to protect security and confidentiality. While many movement records relate to persons who are non-residents or otherwise are not eligible for Medicare, all persons with a movement in the reference period are in scope for the linkage. Overall, approximately 57% of movement records were able to be linked to a Medicare enrolment record and state or territory of residence is able to be obtained for approximately 95% of Australian residents. Medicare enrolments information is used as the source of state of residence/stay in OAD statistics for approximately 3% of movements.

55. If state of residence/stay is not available from any of these sources, it is imputed. For the hot deck imputation the variables used to align the recipient with a suitable donor are: the passenger card box type, state of clearance, country of citizenship and visa group.

56. Generally, prior to using the hot deck imputation for state or territory of stay/residence, the missing rate averages less than 4% of all records. All records are fully imputed for this variable.

Specific imputation for country of birth of New Zealand citizens

1. With the introduction of biometric passports for New Zealand (NZ) citizens in April 2005, the country of birth information was removed from the passport and replaced with a place of birth, for example Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch or Melbourne. The passport was the only source of information on the country of birth of NZ citizens travelling to, or from, Australia. For other travellers who are not NZ citizens, country of birth information can be obtained from their passport or visa information. However, visa information for most NZ citizens is not available as, under the Trans-Tasman agreement, they do not need to hold a visa prior to travel to Australia.

2. Therefore, with the increased numbers of travellers holding NZ biometric passports, the proportion of movement records with a missing country of birth has increased substantially. For April 2005, NZ passport holders represented only 6% of the missing country of birth records, however by April 2007 this had increased to 79%. Thirteen years later, NZ passport holders are consistently representing over 90% of these missing records.

3. In 2013, a special imputation for country of birth of NZ citizens was introduced with data revised back to July 2004. It improved country of birth statistics in OAD, and also outputs on Net Overseas Migration (NOM), and the Estimated Resident Population by country of birth.

4. There are five steps to the process used to generate country of birth when it is missing (these are captured in paragraphs 5 to 9 below).

5. Prior to the hot deck imputation, if country of birth is missing for a NZ citizen the system will scan historical records of NZ citizens back to 2003 to see if there is an earlier record of the individual's country of birth. This is made possible through the use of a unique personal identifier provided to each traveller who crosses Australia's international border. This step looks for a record with a matching personal identifier and if one is found, will use the country of birth of the matched record. In 2016 approximately 78% of records with a missing country of birth were being matched with an historical record for the same individual.

6. If country of birth is still unknown after Step 1, the system will scan all previous imputations for country of birth for NZ citizens to see if there is an existing record for that individual. This ensures an individual's country of birth is only ever imputed once although they may cross Australia's international borders many times.

7. If country of birth is still unknown after Step 2, but there is a place of birth supplied on the NZ biometric passport, then a place to country of birth concordance is used. This concordance is dynamic and is updated each month from the historical time series, which is also updated monthly with additional data supplied by Home Affairs. The number of records for each place of birth, separately within each country of birth, is then determined cumulatively from the historical time series. That is, if the name of a place of birth is used in more than one country, for example - 'Wellington' can be found in Australia, Canada, NZ, South Africa, UK and the USA, then the method adds up the number of instances within each of those countries from the historical series. Where a record is missing country of birth, the imputation will consider all possible donors with a matching place of birth. It will then choose a random donor based on its probability of occurring from the concordance, and copy across the donor's corresponding country of birth. By the end of Step 3, up to 98% of NZ citizens with a missing value have been provided a country of birth.

8. If country of birth is still unknown after Step 3, but there is a place of birth supplied, then a search is done on all NZ towns and place names. If a match is found, it is assumed the country of birth of that record is New Zealand. Very few records are imputed using this step.

9. Lastly, if country of birth is still unknown for any NZ citizen after all other steps are taken, then the standard hot deck imputation is applied but only for non-New Zealand-born as it is assumed any New Zealand-born will have been picked up in the previous four steps. Usually, fewer than 1% of records are imputed using this step.

Passenger card images

Incoming card - front.

Incoming card - back

Provisional estimates

1. From June 2021 this publication contains some provisional statistics on the international travel movements of persons arriving in, and departing from, Australia.

