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Using ANZ Debit Card Internationally: Guide to Foreign Transaction Fees and Overseas ATM Withdrawals

Aditya Shrivastava

17.12.24

Read time 2 minutes

Planning a trip overseas? Your trusty ANZ debit card can be a convenient way to access your money abroad. However, using your ANZ debit card overseas comes with some additional fees and considerations compared to using it within New Zealand. This guide equips you with the knowledge you need to avoid hidden costs and make the most of your ANZ debit card overseas.

We'll also introduce Wise Card as an alternative that offers international transactions at mid-market exchange rates without markups.

Table of contents
Can I Use My ANZ Debit Card Overseas? PIN Usage with ANZ Debit Card Abroad Sanctioned Countries for ANZ Debit Card ANZ Debit Card International Transaction Fees Meet Wise: A convenient alternative

Can I Use My ANZ Debit Card Overseas?

Yes, generally! ANZ Visa Debit cards are widely accepted by merchants and ATMs in most countries that display the Visa logo, making it convenient to use your ANZ debit card overseas. We highly recommend letting ANZ know about your travel plans. This helps prevent your card from being blocked due to suspicious overseas activity. You can easily notify them through internet banking or by calling their customer service line.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind about using your ANZ debit card internationally:

PIN Usage Differences with using ANZ Debit Card Abroad

Be aware of some differences in how PINs are used in certain regions:

United States: You may be asked to enter a five-digit ZIP (postcode) as well as your PIN. To do this, simply add a zero after your New Zealand postcode. For example, if your postcode is 7011, you would enter 70110.
European Union: Due to different settings on some payment terminals, you may not be asked to enter a PIN when making purchases in the European Union.

Sanctioned Countries for ANZ Debit Card

Due to ANZ's Sanctions Policy, your ANZ Visa Debit or credit card will not work in the following countries:

Cuba
Iran
North Korea
Syria

For more detailed information on sanctioned countries, you can refer to ANZ's Sanctions Policy.

ANZ Debit Card International Transaction Fees

ANZ charges a 1.3% international transaction fee on all foreign currency transactions, including ATM withdrawals abroad. This fee is deducted from your account on top of the converted purchase amount. This ANZ Visa debit card international fee is something to consider when planning your trip. ANZ does not charge any fee for using ATMs outside New Zealand, but ATM providers may charge a fee for using them.

In addition to the ANZ Visa debit card international transaction fee, it's essential to be aware of the exchange rate you receive. The published exchange rates by ANZ for currency conversion are not the same as the mid-market rate you usually see on Google. This markup can add up quickly, especially for frequent travelers.

Exchange Rate Markups: The Hidden Cost

The exchange rate markup is often the most significant cost of using your debit card overseas. As an alternative, we would like to introduce you to the Wise Travel Card that offers the mid-market exchange rate on currency conversion. You can use the Wise Travel Card in 150+ countries and swipe like a local to make purchases at restaurants, stores and local sites.

Meet Wise: A convenient alternative that offers mid-market exchange rates

The hidden costs associated with foreign currency markups can significantly impact your spending power. Here's where the Wise card comes in. Wise offers a compelling alternative for overseas spending by offering the mid-market exchange rate on international transactions.

Get Started with Wise 🚀

Wise allows you to hold and manage money in multiple currencies and uses the mid-market rate (the one you usually see on Google) for currency conversions, with fees that are transparent and always shown upfront. With a linked debit card available for a one-time fee of NZD 14, spend abroad like a local without any currency exchange markups.

Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.