Travelling overseas checklist

Let us know when and where you’re going before you go

Always let us know when you’re travelling overseas and intend to use your Westpac credit card so we can record your travel details, which may assist us when monitoring transactions on your account.

You can also nominate a temporary overseas phone number if we need to contact you while you’re away.

Alternatively, you can call us within Australia or from overseas.

If you won’t have access to your Australian mobile number while overseas

Sometimes we need to contact you or send SMS codes for two-factor authentication - if you won’t have access to your Australian mobile number while you’re away, consider the below before you leave so you’ll still be able to:

Verify online transactions using a code

Our Westpac Added Online Security Service protects you when you’re shopping online and you may need to receive a ‘One Time Password’ via SMS in order to verify your online transaction.

• This SMS can be received using your temporary overseas mobile number – let us know by calling the number on the back of your card. 

Access some features of Online Banking/the Westpac App using a code

You may also be asked to enter a Westpac Protect^TM code when accessing features of online banking such as; signing in, paying a new payee, updating your personal contact details, changing or resetting a forgotten password.

• You can opt to receive these codes via the Westpac App using push notifications² (internet connection required). Make sure you have enabled push notifications on your device then search Security code and token in the Westpac App and look for Security Code via Westpac App.
• Or, you can change the SMS codes to be sent to your overseas mobile number. Search Security code and token and select Change number.

Be contacted by us while you’re away

For instance, we may need to get in contact if we notice strange behaviour on your accounts to verify whether it’s you. When you let us know before you travel when and where you’re going you’ll have the option to add a temporary overseas contact number.

In some rare cases outside of our control, you may still need access to your Australian mobile number (for example, some of our partners like Mastercard^® may send notifications to your Australian mobile number).

Know your credit card PIN

If you’ve forgotten your credit card PIN, you can change it anytime online.

Did you know that Westpac credit cards are protected by CardShield™, which includes fraud detection, Online Protection and CHIP security features. Where possible, use a PIN instead of your signature to verify credit card purchases.

Make sure you know how to contact us in an emergency

Test your customer ID and password

Make sure you test your log in details before you go overseas so you know you’ll still be able to access Online Banking, even if you lose access to your mobile.

If your credit card is lost or stolen while you’re away

You can lock it instantly in the Westpac App while you search, or report it lost/stolen in Online Banking or the Westpac App. Add an overseas address to your profile before completing the report to have it sent to you overseas (note that it may take up to 20 days to reach your overseas address).

Or if you need your replacement credit card urgently, please call us on: 

• +61 2 9155 7744 (24/7)
• Black cards +61 2 9155 7711 (24/7)
• Platinum cards +61 2 9155 7722 (24/7) 

Please note that calls made from mobile phones or hotel rooms may attract additional charges. If expedited courier services are required there may be additional charges involved.

 

Find out about possible fees and charges

ATM withdrawals

• If you need to take out cash from your credit card account (known as a cash advance) whilst overseas, you’ll pay no ATM withdrawal fees at Westpac’s Global ATM Alliance partners³.
• You can use the Westpac mobile banking app ATM locator to find the nearest Global Alliance ATM. Cash advances are not available on the Westpac Lite Card, PartPay Card or the Flex Card.
• Westpac may charge an ATM withdrawal fee of $5 when you withdraw money from ATMs not part of our Global ATM Alliance. However, checking your account balance is free and account balances will be displayed in local currency.
• In addition, some overseas banks who are not part of the Global ATM Alliance may also apply an additional surcharge or fee for ATM withdrawals.

Cash advances

• Additional fees and charges relate to cash advances. Refer to westpac.com.au/creditcardfees and the Credit Card Terms and Conditions (PDF 264KB).
• Cash advances are not available on the Westpac Lite Card, PartPay Card or the Flex Card.

Foreign Transactions

• A 3% Foreign Transaction Fee is payable as a percentage of the Australian dollar value of any Foreign Transaction (includes transactions in a foreign currency, or in any currency with a merchant or processing entity located outside Australia). Note: It may not always be clear to you that the Merchant or entity processing the transaction is located outside Australia.
• This fee does not apply to Westpac Lite and Flex Cards.

Refer to westpac.com.au/creditcardfees and the Credit Card Terms and Conditions (PDF 264KB) for more information on fees and charges relating to your credit cards.

Check your credit card expiry date

Make sure your credit card isn’t due to expire while you’re overseas. If your card will expire while you’re away, give us a call on 1300 651 089 before you leave to discuss a replacement card. You can continue to use your card till the end of the expiry month listed.

If your card expires within 3 months from today (and you’re more than 2 weeks out from your travel date) you can also request to re-issue your card online.

Check your insurance

If you have a Westpac credit card with complimentary travel insurance, you can obtain written confirmation of eligibility for cover for your overseas journey from the issuer of the insurance, AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance(AGA), under a binder from the insurer, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited, based on the answers you give AGA, by applying online at: checkyourcover.com.au/westpac. If you provide AGA with incorrect answers to the questions we ask you, you may not be eligible for cover under the group policy issued to Westpac⁴.