2. This additional data is being included in response to COVID-19 and the heightened interest in traveller data. The data does not incorporate arrival card information and the use of other administrative data. The data is provisional and has not had the full quality assurances applied during the standard processes normally undertaken for Overseas Arrivals and Departures (OAD).

Provisional statistics compared with OAD statistics

3. Data from the Travel and Immigration Processing System (TRIPS) is the main data source for both the regular monthly OAD data and the additional provisional data. The provisional data is used in its raw form. The ABS makes no alterations, imputations or logical edits to this data. No adjustments are made for missing data items. The provisional data are unable to be broken down by short-term movements and long-term movements, as occurs in the regular monthly OAD data.

4. However, because they are based on the same main data source, top level data in the Overseas Arrivals and Departures collection and the provisional estimates are very closely aligned. The comparison is shown in Figure 1 (All Arrivals) and Figure 2 (All Departures).

State and territory of clearance

5. State and territory of clearance is based on the international airport or sea port of clearance whereby an international traveller is cleared by Australia's Border Force. Users should take care not to confuse this with state and territory of residence/stay. For more information, see the Glossary.

1. OAD statistics are usually derived from a combination of full enumeration and sampling. All permanent arrivals and all arrivals with a duration of one year or more (long-term arrivals) have always been fully enumerated. From July 2007, all departures have been fully enumerated. From April 2020 to February 2022, full enumeration was undertaken for all arrivals, due to the small volume of international travel movements caused by international travel restrictions. Sampling was reintroduced from 1 March 2022 for arrivals of trips of less than one year (short-term arrivals). The travel volumes are being monitored by the ABS and the sample of short-term arrivals is being updated as volumes continue to increase.

2. All arrivals with a duration of less than one year (short-term arrivals) were sampled. While the total number of travellers and their citizenship was fully known, statistics for other characteristics of short-term arrivals (such as their state/territory of stay/residence) were based on a sample and may differ slightly from those that would be obtained from complete processing. The sample was a fixed skip based on a threshold selected by country of citizenship. The sample was designed so that countries of citizenship associated with a small number of movements were fully sampled, while countries with a larger number of movements tended to have a higher threshold. This approach minimised the effect of sampling error associated with the available statistics. When the threshold was reached, the passenger card was selected and data extracted. For example, prior to April 2020, every 55th short-term Australian arrival card was selected and the data extracted and fully quality assured for that specific card, while every single passenger card for a traveller with Sierra Leone citizenship would be selected. From July 2007 to April 2020, about 5% of all short-term arrivals were selected for sample.

3. Some statistics relating to these movements are therefore estimates which are subject to sampling variability, that is, they may differ from statistics which would have been obtained if details of all these movements had been processed. The sampling error associated with any estimate can be estimated from the sample results and one measure so derived is the standard error. It would be impractical however, to publish estimates of standard errors for all figures from OAD statistics in individual tables.

1. This release contains traveller movement data which should not be interpreted as 'persons'. Overseas arrivals and departures statistics relate to all recorded movements of travellers who cross Australia's international border. The statistics record the number of movements of travellers rather than the number of travellers (i.e. multiple movements of an individual traveller during a given reference period are each counted separately). It includes the movements of all travellers regardless of their nationality, citizenship or legal status.

2. The statistics exclude the movements of operational air and ships' crew, of transit passengers who pass through Australia but are not cleared for entry (including some defence force personnel), and of passengers on pleasure cruises commencing and finishing in Australia. These statistics also exclude undocumented arrivals or departures.

3. From 1 July 2016, Norfolk Island was integrated into Australia for administrative purposes. Travel between Australia and Norfolk Island is no longer considered an international movement and is therefore not included in Overseas Arrivals and Departures statistics.

4. The focus of this release is information and analysis of short-term movements (i.e. less than one year), in particular short-term visitor arrivals (STVA) and short-term resident returns (STRR). Permanent and long-term movements in this publication are not an appropriate source of migration statistics. For further information refer to:

Overseas Migration ;
National, state and territory population .

