Planning a trip to Australia from India is exciting, especially when it involves exploring stunning landscapes, vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and unique wildlife. However, managing your finances effectively is important for a hassle-free travel experience. With the Australian Dollar (AUD) being the primary currency in Australia, carrying a reliable Forex card can simplify transactions and ensure cost-effective spending.

A Forex card is a prepaid card that allows you to load multiple currencies, including AUD, at fixed exchange rates. It offers a secure, convenient, and affordable alternative to carrying cash or using international credit/debit cards, often charging big conversion fees.

When choosing the best forex card for Australia, consider low issuance fees, competitive exchange rates, and minimal withdrawal or transaction charges. By selecting the right forex card, you ensure smoother financial transactions, allowing you to focus on exploring the wonders of Australia without worrying about your travel budget. Let’s explore which forex card is best for Australia. 

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Top 7 Forex Cards for Australia from India

Here’s a quick list of the best forex cards for travelling to Australia:

• AtlysX Multi-Currency Card

• HDFC Bank Multi-Currency ForexPlus Card

• SBI Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card

• ICICI Bank Travel Card

• Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

• Niyo Global Card

• BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card

AtlysX Multi-Currency Card

The AtlysX Multi-Currency Card is the ideal travel companion, supporting 14 currencies and offering unparalleled convenience. With no issuance fee, you can start using it without any upfront cost. Enjoy zero markups on your first load, allowing you to load funds at real exchange rates, making it one of the top Forex cards for travelling from India to Australia. Plus, there are no base currency fees so you can spend directly on your trip’s currency without additional charges.

The card is highly convenient, allowing instant reloading via the Atlys app, even while abroad, making it the best Forex card in India for Australia. Built for durability, it’s valid for several years, making it a hassle-free choice for multiple future trips.

• Issuance Fee: Free (Exclusive for Atlys customers)

• ATM Withdrawal Charges: USD 3 per transaction

• Supported Currencies: AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, and more

• Markup Fees: No fees (on the first load)

• Exchange Rates: Real-time exchange rates

• Validity: 5 years

• Maintenance Fee: No maintenance charges

HDFC Bank Multi-Currency ForexPlus Card

The HDFC Bank Multicurrency ForexPlus Card is a versatile solution for international travellers, allowing you to carry up to 22 currencies on a single card. This feature safeguards you against future foreign exchange rate fluctuations. 

• Supported Currencies: Supports up to 22 currencies, including AUD.

• Markup Fee: 2-3% on non-AUD transactions.

• Application Fee: ₹500 + taxes.

• Reloading Fee: ₹75 + taxes.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: $2 or equivalent per transaction.

• Exchange Rate: Competitive rates with the option to lock rates while loading.

• Customer Support: 24x7 helpline and emergency assistance services.

SBI Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card

The State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card is a secure and convenient prepaid card for international travellers. It allows you to load multiple foreign currencies onto a single card, enabling seamless transactions abroad without carrying physical cash.

• Supported Currencies: Up to 7 (USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, AUD, CAD, AED).

• ATM Withdrawals: Available worldwide; fees depend on the currency (e.g., $1.75 for USD withdrawals).

• Application Fee: INR 100 + taxes.

• Reloading Fee: INR 50 + taxes.

• Transaction Fees: Free for merchant payments in the loaded currency; fees apply for currency conversion.

• Exchange Rate: Locked during loading/reloading; Mastercard rates apply for other transactions.

• Customer Support: 24/7 assistance for issues like card loss or transaction queries.

ICICI Bank Travel Card

The ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card is convenient, secure, and cost-effective for international travellers. Tailored to meet the financial needs of travellers, this prepaid card is designed to facilitate cashless transactions in multiple currencies worldwide. The card ensures that users can access funds in foreign currencies without the hassles of carrying physical cash or dealing with fluctuating exchange rates.

• Currencies Supported: Up to 15, including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, CAD, SGD, AED, and more.

• ATM Withdrawals: Global access; daily limit up to USD 2,000 (or equivalent), with fees varying by currency.

• Transaction Fees: No fees for purchases in loaded currencies; 3.5% cross-currency markup for others.

• Exchange Rate: Locked during loading/reloading; protects against currency fluctuations.

• Application Fee: INR 499 to INR 2,999 (variant-dependent) + GST.

• Reload Fee: No specific fee; GST applies.

• Customer Support: 24/7 assistance for card loss, queries, and emergency cash services.

Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

The Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card is the best forex card for Australia trips. It is designed to simplify and secure foreign currency transactions. With its multi-currency feature, the card caters to travellers visiting multiple countries, eliminating the hassle of carrying cash or managing different cards. 

• Supported Currencies: 16 major currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD, AED, JPY, and more.

• ATM Withdrawals: Accessible globally; daily limits apply based on currency.

• Transaction Fees: No fees for purchases in loaded currencies; cross-currency transactions attract a nominal markup.

• Security: EMV chip and PIN are protected and separate from your bank account.

• Application Fee: INR 300 + taxes.

• Reload Fee: INR 100 + taxes per reload.

