Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (2024)

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This Travelex Review runs through everything you need to know about the company.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (1)

Travelex is the largest retail foreign exchange company in Australia. They are licensed to provide currency in cash, drafts, foreign currency bank cheques, telegraphic transfers, travellers cheques and travel cards.

The Currency Shop says:

  • Travelex has a massive network of stores and pick-up locations making it easy to order online and collect later.
  • Their exchange rates are consistently better than any Australian bank.
  • They do not charge any commissions or fees. However paying them using a credit card may incur fees.
  • Use our travel money comparison tool to compare foreign exchange rates, fees and services of other providers.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (2)

Pros and cons of using Travelex

  • 3000 pick up locations, including Australia Post offices and most airports
  • A large number of currencies to transfer money - 87 currencies in total
  • You can order online 24/7
  • Card handling fees if you want to buy currency using a credit card.
  • 1-5 business day wait for online orders for collection
  • $10 fee to collect from Australia Post

When to use (and avoid) Travelex to change money

There are multiple ways to use Travelex so you can benefit from convenience and better exchange rates. Here are our top tips:

In-Store or at the Airport

Travelex have a number of handy store locations including the airport - but it's not your cheapest option. Exchange rates in-store aren't as good as online unless you are doing a larger amount over $2,000 and are prepared to negotiate. Even then, they may not offer you a rate as good as their own website.

The airport should be avoided at all costs. The fees and exchange rates at Australian airports are close to (if not) the worst in the country. It would be easier and cheaper to use your everyday debit card overseas - and that's saying something!

Online

Using Travelex online is definitely the best way to go in most circ*mstances. There are some things to keep in mind though.

  • You can't sell foreign currency online, you can only buy it
  • Be prepared. It usually takes 2-7 days until the currency is ready for delivery or collection
  • There are additional fees if you use a credit/debit card to pay for your order or if you want to collect it from Australia post
  • You can often get a better rate if you order more

Learn more

How to improve the exchange rate

There are 2 ways you can improve the exchange rate you get.

  1. You can also get a better exchange rate on the most popular currencies when you order over $2,000 in Australia.
  2. If you are in-store, the best way to get a better exchange rate is to ask for it. It doesn't always work, but it's worth the effort, particularly for larger amounts over $1,000.

Travelex fees, charges and commissions

Outside the airport Travelex does not charge a commission, or fee for exchanging currency with them.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (3)

Is Travelex safe?

Being one of the largest currency companies in the world, Travelex has a strong focus on customer security. We recommend reading their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) if you have any concerns or queries.

Importantly, Travelex holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (no. 2222444). You can find it here.

Travelex is owned by Finablr, a financial company that owns many well known brands like Remit2India and UAE Exchange.

The company listed on the London stock exchange in 2019 with an implied valuation of about 1.23 billion pounds, making it one of the largest foreign exchange businesses in the world.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (4)

Learn more

Please accept the optional cookies to watch this video.

How to buy currency online using Travelex

There are three main steps to buying currency online, which we have outlined below. You can also watch our video tutorial for a complete guide.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (5)

Step 1: Order

Enter the amount of currency you need and how you'd like to pay for it. Then choose either delivery or collection.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (6)

Step 2: Payment

You will need to pay for your order before it's ready for collection or delivered to you. You will also need to provide some identification.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (7)

Step 3: Confirm

Make sure you check all the details before your confirm your order.

Changing money in person

To buy currency in-store, there are 2 steps:

  1. Tell them what currency you need and how much. They will provide an exchange rate and a total cost
  2. Pay in cash or by card

For most purchases over $1,000, you will need to provide identification.

Paying Travelex: Do They Accept Credit Cards?

You can pay in cash, debit card or credit card.

If you pay in cash or debit card, there is no charge. When using a debit card, keep in mind that most banks have a daily EFTPOS limit attached to each card. If you want to buy more than $1,000 in currency, ask your bank what your limit is first.

Credit card transactions attract a fee of 1.45%. Your bank also may charge you in the form of a cash advance fee so be careful.

What about Travel Cards?

You can purchase the Travelex Money Card online or at your local Travelex store (excluding HSBC branches).

