Visas to vaccinations & everything in between

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Aussies are travelling internationally in unprecedented numbers, and in 2006 we made more than 4.8 million overseas trips¹.

Travelex’s Graham Perry says it’s easy to get caught up in the romance of travel and forget crucial steps in the planning phase.

“There comes a time when you need to put aside thoughts of your Venetian gondola ride or the stroll down the Champs-Elysées and start considering everything from visas to vaccinations,” Perry says.

“There is much to organise between booking your flights and departure day, and a bit of forward thinking will not only make it more enjoyable, it can save you time and money in the long run,” he said.

To put more cash in your holiday wallet and take the stress out of travelling, it’s worth looking at what needs to be considered, and most importantly, when:

Booking flights and accommodation is usually one of the first steps in organising an overseas itinerary. To ensure you have access to more options and availability, you should look around approximately eight to nine months before your travel time. Generally speaking, the further out you book, the cheaper the fare.
When booking flights you should request any special dietary needs. If travelling with children, consider booking bulkhead seats or seats near an exit.
Travel insurance can be arranged before booking flights, which may provide protection in the event of a cancellation.
Ensure your passport is in order. Once your passport application is ready to be lodged via Australia Post, it will take between two to four weeks to receive your completed passport in the mail. (Ensure you meet the standard timeframes to avoid a fast tracking fee.)
Check the length of time it takes to source the necessary visa applications, which will need to be submitted to the relevant embassy. Visa processing times will depend on your destination. Paying for your visa application can be made easy with an Australia Post money order.
At least one month before you travel it’s advised you see a medical practitioner for advice on medical risks and if any vaccinations are required.
One week before you depart, arrange for your mail to be either redirected or held at your local Australia Post outlet. An overflowing mailbox, or worse still, mail theft, is a security risk which can be easily avoided.
A trip to your nearest Australia Post office will also enable you to pick up all your foreign exchange requirements including Travelex’s Cash Passport, a prepaid travel card which is now available from over 3,200 Australia Post outlets.
Advise your trusted neighbour that you are heading overseas.
Unplug computers and electronic equipment to guard against power surges caused by lightning.

With over 3,200 locations, Australia Post is a handy location to help you complete your pre-travel ‘to do’ list. Not only can you get your passport photos done, and apply for your passport, you can also redirect your mail and organise your foreign exchange.

Australia Post’s Financial Services Group Manager, Terry Stephens says with over 3,200 locations, Australia Post is now the most convenient location to pick up a Travelex Cash Passport, a prepaid travel card with all the security of travellers cheques and the convenience of plastic.

Stephens says “The prepaid card can be used at any Visa ATM around the world to access local currency. Because the Cash Passport is available in Euro, US Dollars and British Pounds, travellers can lock in their exchange rate and avoid currency fluctuations”.

With the Australian dollar hitting record levels, Perry adds that now is a good time to lock in your rate on a Cash Passport from Australia Post.

“The Cash Passport is particularly good for younger travellers or ‘unbanked’ customers who don’t have a credit card. It also helps travellers to avoid the credit card trap and stick to their budgeted holiday spending. You don’t arrive home to a lengthy and sometimes frightening credit card bill,” says Perry.

Each Cash Passport comes with a free backup card with a different PIN for added security. Perry says the spare card is a potential lifesaver given that if your credit card is lost, stolen or swallowed by an ATM overseas, it can take a while to get a replacement card.

Part of the Cash Passport service includes free and very practical 24 hour, year round emergency assistance.

“It’s daunting being in another country where you can’t speak the language and need help. The multilingual assistance team helps you out of sticky situations, like guiding you through the process if you’ve lost your travel passport or arranging for emergency funds to be in your hands in as little as 20 minutes if you’ve lost your cash and cards,” says Perry.

Both Stephens and Perry agree the Cash Passport enables travellers to be prepared for anything they may encounter while travelling.

It is a welcome addition to the range of travel related products and services available at Australia Post, helping travellers to plan their travel needs in advance so as to make their trip more enjoyable.