Up Bank Review: Is It The Best International Travel Card For Australians?

After getting stung by ridiculous bank fees during my travels across Southeast Asia and the Balkans, I’ve found a game-changer for Australian travelers: Up Bank. If you’re planning to explore cash-heavy destinations like Vietnam or Albania, this review could save you hundreds in fees.

Why I Switched to Up Bank for International Travel

Traditional banks were killing my travel budget, especially in regions where cash is king. In Vietnam, where most street food vendors, local markets, and even some hostels only accept cash, I was constantly hitting ATMs. The same goes for Albania’s beautiful coastal towns, where card payments are still catching on. Every withdrawal meant another fee – and they add up fast.

That’s when I discovered Up Bank, a digital bank that’s revolutionising how Aussies handle money abroad.

My Fee-Free Experience with Up Bank

Here’s what you get with Up (and why it’s perfect for cash-heavy destinations):

Fee Type	Up Bank’s Charge
International Transaction Fee	0%
Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fee	$0
Monthly Account Fee	$0
Physical Card Fee	$0

Cash-Heavy Country Experience

In places like Vietnam, Cambodia and Albania, you’ll need cash for:

Street food and local restaurants
Local transport (buses, tuk-tuks)
Markets and small shops
Many guesthouses and hostels
Tours from local operators

Features I Love About Up Bank

Real-Time Currency Conversion: See expenses in AUD and local currency instantly – super helpful when dealing with unfamiliar currencies like Vietnamese Dong or Albanian Lek
Intuitive App Interface: Easy to track spending and find nearby ATMs
Mastercard Exchange Rates: Get fair rates without markup
Instant Card Freeze: Essential security feature for traveling
Wise Integration: Makes sending money abroad straightforward

Real Travel Scenarios Where Up Bank Shines

Here’s where I’ve found Up Bank particularly valuable:

Southeast Asian Markets: When you’re making multiple small cash withdrawals for street food and local purchases
Balkan Adventures: Where many guest houses and local restaurants only accept cash
Remote Areas: When you need to withdraw from any available ATM without worrying about extra fees
Mixed-Payment Trips: Seamlessly switching between card payments and cash withdrawals without fee anxiety

Digital Features That Make Travel Easier

Real-Time Notifications: Instant transaction alerts
Smart Savings Tools: Great for building your travel fund
Digital Wallet Support: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay integration

The Bottom Line: Should You Switch?

If you’re planning to travel in cash-heavy destinations, Up Bank is a game-changer. The ability to withdraw cash without fees, combined with real-time currency conversion and a user-friendly app, makes it my top choice for international travel.

Ready to stop paying unnecessary fees? Sign up with Up Bank today and get a $20 welcome bonus! It takes just a few minutes to set up, and you’ll be ready for fee-free international spending.

Disclosure: While Up Bank doesn’t charge international fees, some overseas ATM operators may have their own charges. Always check the ATM screen for any operator fees before proceeding. I may receive a commission if you sign up using my link, but this review reflects my genuine experience using Up Bank for international travel.