5. These statistics are important as input to a broad range of other statistical collections, including:

Australia's official population estimates, through estimates of Net Overseas Migration (NOM);
the Australian Migration Planning Framework;
key national economic and tourism indicators;
forecasting NOM into the future;
International Trade & Balance of Payments statistics;
compiling the International Accounts and the Tourism Satellite Account;
estimating National Income and Consumption; and
creating benchmarks for the International Visitors Survey.

Seasonally adjusted and trend estimates

1. Trend estimates have been suspended from February 2020 and seasonally adjusted estimates have been suspended from April 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel. Please see 2020 under the History of changes section.

2. Seasonally adjusted estimates are derived by estimating and removing systematic calendar-related effects from the original series. In the short-term visitor arrival and short-term resident return series, these calendar-related effects include seasonal (e.g. increased travel in December due to the Christmas holiday period), moving holiday (e.g. increased travel in January in some years and February in others due to Lunar New Year celebrations) and trading day influences (arising from the varying length of each month, the composition of the days of the week in a month, and the varying levels of activity for different days of the week). Each influence is estimated by separate factors which, when combined, are referred to as the combined adjustment factors.

3. For March 2020, seasonal factors for both the short-term visitor arrival and short-term resident return series were calculated using data up to and including February 2020, then forecast for March 2020. This approach, known as the forward factor method, ensures that the seasonal factors are not distorted by COVID-19 impacts. The forward factor method of seasonal adjustment uses data up to a fixed point in time to estimate seasonal factors. These factors are then forecast to provide seasonal factors for the next 12 months. This process is repeated annually to calculate seasonal factors for the coming year. Seasonal factors for previous years are also revised at this point. This method has been used in the past, and was in use until June 2003 (as described below) when it was superseded by the Concurrent seasonal adjustment method.

4. From August 2019, the ABS improved the method for calculating trend estimates. It changed by removing the "ripple" effects, which tend to be more inherent in the previous trend series for smaller series and lower level estimates. The result of removing these "ripple" effects is trend estimates which are less volatile and less prone to revisions over time. An article prepared for the March 2018 issue of Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0) explaining the new method can be accessed here: Improvements to Trend Estimation

5. From July 2007, the ABS improved the method of producing seasonally adjusted estimates, focusing on the application of ARIMA modelling techniques, which can improve the revision properties of the seasonally adjusted and trend estimates. For more information on the details of ARIMA modelling, see 'Feature article: Use of ARIMA modelling to reduce revisions' in the October 2004 issue of Australian Economic Indicators .

6. From November 2004, the ABS improved the method for removing trading day effects from seasonally adjusted estimates. Corrections for trading day effects are now applied as prior corrections to the original estimates, rather than being applied within the seasonal adjustment process. This is now consistent with the treatment of any corrections for large extremes, changes in level, changes in seasonal pattern, Easter, and other effects.

7. From July 2003, concurrent seasonal adjustment methodology was used to derive the combined adjustment factors. This means that data from the current month are used in estimating the combined adjustment factors for the current and previous months. Concurrent seasonal adjustment replaces the forward factor methodology used since seasonal adjustment of short-term visitor arrivals began in 1969 and short-term resident departures in 1976.

8. Concurrent adjustment can result in revisions each month to the seasonally adjusted estimates for earlier periods. However, in most instances, the only noticeable revisions will be to the combined adjustment factors for the current month, the previous month and the same month a year ago. Although there is no specific information paper on concurrent adjustment to short-term visitor arrivals or resident departures, more detail on the method in general can be found in the Information Paper: Introduction of Concurrent Seasonal Adjustment into the Retail Trade Series (cat. no. 8514.0).

