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Travelling? Make it easier with Horizon Bank's Low-Fee Credit Card. With the Canstar five-star rating, you can be sure that you’re getting the best value for your money when travelling! Our low-fee credit card offers competitive interest rates and reliable backup when abroad, giving you peace of mind while on holidays or business trips. Take advantage today and get more freedom in your travels and make life simpler by taking control with Horizon Bank's Low-Fee Credit Card. For business travellers and those who frequently travel for pleasure, it can be difficult to keep track of your expenses and make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Horizon Bank understands that and offers its customers a low-fee credit card with a Canstar five-star rating, ensuring that you get the most out of your travels without breaking the bank. Benefits of Low-Fee Credit Cards Horizon Bank's Low-Fee Credit Card comes with a number of benefits that will make travelling easier and more affordable. First, by eliminating costly foreign transaction fees, you can access hundreds of locations worldwide without worrying about ATM withdrawals. Additionally, this card offers competitive interest rates so you can save money on travel expenses while abroad. When travelling abroad, security is always a concern. With Horizon Bank's Low-Fee Credit Card, you get added protection against fraud and theft with multi-layered security measures such as chip technology and secure encryption software that keeps your information safe from hackers. The card also includes 24/7 fraud monitoring so you can rest assured that all transactions are being monitored closely for any suspicious activity. Make every journey hassle-free with Horizon Bank's Low-Fee Credit Card! Don’t wait any longer - take control today and start making life simpler while travelling smarter with our low-fee credit card. To learn more, enquire online today or pop into one of our local branches, located along the NSW South Coast. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.

This article provides you with handy tips for sending money overseas. All great information you need to be ready with before you start. Use A Reputable International Money Transfer Service There are different services and apps out there that offer money transfer services. To ensure you are using a reliable and secure service, ask your bank if they can transfer money overseas. Horizon is able to send money overseas via a Telegraphic Transfer (TT) payment through Convera. In most cases a TT is the quickest way to send funds abroad, and is a reliable way to send funds to a bank account internationally. Whilst we can typically deliver funds to beneficiary banks in 2-3 business days, beneficiary banks can sometimes take up to 5 business days to credit those funds to the applicable beneficiary account. Sending a TT in the beneficiary’s currency is usually more cost effective and helps ensure the funds are credited more quickly, as the payment can go “straight through”. Stay On Top of Exchange Rates If you have some time before needing to send a payment, check exchange rates before you proceed with the money transfer to maximise your dollars. Within Horizon’s Online Banking, you will be shown the exchange rate (provided by Convera) for the currency you are choosing to send. The exchange rate is refreshed to the current rate at the time the transfer is submitted. If sending money to a European country, you will need an International Bank Account Number (IBAN). Double-check any details you enter before confirming your transfer to avoid any mistakes. It is a requirement to obtain the recipients full name, street address, mobile number and account number as well as the recipient’s bank details. Make Sure You Have The Correct Details If sending money to a European country, you will need an International Bank Account Number (IBAN). Double-check any details you enter before confirming your transfer to avoid any mistakes. It is a requirement to obtain the recipients full name, street address, mobile number and account number as well as the recipient’s bank details. Transfer limits If you are making transfers from your bank, be sure to check your transfer limit. You may need to get in touch and request a temporary limit increase to complete your international transaction. If you’re looking for a convenient, secure way to transfer money overseas then get in touch with us about our telegraphic transfer service. We’re here to make the process easy and provide a great experience. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. *Please note that TT's are sent via a network of correspondent, intermediary and/or beneficiary banks, which sometimes levy a small handling charge on your payment. Any such fees, and payment delays, are out of our control.** Horizon Bank has appointed Western Union Business Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACN 150 129 749; AFSL 404092) trading as Convera (“Convera”) to assist it in fulfilling certain foreign exchange and payment services, including telegraphic transfers. These services are provided to you by Horizon Bank. Fees and charges may apply, please refer to the terms and conditions and Fees and Charges Schedule issued by Horizon Bank. This communication has been prepared solely for informational purposes and does not in any way create any binding obligations. No representations, warranties or conditions of any kind, express or implied, are made in this communication.