• Customer Support: 24/7 global assistance via TripAssist for emergencies like lost cards or cash requirements.

Niyo Global Card

The Niyo Global Card is a perfect travel companion for today’s travellers. It combines the convenience of a debit card with the perks of a Forex card, all in one simple, easy-to-use package. You can load money in Indian Rupees (INR) and effortlessly spend it in over 130 currencies across 180+ countries without worrying about juggling multiple currency conversions.

• Currencies Supported: Spend in over 130 currencies with funds loaded in INR.

• ATM Withdrawals: Daily limit up to ₹1 lakh, withdrawal fee of ₹423 + GST or 2.5%, whichever is higher.

• Markup Fees: Zero forex markup

• Application Fee: Free, requires an initial deposit of ₹5,000 (usable post-card activation).

• Reloading Fee: No charges for reloading the card.

• Transaction Fees: No additional fees are charged for international purchases; only VISA exchange rates apply.

• Exchange Rate: Transactions based on real-time VISA exchange rates.

• Customer Support: 24/7 assistance via in-app chat and other channels.

BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card

The BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card is a highly secure and cost-efficient travel card, making it one of the best Forex cards for Australia from India. This card stands out for its zero fees, competitive exchange rates, and ease of use. It’s ideal for travellers who prioritise security, transparency, and affordability. By eliminating the complexities of handling multiple currencies and physical cash, the BookMyForex card ensures that your focus stays on enjoying your journey.

• Currencies Supported: Load up to 14 currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD, and more.

• ATM Withdrawals: Accessible worldwide; fees depend on the ATM provider.

• Zero Markup Rates: Load currency at live interbank rates without hidden fees.

• No Additional Fees: Zero issuance, reload, maintenance, or annual charges.

• Locked Exchange Rates: Fix rates while loading to avoid currency fluctuations.

• Customer Support: 24/7 assistance for card-related queries and emergencies.
  

Key Factors in Choosing the Best Forex Card for Australia

While choosing the best Forex card for your Australian trip, make sure to meet these factors:

• Number of Supported Currencies: Ensure the card supports the Australian Dollar (AUD) and other major currencies in case of multi-country travel. For example, the HDFC Bank Multi-Currency ForexPlus Card supports up to 22 currencies, and the ICICI Bank Travel Card supports 15.

• Zero or Low Forex Markup Fees: Cards like Niyo Global Card offer zero fees, while others like HDFC ForexPlus Card may charge 2-3% for non-AUD transactions.

• ATM Withdrawal Charges: Compare withdrawal fees; AtlysX Card charges USD 3 per withdrawal, while SBI Travel Card charges currency-specific fees like $1.75 for USD withdrawals.

• Reloading and Maintenance Fees: Look for cards with no or low reloading fees. For example, the BookMyForex Forex Card has zero reload fees.

• Exchange Rate Transparency: Opt for cards like AtlysX and BookMyForex, which offer live interbank rates and lock the exchange rate at loading time.

• Customer Support and Card Management: Ensure 24/7 customer support availability and app-based management for easy reloads and tracking, like with Niyo Global Card and BookMyForex Card.

Benefits of Using a Forex Card in Australia

Here are the benefits of using a Forex card in Australia:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Saves on conversion fees compared to international credit or debit cards. Cards like Niyo Global Card and AtlysX Card offer zero forex markup, making them highly economical.

• Security: EMV chip and PIN-protected cards like Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card ensure secure transactions. Cards are not linked to your primary bank account, reducing risk.

• Convenience: Accepted at millions of merchant outlets and ATMs across Australia. Cards like BookMyForex and Niyo offer app-based management for instant reloads and real-time expense tracking.

• Fixed Exchange Rates: Locking rates during loading, as with HDFC ForexPlus Card, protects you from currency fluctuations.

• Multi-Currency Use: Cards like HDFC ForexPlus and SBI Multi-Currency Card support additional currencies ideal for multi-destination trips.

Additional Forex Tips While Travelling to Australia

• Plan Your Budget: Estimate your expenses and load sufficient AUD on your Forex card before departure to lock in favourable rates.

• Avoid Frequent Withdrawals: Reduce ATM withdrawal fees by withdrawing larger sums in a single transaction.

• Carry a Backup Card: Opt for cards with backup options like the SBI Multi-Currency Card or ICICI Travel Card, ensuring uninterrupted access to funds.

• Use the Card for Payments: Prefer merchant payments over cash withdrawals to save on ATM fees.

• Monitor Exchange Rates: Use apps or platforms linked to your Forex card, like the BookMyForex App, to reload funds at competitive rates.

• Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Note your Forex card provider's customer care contact details to resolve card-related issues quickly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Forex card is crucial for a stress-free travel experience in Australia. From zero markup fees to multi-currency support, cards like Niyo Global Card, AtlysX Multi-Currency Card, and BookMyForex Card stand out as top contenders. You can select the card that aligns with your travel needs by considering ATM withdrawal charges, customer support, and exchange rate transparency. With the right Forex card, you can focus on exploring Australia’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities without worrying about managing your finances.