Currency Exchange Tips

It's been sometimes when I last posted on the blog due to work related priorities but now I'm back. We've been researching the currency market since we'll be travelling soon. Exchange rate is currently great to buy Japanese Yen (JPY). The last time 1 AUD can get over 100 YEN was back in 2008, so we've bought ourselves some YEN via Travelex using Cash Passport card. Keeping it handy when we feel like travelling back to Japan. Cash Passport card works like a debit card but you load your cash into the card before you travel.

One should compare the exchange rates, processing fees when looking for such a card but so far Travelex's card beats the banks' travel card by having no card processing fees (ordered online), no ATM withdrawal fees and better exchange rate.

It will still be wise to exchange at least some cash so that one doesn't have to look for an ATM the first thing on arrival to the destination to pay for food (where card is not accepted), taxi or train.

Saving for Mobile Phone - Blocking Premium SMS

Worried about paying premium SMS - usually offered by 3rd party companies selling jokes/horoscopes/ring tones/competitions? Sometimes this could be "accidental" via wifi scam or SMS competition & trivia scam.

There is a way to stop this! I use TPG as my mobile provider and the TPG online account allows switching "off" premium SMS services. I am sure this can be done as well if you uses other providers - whether you can do it online or by phoning the mobile service company's customer service line.

Keep your eyes opened ... For Deals!

I was driving back to Shepparton today when we stopped to get iced coffee as I couldn't keep my eyes opened. We stopped at a petrol station along the freeway to grab some. When I was grabbing for 2 x Icebreak coffees, my wife asked why 2 instead of 1? I pointed to the pop-up sign "2 for $5" and the normal retail price of $4 for 1.

Always stop for breaks when you're fatigue driving on a long trip. But also always keep your eyes opened for deals even when you're tired! *wink

2 IceBreak for $5 at Caltex

Cheap movie at Hoyts - Movie of the week

This may not be news to some people, but we're pleasantly surprised when we bought our tickets to watch Taken 2 at Hoyts today. The girl at the counter said that Taken 2 is 'movie of the week', so it's only $10 per ticket!

20% off $50 iTune gift card at Dick Smith

As mentioned in my post on how to save on iTune. Yes, Dick Smith is currently selling $50 iTune gift card for $40. Don't miss out!

How to save on iTunes

I was visiting Dick Smith yesterday with my wife and we were contemplating of getting the TomTom navigation app on iTunes. It's $75 for the Australian version on the app store and Dick Smith has the iTune gift card for $50 on sale for $40! That's 20% off!

If I get the iTune card and pay the rest of the app, that's only costing $65 ($40 for gift card with value of $50 + $25 from credit card or Paypal), saving of $10.

Look out for your local stores, there's always sale for iTune gift cards seasonally.

In addition, some apps get discounted or go on 'free' special at times. There are apps that track when apps on sale or becomes free.

Save by Buying Grocery at Aldi

Today we went to an Aldi for window shopping - do some walking after a heavy brunch. There are certain things that really grab our attention. Canola oil for half the price you pay at Coles or Woolworth. There plenty of other things that are cheaper including meat and frozen meals. Though variety of goods are less, it is worth stopping by Aldi before heading to a normal supermarket to grab other things not available at Aldi.

Canola oil $5.00 for 2L per bottle at Aldi

Saving on Air Ticket

Recently we just bought air tickets to Malaysia and Bali; and yes, we've definitely saved on our air tickets! We've saved AUD $700 on the tickets from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur compared to normal retail ticket price. That's AUD $700 we can spend on shopping and dining while we're at our destination. How did we do it you ask?

Answer: Budget airline.

Malaysia airlines: Approximately $2200 for 2 including tax.

Airasia X (Malaysian own budget airline): Approximately $1500 for 2 including tax.

Other tips on saving on air tickets are:

1. Use websites that let you compare ticket prices such as Webjet. There are plenty of others too.
2. Search budget airlines online - they are sometimes not listed in the comparison websites.
3. Wait for sale or special offer. There are always special offers and sale, budget airlines or retail airlines. Subscribe to their newsletters so that you don't miss out on those great deals! I have bought a domestic $1 ticket + airport tax and service charges one-way ticket few years back during a promotion by one of the budget airlines.