In this blog, we’ll compare the different ways you can take money overseas. Organising your money should be the first thing on your travel checklist. We’ll look at the pros and cons to give you the best information to takeaway with you, and to help make an informed decision on taking and accessing money overseas when travelling. Cash It is always useful to have a small amount of foreign cash on hand, for small purchases such as water, public transport tickets, little souvenirs and so on. Depending on where you go, some small retailers and market stalls may only accept cash. Unfortunately cash can be a safety risk so ensure it is secured on you at all times because if stolen, there’s no way to get it back as it cannot be traced. Be as prepared as you can and do your research ahead of time so you're taking the best travel money type with you. To compare travel money, you can use our foreign exchange rate calculator to keep an eye on rate fluctuations, so you get the most out of your Australian dollar when you’re converting money. Ordering foreign cash from us is easy and hassle-free. Order before midday to have major currencies (US Dollars, British Pounds, Euro and New Zealand Dollars) delivered to your branch the next day. Credit Cards Credit cards are a convenient option for taking overseas as there is no need to open a new separate account and they’re good for accessing money in emergencies. They can however be a risk for scammers and card skimming so you need to keep an eye on where you are swiping or inserting your card. Where possible, avoid swipe machines. Inserting your card to read a chip is much safer. Conversion fees may apply and could be a flat fee or percentage of your purchase. Travellers Cheques Are great because they never expire and they can be replaced if lost or stolen. They’re also less risky than cash as you need ID and a matching signature to cash them. However, with the rise of debit cards and travel money cards, travellers cheques are no longer widely accepted and are expensive to purchase. Travel Money Cards These cards are pre-loaded so you can easily stick to a budget and limit your spending. Complete a travel currency comparison to get the best value on exchange rates then load your card before you go. Check for fees on using the card in an ATM and the fee to payout the remainder on your card. Most issuers come with an app so you can top up your card using your mobile phone while you're away. Visa Debit Cards With a Horizon Visa debit card you’ll be spending your own money, so you can keep track of your purchases through our mobile banking app and internet banking as you would here in Australia. Visa is accepted worldwide so you won’t have trouble making purchases. Keep in mind that a currency conversion fee may apply to overseas debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals. *Tip avoid suspect ATMs by only using ATMs that are attached to a bank where possible. Want to know more about ordering foreign cash or find out about any fees associated with international transactions? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you with your query. Are you planning a trip and looking for a quote on travel insurance? Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon today for a quick obligation free quote. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

In this blog we’ll look at a few of the common mistakes people make while organising a holiday and travelling overseas. We’ll discuss some solutions to these common money mistakes to make your travel plans easy and hassle free. Mistake 1: Waiting until you arrive at your destination to work out a spending budget Not having a holiday spending budget pre-planned before you leave is a mistake you can avoid with some careful pre-planning. The last thing you want to do is to be spending your first day at your destination working out how much money you have to spend each day. Planning your spending budget should start before you plan your trip. This is a great money travel tip as it will give you enough time to save and keep an eye on foreign exchange rates. The best thing to do is to set yourself an amount for each day of your trip, allowing for meals, transport, entertainment, tours and souvenirs. Mistake 2: Not planning for the type of money option you will use while travelling Arriving at your destination and not knowing what s accepted or used will make it difficult to eat out, buy tickets and get around. Do your holiday money research ahead of time by asking your travel agent what form of payment is most widely accepted in the country you’re visiting. You can also send an enquiry to the hotel you’re staying at. The staff there are locals who can help with your query. It’s always best to have two types of money options on you. For example, you may opt to have a certain amount in foreign cash and the rest on a travel money card. Mistake 3: Researching your destination when you arrive Visiting a different country is an exciting new experience. To get the most out of your trip, you should research the destination well in advance. Understanding local customs will not only help you deep dive into a new culture, but it will also mean you won’t offend anyone. For example, providing a tip at restaurants, cafes and to service people is expected in some countries. Researching this ahead of time is a good idea, as you will know how much is appropriate and you can account for it in your holiday money spending budget. Another great travel money tip is to understand what the right price is for common items such as bottled water, small meals, transport and souvenirs. Do your research before you go by reading online blogs or asking people who’ve been to the country you’re visiting before. This way, you’ll be well informed about the right price for things, and won’t feel like you’ve paid more for something you shouldn’t have. Mistake 4: Forgetting About Travel Insurance Don’t forget to organise travel insurance with the appropriate level of cover well before you take off. Don’t let lost luggage or cancelled flights ruin your holiday! Getting a quote online or over the phone from us is easy and only takes a few minutes. There may be different levels of cover to choose from ranging from the experienced multi-trip traveler to a basic level of cover covering unexpected overseas hospital and medical costs. Are you planning on travelling overseas and need some extra help with getting your trip organised? Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon today and let us help you with your travel insurance and foreign cash. