7 money tips to avoid a holiday hangover

You may want to withdraw cash from an ATM (after exchanging your currency on a banking app)
Don’t let slapdash financial planning put a sour finish on your next dream holiday.
The key to avoiding a ‘holiday hangover’ is planning ahead, says HSBC Australia head of wealth and personal banking, Jessica Power.
“If you’re among the Aussies gearing up to travel this year, it’s important to make sure that your money is ready to travel too,” she says.
So to help with this, here are a few tips around better spending and importantly saving while on your next holiday.
- Track flight prices before you book: Sites like Webjet and Skyscanner can help you track prices so you can book your ticket at a lower cost. You can also set reminders to get emails about when a particular flight is at a cheaper price.
- Consider applying for a travel credit card a few months before leaving: This is definitely worth a bit of research and Mozo has all the info to help. Your points could even pay for your flights!
- Get to know the local currency: Many people use an Australian credit card to pay for overseas purchases but the foreign conversion fee can add up, usually in the range of 2-4%. After landing, you may want to withdraw cash from an ATM (after exchanging your currency on a banking app). This small step gets you into the rhythm of getting used to using the exchange and local currency.
- Borrow before you buy: Before hopping onto Amazon to buy last minute travel adapters and pillows, ask friends or family to lend you theirs. No need to break the bank.
- Create a budget before you go on your trip: I know, you don’t want to dampen the holiday mood, but sticking to your travel budget and avoiding frivolous spending could save you thousands of dollars. If you don’t want a strict budget, at least try to set a total spending limit to avoid a nasty bill shock surprise when you come back.
- Turn mobile data off: Use Wifi to stay in touch with loved ones and download WhatsApp before you leave. Avoid using messages and calling. Also check out Mozo’s range of international phone plans to help with data costs while travelling.
- Try to travel in off-peak seasons. A trip can be more expensive during peak tourist times. And when the demand is high, there can definitely be premium accommodation rates. It’s worth moving your trip by a few weeks or months to avoid higher room charges.
If you’re travelling anytime soon, you’ll be weighing up how to pay for things. You can start by comparing the cards available in our database below to find one that could be good for you. Don't forget to check for international transactions fees or overseas ATM fees when comparing.
Compare debit cards for your next adventure - rates updated daily
Transaction Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayIDDebit MastercardEarn 1.50% p.a. interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2022^.
Transaction Account
Earn 1.50% p.a. interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2022^.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 1.50% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 1.00% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000: 0.85% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from any Australian ATMs, EFTPOS, phone, internet, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Transaction Account
Everyday Options
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayIDVisa DebitAn easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. You could get $25 plus Suncorp Bank will donate 25 meals to Oz Harvest. T&C’s Apply.
Everyday Options
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. You could get $25 plus Suncorp Bank will donate 25 meals to Oz Harvest. T&C’s Apply.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $1: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, atmx ATM, Big 4 banks ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Options
Glide Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, GarminVisa DebitUnlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
Glide Account
Unlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free internet transactions.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Glide Account
Classic Banking Account
with Standard Visa Debit Card
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung PayVisa Debit or
EFTPOSNo monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
Classic Banking Account
No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone, internet and Visa debit purchases
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Classic Banking Account
Everyday Edge Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung PayVisa Debit or
EFTPOSEnjoy $0 monthly account fees and unlimited fee-free card, phone and online transactions. Tap and pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. Refund of overdrawn fees and international ATM withdrawal fees and international card transaction fees^.
Everyday Edge Account
Enjoy $0 monthly account fees and unlimited fee-free card, phone and online transactions. Tap and pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. Refund of overdrawn fees and international ATM withdrawal fees and international card transaction fees^.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from counter deposit, phone, internet and EFTPOS. Free counter withdrawals.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Edge Account
Orange Everyday
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayIDVisa DebitRebates on ATM fees anywhere in Oz. No ING international transaction fees. Zero monthly fees. Winner of the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2022 for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
Orange Everyday
Rebates on ATM fees anywhere in Oz. No ING international transaction fees. Zero monthly fees. Winner of the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2022 for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Access 1% cashback on eligible utility bill payments (up to $100 per financial year), rebates on ATM fees for the first 5 fee incurring withdrawals (domestic and international) and unlimited rebates on international transactions. When you deposit at least $1,000 from an external bank account and make at least 5 card purchases using your ING debit card each month.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Orange Everyday
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