9. An improved correction method has been implemented in the seasonal adjustment process to remove the effects of Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali and Easter from the seasonally adjusted estimates:

Lunar New Year - Lunar New Year often falls in February but on some occasions falls in January. The seasonally adjusted and trend estimates for January and February should account for the impact of the calendar-related effect associated with the movement of Lunar New Year between the boundary of January and February. The Lunar New Year proximity adjustment method takes into account the change in activity before, during and after the event, with the size and shape of this effect depending on the series. In some series, the proximity correction is only applied to part of the series, as it is not significant for the entire series. Further details on this adjustment method can be found in 'Estimating and removing the effects of Lunar New Year and Ramadan to improve the seasonal adjustment process' in Australian Economic Indicators (cat. no. 1350.0, November 2005 issue).
Ramadan - Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and starts eleven days earlier each year in the Western calendar, so adjustments for this effect apply to different months over the years. The adjustment was made after the detection of a significant influence on travel for Malaysia, Indonesia and several North African and Middle Eastern countries associated with the start and/or end of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The estimates for Total South-East Asia and Total North Africa and the Middle East were also corrected as a consequence of these corrections. Other time series did not have a significant Ramadan effect and were not corrected.
Diwali - Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated in autumn (northern hemisphere) or spring (southern hemisphere) every year. An adjustment was made after the detection of an influence on visitor arrivals from Singapore.
Easter - Easter falls on the Sunday after the ecclesiastical Full Moon that falls on or after March 21. It is therefore observed between late March and late April. Adjustments were made to movements from a number of countries.

10. Seasonal adjustment procedures do not aim to remove the irregular or non-seasonal influences which may be present in any particular month, such as the effect of major sporting and cultural events, changes in airfares and the fluctuation of the Australian dollar relative to other currencies. Irregular influences that are highly volatile can make it difficult to interpret the underlying movement of the series even after adjustment for seasonal variation. Trend estimates take these irregular influences into account.

11. Trend estimates for short-term overseas visitor arrivals and short-term Australian resident returns are derived by applying a 13-term Henderson weighted moving average to all months of the respective seasonally adjusted series (after correcting the series for large extremes or changes in level) except the ends. A different set of specially designed Henderson moving averages are applied to the initial and last six months where the 13-term version cannot be used due to a lack of data points. While this technique enables smoothed data for the latest period to be produced, it does result in revisions to the smoothed series, principally of recent months, as additional observations become available. There may also be revisions as a result of the re-estimation of the seasonal factors. For further information, see A Guide to Interpreting Time Series - Monitoring Trends (cat. no. 1349.0) and Time Series Analysis Frequently Asked Questions (cat. no. 1346.0.55.002).

12. Under concurrent seasonal adjustment, the most recent seasonally adjusted and trend estimates are likely to be revised when estimates for subsequent months become available. The trend revision is a combined result of the revision of the seasonally adjusted estimates and the revision derived from the use of asymmetric moving averages as future data become available. ABS research shows that about 75% of the total revision to the trend estimate is due to the use of different asymmetric moving averages when the estimate for the next time period becomes available. To assess the reliability of the trend estimate, the 'what-if' charts present trend estimates under two different scenarios for the next time period. The charts show only the impact due to the changes of the asymmetric moving averages and do not include the unknown impact of revision to seasonal factor estimates that would arise when the estimate for the next time period becomes available.

13. Occasionally situations occur that necessitate breaks being applied to the trend series. These breaks are necessary because of a change in the underlying level of the series. While the breaks apply to an individual country (e.g. Pakistan), a consequence is that breaks are also applied to the regional total series (e.g. Total Southern Asia) and the Total series.

14. Trend breaks currently included in the STVA and STRR trend series are as follows:

Fiji - June 2000: decrease in STVA movements - Coup in Fiji
Indonesia - December 1997: decrease in STVA movements - Asian Financial Crisis
Korea - December 1997 and January 1998: decrease in STVA movements - Asian Financial Crisis
Other North Africa and the Middle East - September 2003: Increase in STVA movements - Gulf War
Pakistan - April 2016: increase in STVA movements - suicide bombing attack on 27th March, major floods on 3rd April, and earthquake on 10th April
Poland - November 2002: decrease in STVA movements
Sweden - September 2008: decrease in STVA movements - Global Financial Crisis
Thailand - August 1997: decrease in STVA movements - Asian Financial Crisis
Fiji - July 2009: increase in STRR movements - Additional flights available direct to Fiji from Melbourne and Adelaide
Turkey - March 2016: decrease in STRR movements - Ankara suicide bombing attack
Japan - April 2011: decrease in STRR movements - Fukushima earthquake

15. For a detailed discussion and analysis of OAD time series estimates, see the ABS Demography Working Paper 2004/2 - Interpretation and Use of Overseas Arrivals and Departures Estimates (cat. no. 3106.0.55.002).