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Sorting out your money before you go What is the best way to take money overseas? You have a few different options. Rather than just relying on cash, consider taking a cash passport or travel money card too. Your own visa debit or credit card can be taken as well for extra flexibility when it comes to paying for things. Plus, having back-up options for lost or stolen cards is always a good idea. Keep an eye on exchange rates leading up to your holiday, then order foreign cash or load up your travel card when the exchange rate is in your favour. With some clever timing you may be able to make your dollar stretch that bit further. This is particularly for those currencies that are worth more than the Australian dollar, such as the British Pound or Euro. Consider the fees and charges While no one wants to have to worry about fees and charges, it’s important to remember that if you pay for things on your debit or credit card oversees, you may pay more than you think. Overseas merchants tend to charge a higher conversion rate for the trouble of converting your money into their currency. Check with us about the costs of using your card for overseas eftpos purchases and in foreign ATMs. Talk to us about travel insurance Without travel insurance, cancelling your holiday due to sickness or injury means you’re unlikely to get back any money you’ve paid so far.  What you’re getting up to on your holiday is also important. Make sure your policy includes cover for dangerous sports if you’re planning on skiing, skydiving or taking part in any other adrenaline filled activity. Get a quote online here. How about those bills? Missing a bill while you’re on holiday can lead to late fees. Or in extreme circumstances, stopping services all together if payments are frequently late. Take the hassle away by setting up direct debits before you go. Tell us before you go By letting us know you’re out of the country and where you’re going, we’ll know it’s you conducting those international transactions. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on your accounts and credit cards while you’re away. Looking for more money advice for your overseas trip? Get in touch with Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Heading overseas on holiday? Getting a great exchange rate will make a big difference to the way you spend on your holiday. Finding the best currency exchange rates How exactly do exchange rates work? There are a few things to know to get the most from your Australian dollar when travelling overseas. What affects the exchange rate? An exchange rate is the value of one currency in terms of another currency and they can fluctuate for a number of reasons, including:  Balance of payments  Inflation  Interest rates  Political stability and economic performance Exchange rates can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them several weeks before you leave so you know when the rate is in your favour or not. How can you check the exchange rate? Travelex provides exchange rates and historical data so you can see how the exchange rates have been tracking over time. Where Can I buy foreign currency? You can order your foreign cash through us. The strength of the currency exchange rate at the time you purchase your foreign cash will determine how much spending money you have to take with you. Timing it right could mean the difference between staying in a hotel versus a hostel, expensive dinners out versus cheap meals on the run, or even a flight upgrade. Buying currency in Australia versus overseas To buy now or later? This often presents a dilemma but again, it depends on what’s happening in the country you’re visiting and with the exchange rate at the time. If you’d prefer to be fully prepared before you go and not worry about money, convert your currency here by either purchasing foreign cash or locking in the exchange rate by loading money onto a travel money card. You can also change money overseas, but it’s best to get a small amount of local currency before you go to tide you over.  Be sure to check the advertised exchange rate and ask about fees if you’re changing currency at the airport or at overseas banks. Conversion fee and transaction fees can apply for withdrawing cash at overseas ATMs –check with your financial institution about cash advance fees if you use a credit card. If you’re buying things using your debit or credit card you’ll be charged according to the exchange rate at the time you pay. Many people opt to pay in the local currency rather than in Australian dollars because there could be a fee for converting Australian dollars to the local currency at the time of purchase. Is it better to pay in advance? If you’re booking your own holiday, you could take advantage of a favourable exchange rate by paying for accommodation and booking in advance with an International Money Transfer (IMT). International payments are available from the ‘Payments’ tab within Online Banking. Learn more about International money transfers. Get in touch with Horizon Bank today for all of your foreign currency and travel insurance needs. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Using our currency converter calculator It’s that time of year where many Australians are heading overseas in search of relaxation and warmer weather, with travel destinations such as Bali, Thailand and Europe being amongst the most popular. After finalising your travel arrangements, it’s time to consider the exchange rate. Using a currency converter is a quick and easy way to see how much of the foreign currency you’ll receive for your Australian dollar. You can keep up to date with foreign exchange rates for a number of popular travel destinations by checking out the table here.  If you’ve set yourself an amount for spending money, you can then use the currency converter calculator to see if you’ll have enough on your trip, or if you’ll need to save more! Watching the exchange rates over a period of time is a good way of knowing when it's the best time to convert your money. After you’ve worked out how much money you have to convert, you can order your foreign cash through us. Travel Insurance If you haven’t purchased travel insurance, we can also sort this out for you. Travel insurance is great for peace of mind that should your luggage be lost or stolen, you’ll be covered. You’re also covered for a number of other events. Get a quote online or talk to us about your travel insurance needs before you go. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.   The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.