Most People Forget This One Thing When Moving to Australia

May 28th, 2019

If you’ve made the decision to move Down Under then you’re in luck! Australia have recently announced that they have 1000’s of jobs open to Irish holiday-makers, meaning there has never been a better time to move to Oz. You’ll also see plenty of friendly Irish faces over there as the number of people moving to Australia has increased by 11% this past year!

But not so fast! Most people forget to pack one essential item that will give them peace of mind on their trip of a lifetime. You’re going to be a long way from home, meaning that if something goes wrong, it’s wise to have some form of security. For example, let’s say you’re having a little too much fun on your first week and you lose your purse/wallet. Then what? Panic, right? It’s going to be a long time before you receive your new debit card and you need access to funds.

Thankfully there is one simple item you can pack in your suitcase that will give you peace of mind throughout the duration of your amazing adventure.

An Post Money Currency Card

That’s right, you need an An Post Money Currency Card! It’s a Mastercard you can top up online and it can be a real lifesaver. You can track your spending and it will help you budget effectively. Using this card you can avoid bank transfer charges that you would get with your Irish bank account. And, they charge 0% Commission every time you top up.

But as mentioned, the best thing about this card is that it acts as your safety net. Losing your wallet or purse abroad can be a stressful experience. Keeping your An Post Money Currency Card in a safe place means that if you happen to lose your debit card, you have a backup plan and won’t be stuck for funds.

You can also use it when going through Immigration to show proof of available funds, all you have to do is show them proof of how much you loaded the An Post Money card with. You must have proof of your available funds when entering the country. Make sure you have printed bank statements and access to your online banking app, to prove you have at least $5000 (approx. €3000) in your account or in cash. With the An Post Money Currency Card, you can carry this amount safely on the card.

How to get it

Fill out the form and take it to your nearest participating Post Office
Bring valid photo identification such as a passport or EU driving licence
Bring proof of address like a recent bank statement or utility bill issued in the last six months
Load your card with the desired amount and pay with euro cash or a debit card
Your card will be issued to you instantly along with an additional card upon request

Benefits

Safer than cash
Good to have as a backup card
Can use to show proof of money at Immigration
Cheaper than credit card*
10 currencies, 1 Card
Reloadable
Flexible payments
No point of sale fees overseas
24-7-365 customer support by calling 1800 098 231
Download the app on your phone and keep track of your balance and spending

More Tips Before You Leave

Make sure you let your bank know you’re going abroad, sometimes, if banks see unusual activity they will block your card.
Another top tip is to make sure your phone is unlocked for any network, you might need to contact your provider to get it unlocked (contact them at least 2 weeks in advance of you leaving), this way you can use an Australian sim card.
Get your family on Whatsapp (if they aren’t already on it), this way it’s free for you to contact each other.
Share your location with a close friend or family member on “Snapchat” or “Find Friends”. This way if you lose your phone, you’ll have a chance of finding it. Just make sure you have enough data to enable location services.

Haven’t booked your Australian adventure yet? Our ALL IN package is currently on sale for only €999 and it includes you Visa + Flight + Insurance! Don’t wait too long, with the new demand for Irish to work in Oz, this offer won’t be around for long!

But to ensure you have a smooth transition into Aussie life, make sure you pick up an An Post Money Currency Card before you Head Down Under. Those who forget to pack one, often regret it. Just click this link to get started.

*Typical credit card comparison correct as 4th June 2019.