16. For information looking at the implications of unusual external events on ABS time series, see the ABS Feature Article: When It's not "Business-as-usual": Implications for ABS Time Series (cat. no. 1350.0 for Aug 2009).

Technical note - seasonally adjusted and trend estimates

1. Seasonally adjusted and trend estimates add to the understanding of overseas arrivals and departures (OAD) statistics. Seasonally adjusted estimates allow users to analyse short-term movements including irregular impacts on the series, while trend estimates provide a better method to analyse and monitor the underlying direction of the series. In most cases, the trend series is the best source of information on the long-term direction of these statistics.

2. The following graphs are provided to illustrate variations in the seasonally adjusted and trend series for selected countries. These graphs cover the period June 2009 to June 2019.

Overseas visitor arrivals - short-term trips

Selected source countries.

3. The graph for:

France shows a major change of the seasonally adjusted series in April 2010 with a decrease in travel due to volcanic eruptions in Iceland, which closed major airports in Europe for one week
Sri Lanka shows one in March 2015 due to increased travel to attend the ICC Cricket World Cup, in which a majority of Sri Lankan games were played in Australia
New Zealand shows one in September 2011 with more New Zealanders staying home due to New Zealand hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Australian resident returns - short-term trips

Selected destinations.

4. The graph for:

Brazil shows major changes of the seasonally adjusted series due to increased travel by Australians in July 2014 and August 2016. These dates coincided with the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics (held in Rio de Janeiro), respectively.
Vanuatu shows one due to decreased travel by Australians in April 2015 after a series of disruptions of air travel due to severe tropical cyclones, most notably Cyclone Pam in March 2015.

5. Sometimes there are abrupt and sustained changes in the underlying behaviour of short-term movement series termed ‘trend breaks.’ Given that these changes can distort trend estimates, the ABS takes such breaks into account when smoothing seasonally adjusted series.

6. The graph for:

Japan shows a break in the trend series due to decreased travel by Australians from April 2011 after the major earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 and subsequent radiation exposure incidents.

Statistics and variables available

Abs products.

1. The ABS may have other relevant data available on request. Generally, a charge is made for providing this information. Inquiries should be made to the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.

2. The following variables for overseas arrivals and departures data are available on request:

Category of movement (e.g. permanent arrival, short or long-term visitor arrival, short or long term resident return, short or long-term visitor departure, short or long term resident departure)
Country of citizenship (nationality)
Country of residence/stay - only available for arrivals (e.g. for a visitor arriving their country of residence, for resident returning their country of stay)
Direction - arrival or departure
Duration of stay (i.e. actual time spent in or away from Australia, for visitors arriving it is based on intended length of stay)
Main reason for journey - only available for arrivals (not available for permanent arrivals)
Mode of transport (air or sea)
Port of clearance (i.e. the air or sea port where a traveller is cleared for international travel by the Australian Border Force)
Reference day/date
Reference month
Reference year (available back to 1976)
State or Territory of clearance (i.e. the state or territory where a traveller is cleared for international travel by the Australian Border Force)
State or Territory of residence/stay (i.e. for a resident the state/ territory where they live or will live, for a visitor their state/ territory of stay)
Visa applicant type - primary or secondary (available from July 2004)
Visa subclass (available from July 2004)

Related external products

1. Related statistics are also published by:

Department of Home Affairs, available on the department's website https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Tourism Research Australia, available on the department's website http://www.tra.gov.au/.
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications' website https://bitre.gov.au/statistics/index.aspx .

Lifeline of Cricket

Ajit Agarkar makes a bold move, Musheer Khan to travel to Australia

SA vs IND 2023-24
Ind vs Aus 2023
ICC World Cup 2023

Musheer Khan , the younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, will travel to Australia with the India A squad. He will be fast-tracked after hitting a hundred in the opening match of the Duleep Trophy 2024. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, is impressed with the 19-year-old and wants him to show his talent in the upcoming overseas series.

