Yes you can get prepaid international debit cards for Hong Kong and Wise, HSBC and Citibank offer the most competitive cards in the market. Other older style prepaid cards like Australia Post, Cash Passport, Travel Money Oz and Travelex have lots of charges like load, unload, inactivity, ATM withdrawals and initial card fees.
Yes you can use your Australian debit card in Hong Kong and if they are linked to Mastercard or Visa. Most Australian debit cards will charge an international transaction fee of 3% plus give a very poor exchange rate for Hong Kong dollars adding another 5% to purchase fee and if you use a non affiliated ATM you will be charged an additional $5 for a withdrawal.
Yes, travel money cards are a good idea to take to Hong Kong? They provide better security than cash, as you can access your account without your pin code. They are useful for paying large bills for accommodation or restaurants as travel cards are less bulky.
You can place money on your travel money card online and paying by direct debit from your bank account will cost you the least. Log in to your bank account, transfer your funds into the travel money card and the money should be there within 24 hours.
HSBC and Citibank have the best travel money cards for Hong Kong. Both have lots of ATMs within Hong Kong, both offer fantastic exchange rates for the Hong Kong dollar and both offer ‘no international transaction fees’.
Yes you should buy Hong Kong dollars before you travel to Hong Kong. Having Hong Kong dollars on hand when you arrive at the airport will make your life a lot easier. The airport is also the most expensive place to exchange currency, so you will save a lot of money as well. Even though Hong Kong is card friendly, having cash on hand will always be handy for small purchases, tipping and paying for transport.