Note:

1. If taking budget airlines, make sure you read the terms and conditions. Some airlines will not replace your ticket if there are last minute cancellation or will not let you board if you check in late (very strict rules). We always check in online and get to the airport early.
2. We also make sure we leave plenty of time for transits (eg. many hours) if we travel internationally on budget airlines. (Somehow budget airlines are more prone to delays and do not offer luggage transfer for connecting flights - you will need to collect your luggages and recheck in.)
3. In addition, make sure you buy enough check-in luggage allowance and pre-book meals and drinks onboard as everything is 'optional' on a budget airline.
4. Budget airlines may not be suitable for people with mobility problems as many budget airlines do not hire ramps to the plane and you may have to walk a long distance including walking up stairs to board the plane - always check with the airlines regarding these issues.

Saving on Credit Card

Today my wife just cancelled her reward program credit card. Why you asked? Her reward program credit card costs $69 per year. I have the same reward credit card, so that's $69 x 2 per year in total cost. What we'll be doing is for me to apply an additional card for $9 for her. So saving of $60 [($69 x 2) - (69+9)] per year!

Note: She has her own credit card before we got married last year. In case you're thinking why didn't I thought of that before.

Since I've started on saving tips via credit card, I will list a few more:

1. Use a reward program credit card - if you're going to pay your gas/electricity/water/insurance bills/grocery/petrol (and the lists go on), why not pay with your reward program. Our reward program credit card will give you a $20 shopping gift card for every $2000 spent on the card. We get at least $100 per year, so definitely more than our annual cost of $69/year.
2. Pay on time. Never ever pay interest or the minimum required on your card! Always pay in full before the interest free days! These are the ultimate rule to save via reward program credit card. DO NOT get a credit card if you have a habit of not paying in full before the interest free days - use a debit card instead is my advice (at least you'll be spending money you have instead of spending borrowed money on interest)!
3. Choose a credit card best suits you. I usually use Canstar to compare different credit cards. It is a good website for searching the best loan, credit card or banking account deals.

Save by Buying Grocery at the Market

We're at the market today. In Melbourne, there's a few big markets such as the Victoria's Market or Dandenong's Market. The vegetables and fruits are normally much cheaper than the supermarket and most time fresher as well. There are a few tips to save even more.

1. Buy in boxes or bulk if you have a big family. If shopping with friends , you can split the goods later.

2. Shop around. Survey the stalls. There is always stores that sell certain produce cheaper.

3. Shop right before closing time. Lots of vendors will discount their fruits and vegetable as they will go to waste especially the ripe fruits. Buy over-ripe fruits to make jams or juice.

Echuca's Beechworth Bakery

Lunch at Beechworth in Echuca. I had the steak & mushroom pie while my wife had the ham & cheese toastie with French vanilla slice & beesting.

Saving tip: Bottomless coffee or tea for $3.00. They also provide free wifi, just ask for a password when you pay for your meal.

Lunch!

My wife couldn't stop biting into it before a picture. :)

Save On Movie Tickets

Currently it is getting very expensive to watch movies but there are ways to still enjoy and not spend $18.50 for an adult ticket in Melbourne.

1. Go on Tuesdays. In Melbourne, movie tickets are cheaper on tuesdays. Save around $5 for each adult ticket.
2. Join as members for the cinema you frequency go. Nowadays most cinemas offer membership with benefits like cheaper tickets or free tickets or popcorns after you accumulate enough points in your card.
3. Buy ticket vouchers in bulk - many insurance or bank/corporate offer members special deals to buy ticket vouchers in bulk. My wife's friend got us $10.50 tickets for Hoyts as an ANZ employee! We've been using these for the last 2 years and also use Hoyts membership to get extra free tickets/popcorns - we've saved more than $100 by using these 2 strategies.
4. Group or bulk-buying websites, voucher websites such as groupon and ourdeals.com.au offers special Half-price movie tickets from time to time. Keep an eye on these websites or come visit us as we'll post great deals if we find any on our blog!