Musheer, who batted at the No.3 slot for India B against India A, accumulated 181 runs. His team was 94/7 at one stage, but his knock took the score to 321. News agency PTI reported that Musheer Khan will be a part of India A for three four-day Tests against Australia A. He has already scored a double hundred in the quarter-final and a century in the final of the Ranji Trophy.

The India A squad will be picked based on the performance of the players in the Duleep Trophy 2024 and the Irani Cup game between the Ranji Trophy Champions Mumbai and the Rest of India.

KL Rahul ranks top five batters, including Virat and Rohit; Also reveals bowlers’ rankings, including Steyn and Anderson

Rishabh Pant urges Kuldeep Yadav to get out in hilarious stump-mic exchange

“I will place Virat Kohli at the fourth position among the Fab 4”: Australia skipper Alyssa Healy

Rajasthan’s left-arm spinner Manav Suthar is also in contention for the tour of Australia. Suthar is being labeled as the next best left-arm spinner After Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.

Meanwhile, Musheer has already smashed three centuries and a half-century in seven first-class games.

“His mindset makes him different from other players. I can’t say anything about his future, but if the young batter keeps scoring runs, he could become a good option for the Indian team,” former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya told PTI.

“He has been consistent so far. He scored runs in the knockout matches of the Ranji Trophy. He has started off from where he left the last season in domestic cricket,” he added.

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Eligible U.S. citizens can now renew their passports online. We're conducting a beta release of an online passport renewal system.

If you are unable to start your application because we have reached the daily limit, try again another day. If you do not want to wait or do not qualify to renew online, you may also renew by mail .

This beta release during which we are limiting the daily applications is an important and standard part of the software development process. We appreciate your patience while we test our system and prepare for a full launch of the updated online passport renewal system. 

Follow these steps to renew your passport online and track your status:

Confirm you meet the requirements

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Enroll in email updates.

You can renew online if you meet all these requirements:

The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older. 
We issued the passport you are renewing between 2009 and 2015, or over 9 years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application.
You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
You are not traveling for at least 8 weeks from the date you will submit your application. We will only offer routine service during this beta release, and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail.
You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
You live in the United States (either state or territory). You do not qualify to renew online if you live in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) address.
You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen. Keep your most recent passport and do not mail it to us. 
You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
You can upload a digital passport photo.
You are aware that we will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.

If you do not qualify to renew online, you may be able to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency or center .

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Click the Sign In button on the MyTravelGov homepage. Clicking the button will take you to Login.gov where you can sign in as an existing customer or create a new account.

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Find answers to frequently asked questions about the process of creating an account.

After creating your account, click on the "Renew Your Passport" button on the home page to start your application.  

You can save your application and finish it at a later date. You have 30 days to complete your application after you start it. If you do not complete your application in 30 days, you will need to start over.

Enter info about your most recent passport

At this stage, we check the passport(s) you are renewing against our records to see if you can renew online.

Enter your information as we printed it on the passport you are renewing.
Try again if you believe you should be eligible to renew online. We may be experiencing temporary, technical issues with our system.
If you are not eligible to renew online, the application will give you a list of reasons. Double check your information before re-entering it.

Validity of Most Recent Passport : Make sure your most recent passport is or was valid for 10 years. The passport must be expiring within one year or have been expired less than five years.  

Your Name : Check the spelling, capitalization, hyphens, and spacing between letters in your name and compare them to your most recent passport.

If your last name is spelled "McDonald" but printed as "Mc Donald," (with a space), make sure you enter your name as "Mc Donald"(with the space included) on the application.
If your last name is spelled “Smith-Jenkins“ (with a hyphen) and printed in your most recent passport with the hyphen, try entering your name as “Smith Jenkins” (without a hyphen) or "SmithJenkins" (with no space). We will add the hyphen to your name when we review your application.

Passport Book, Passport Card, or Both Documents : You can renew passport books and passport cards online. If you want to renew a passport book but not a passport card, leave the card section blank on the application. If you want to renew a passport card but not a passport book, leave the book section blank.