It's a matter of:

  1. Filling in an application form in-store
  2. Attaching acceptable photo identification
  3. Adding money you initially want to load onto the card

Travelex then issues the card on the spot and you're ready to use it overseas. Check the Travelex Money Card Product Disclose Statement (PDS) for all terms and conditions to make sure it meets your needs.

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (8)

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Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (12)

Ileana Ionescu

Author

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (13)

Ileana Ionescu

Content manager

With a background in business journalism, Ileana is an experienced content manager, creating content for Exiap that helps its audience make informed decisions about their finances.

Read more

Last updated

October 21st, 2021

Travelex Australia Review including all the fees, commissions and rates (2024)

FAQs

Does Travelex charge commission? ›

Remember, there's absolutely no commission to pay.

How much commission does Travelex take? ›

The applicable margin applied to the transaction amount is 5.95%.” If you're not happy with the rate offered by Travelex, or you don't want to have an extra margin of up to 5.95% added to your transactions, it might be time to find an alternative provider.

Are Travelex rates good? ›

Travelex have a number of handy store locations including the airport - but it's not your cheapest option. Exchange rates in-store aren't as good as online unless you are doing a larger amount over $2,000 and are prepared to negotiate. Even then, they may not offer you a rate as good as their own website.

Is Wise or Travelex better? ›

Both cards are intended for foreign currency spending when you travel or shop online. Wise cards support 40+ currencies, while Travelex has 10. Travelex lists few fees, but uses an exchange rate markup, while Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and splits out the costs of currency conversion.

What is the exchange rate commission fee? ›

Many, but not all, credit and debit card issuers and ATM networks charge a per-transaction fee on purchases or withdrawals made overseas or when ordering online with a foreign merchant. The fee varies but typically runs between 2% and 3% of the dollar amount of the purchase or withdrawal.

What is the commission rate for currency exchange? ›

Slab for Service Tax on FX Conversion:
Amount Of Currency Exchanged (ACE)GST ratesMinimum GST
Upto Rs. 1 lakh0.18% of ACERs. 45
Between Rs. 1 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakhINR 180 + 0.09% of ACERs. 180
Above Rs. 10 lakhINR 990 + 0.018% of ACERs. 990

Who has the best foreign exchange rates? ›

Local banks and credit unions usually offer the best rates.

How do I withdraw money from Travelex? ›

Withdraw cash from an ATM

If you like having some cash with you when you're abroad, then you can access the cash on your prepaid currency card through an ATM. Just remember to keep in mind that some ATMs will charge their own fees, even if the prepaid card itself has no fees for ATM use.

What do you need to exchange money at Travelex? ›

Before approaching us for your Foreign Exchange for your Leisure travel, please ensure you have the following documents ready:
  • Valid Passport.
  • Proof of travel, Air ticket (departure within 60 days)
  • Proof of address.

What is the cheapest way to buy foreign currency in Australia? ›

Quite often, ordering online is the cheapest and easiest way to buy currency. It usually takes between 2 and 5 business days before the currency is ready. However, there is a faster way to get cash if you use an online currency exchange service like S Money.

Is Travelex a safe site? ›

Safe and Secure Online Ordering

All information placed within the order process is encrypted to ensure your personal and sensitive information is protected.

What has happened to Travelex? ›

Formerly part of now-defunct Finablr, Travelex's fortunes quickly turned due to the coronavirus pandemic and a cyberattack that forced it to temporarily disable its systems. It then went through a pre-pack administration that led to more than 1,300 job losses and saw its creditors seize control.

What is the best travel card for Australians? ›

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 .

Why use Travelex? ›

Pros of Travelling with a Travel Card

The Travelex Money Card lets you load up to 10 different currencies, making travelling to different destinations in the one trip easier, plus easily manage your travel money on the go with the Travelex Travel Money App.

Is Travelex in the US? ›

Travelex in the USA

You'll find us in hundreds of locations across the USA, and you can either visit our store locator to find your nearest one or take a look at our list of stores by state for more details.

Do the post office charge commission on currency exchange? ›

Zero, zilch and nil commission

That's right; 0% commission when you buy and sell your foreign currency with us, always.

How to avoid currency conversion fees? ›

3 tips to avoid foreign transaction fees
  1. Get a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card. Though most credit cards do charge foreign transaction fees, there are a number that don't. ...
  2. Use a debit/checking account with no foreign transaction fees. ...
  3. Pay in the local currency.

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