The following chart explains what documents you can renew online:

Watch this video to learn how to enter info about your passport

If you are traveling in less than 8 weeks, you cannot renew online. We are only offering routine service .

Routine times do not include mailing times.
Routine times are the same for customers who renew online and by mail.

Need your passport in 3-8 weeks? Get expedited service and renew by mail .

Need your passport in less than 3 weeks? Make an appointment to renew in person at a passport agency or center.

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Go to our  Uploading a Digital Photo page to see photo examples and requirements.
Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
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Watch this video to learn how to upload a digital photo

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To complete your application, you must  pay all passport fees using a credit or debit card. Click the “Sign and Pay” button which will take you to pay.gov where you will pay your passport fees.

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We will send you emails about the status of your payment.

The first email will notify you that your payment is pending. The second email will confirm we processed your payment. If we are unable to process your payment, you will receive an email asking you to login to your account and pay again.

Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the emails in your inbox.

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When you complete your application, you will need the passport you are renewing on hand. Keep your most recent passport. Do not mail it to us, or try to use it to travel since we will cancel it. 

One week after you apply, go to our Online Passport Status System to enroll in more emails about the status of your application. We will notify you when your application is in process, approved, and when we send your passport. We will also notify you if we need more information to process your application.

Our Application Status page includes details about what each status message means.

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How to get support

Request faster service or change your mailing address.

If your travel plans change, you may request expedite service for an extra $60, or 1-2 delivery of your completed passport book for an extra $21.36. One-to-two day delivery is not available for passport cards. We only send cards via First Class Mail.

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There are two different paths for support: 

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Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel; Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel ...
Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia methodology
However, from July 2017, due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card, the following are not imputed: country of disembarkation for any departures and country of stay for any Australian resident departures as both are no longer collected. ... Norfolk Island was integrated into Australia for administrative purposes. Travel between Australia ...
Ajit Agarkar makes a bold move, Musheer Khan to travel to Australia
Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, will travel to Australia with the India A squad.He will be fast-tracked after hitting a hundred in the opening match of the Duleep Trophy 2024. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, is impressed with the 19-year-old and wants him to show his talent in the upcoming overseas series.
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Passport Book, Passport Card, or Both Documents: You can renew passport books and passport cards online. If you want to renew a passport book but not a passport card, leave the card section blank on the application. ... Urgent Travel: We do not offer this service if you are renewing online. Make an appointment at a passport agency or center ...

Best Travel Cards for Australians Heading Overseas in 2024

Wise - our pick for travel card

How do I pick the best travel card for me?

Best Travel Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas

Revolut - multi-currency travel card

Citibank Saver Plus - bank travel card

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card

Learn more about the 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard

Learn more about the Travelex Money Card

What are the different types of travel card in Australia?

1. Prepaid Travel Card

Prepaid travel cards are best if:

Prepaid travel cards are not great if:

2. Travel Debit Card

Debit cards are best for:

Debit cards are not great if:

3. Travel Credit Card

Travel credit cards are best for:

Travel credit cards are not great if:

Best travel money card tips

Travel card fees

Conclusion - What is the best card to use while travelling?

Frequently Asked Questions - Best travel cards to use overseas

Which travel card is best for Europe?

Which high-street bank has the best travel card?

What is the best card to use while travelling?

Which bank travel card is best?

Travel money cards with the lowest fees

Travel money card fees

Travel money card with the lowest fees and best exchange rate

Other travel money cards

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

CommBank Travel Money Card (Visa)

Qantas Travel Money Card (Mastercard)

Travelex Money Card (Mastercard)

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard)

Travel money card tips

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Travel Money Card Comparison

Travel money card comparison

Key takeaways

Prepaid travel money cards

Disadvantages of a travel money card

Newcastle Permanent Everyday Account

How do you top up travel money cards?

Can you get your money back if you don't spend it all?

What should I do if my travel money card is lost or stolen?

What are the travel money card exchange rates?

What is a cross currency conversion fee?

When are inactivity fees charged with prepaid travel cards?

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Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard®

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