Australia

The Travel Card I Never Leave Home Without: Why I Love My Wise Card

The Travel Card I Never Leave Home Without: Why I Love My Wise Card

One of the most common questions I get about travel is: “What card should I use overseas?”
After years of hopping from country to country and testing different options, I finally found the perfect solution for stress-free money management while traveling — the Wise card.

I use it on every trip, and honestly, I don’t know how I ever managed without it. Here’s why I recommend it to anyone who travels overseas.

👉 Sign up for Wise here to receive a free card and start saving on fees before your next trip.

Sign up here for a free card

Why the Wise Card Is a Game-Changer for Travelers

Accepted Everywhere I Go

From coffee shops in Paris to street food stalls in Bali, Wise card works seamlessly. It’s linked to Apple Pay on my phone and watch, so I rarely even pull the physical card out of my wallet. Basically it acts like a Visa or a local debit card, so as long as they take card - they will accept Wise.

Super Low Fees

Traditional banks love to sneak in hidden charges when you use your card overseas. With Wise, the fees are transparent and minimal, which means I keep more of my hard-earned travel money. Using a New Zealand debit or credit card overseas typically incurs fees of 1.3% to 4.5% of the transaction value, depending on the bank and card type, which includes a currency conversion fee and potential foreign exchange margin.

Multi-Currency Wallets

Have multiple trips lined up? No problem. Wise lets me create different wallets for different currencies. I can hold, spend, and receive money in over 40 currencies without juggling multiple cards or accounts. I like being able to transfer money between the accounts really easily too.

Full Transparency

I love being able to open the app and instantly see all my wallet balances and recent transactions. It will show you the original amount you spent in local currency and the conversion. Super handy!Exchange When It Makes Sense

Wise gives me the option to convert money when the exchange rate looks favoUrable. But if I don’t want to think about it, Wise automatically converts at the real-time rate. Either way, I know I’m getting the best deal.

Splitting Costs With Friends

Traveling with friends who also have Wise? Splitting dinner bills or reimbursing each other for tickets takes seconds. No more awkward “who owes what” conversations. When my friend Laurie and I were together in Scotland we used it countless times - use the ‘split bill’ feature, enter in the amount and who you are with and it will send the request off to them there and then to pay.

My Personal Hot Tip 💡

I actually use Wise like a travel savings account. Each month, I set up an automatic transfer from my main bank into my Wise account. By the time my next trip rolls around, my spending money is already set aside. It’s a simple hack that makes budgeting for travel so much easier.

Final Thoughts

Managing money overseas doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. The Wise card has made my travels smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable. If you want to save on fees, easily manage multiple currencies, and simplify your travel budgeting - this is the card I’d recommend every time.

👉 Get your Wise card here and see how much easier your next trip can be. This is an affiliate link.

First-Timer’s Guide to Melbourne: What to See, Do & Eat!

A First-Timer’s Guide to Melbourne!

Melbourne is a city that oozes creativity and cool. Whether you’re wandering its art-filled laneways, sipping cocktails on the river, or shopping in its historic arcades, this city has something for everyone. Here’s your go-to guide for an unforgettable first visit to Melbourne - packed with the things I loved most. Of course there’s so much more - after you go, comment where you fave spots were!

Things to See & Do

Wander the Yarra River Trail

Start your visit with a peaceful stroll along the Yarra River Trail. Follow the path through green spaces, past city skyscrapers, and enjoy the blend of nature and urban energy. Once you hit Southbank, stop for a coffee or simply people-watch along the bustling river promenade.

Float

Cocktails on the Water at Float

Yes, it’s a bar on a barge. Float on the Yarra River is the perfect place to pause with an afternoon cocktail and take in Melbourne’s skyline from a whole new perspective.

Street Art in ACDC Lane & Hosier Lan

You simply can’t visit Melbourne without exploring the laneways. Hosier Lane is an ever-changing outdoor art gallery of bold, political, and playful street art. Nearby, ACDC Lane offers a grungier, rock-n-roll vibe with hidden bars and eateries tucked among the murals.

Explore Fitzroy

A short tram ride from the CBD, Fitzroy is a creative, eclectic neighbourhood that’s full of character. Think indie boutiques, record stores, vintage treasures, buzzing brunch spots, and edgy art spaces. The vibe is relaxed, quirky, and full of colour - it’s one of my favourite spots to wander.

Chinatown & Little Bourke Street

For food, culture, and a touch of history, wander through Chinatown on Little Bourke Street. The area is a hive of energy with delicious eats and great shopping, including boutique arcades and side streets worth exploring.

Incredible street art at every turn

Laneway Love

Melbourne’s laneways are iconic, and not just for their street art. Some of the best boutique shopping, hidden cafes, and stylish bars are tucked away in laneways off Flinders Lane, Little Bourke Street, and Degraves Street.

Carlton Gardens

Just north of the city, Carlton Gardens is a beautiful green escape. Wide open lawns, grand trees, ornamental lakes, and fountains surround the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum. It’s a peaceful place for a walk or a moment of calm amidst city exploring and is close to Fitzroy if you want to combine with a visit there.

Where to Eat: My Top Picks

Melbourne’s food scene is next level. From Asian fusion to artisan pastries and Italian comfort food, there’s something for every craving.

Chin Chin (Flinders Lane)

Modern Asian fusion in a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere. One of the best restaurant experiences I’ve ever had - our waiter actually picked out all our food for us - it was incredible! I would definitely book in advance.

Ho Chi Mama (Little Bourke St & Richmond)

Incredible Vietnamese-inspired share plates, creative cocktails, and a fun, funky setting. There are locations in the city (Little Bourke Street) and Richmond.

Higher Ground

Higher Ground (Little Bourke Street)

A stunning industrial space perfect for breakfast or brunch. Great coffee, excellent food, and a beautiful interior.

Lune Croissanterie

The viral spot for croissants that people line up for around the block! Apparently they are to DO for… I wasn’t willing to wait, but if you’re up early, you might skip the line!

agathe patisserie (The ROYAL Arcade)

One of the best almond / choc croissants I’ve ever had! Also super popular at the South Melbourne Markets.

MACCARONI TRATTORIA

Higher Ground

My friend and I had a beautiful dinner here, Authentic Italian food which was excellent as was the service. A busy little hidden away spot on Manchester Lane.

brunetti

A Melbourne institution, and for good reason. An impressive selection of picture perfect cakes, pastries and desserts. They also do dinner here, which I haven’t tried - but can only guess based on the crowds it’s good!

Shopping Hotspots

Melbourne is one of the best cities to shop in - hands down. Whether you’re after luxury fashion, quirky gifts, or stylish homewares, the options are endless. There are lots of hidden spots in Melbourne because of the arcades and laneways, so it’s a good idea to look up where they are before you go.

Royal Arcade

Absolutely beautiful and one of Melbourne’s oldest arcades. Agathé Patisserie is a must-stop for authentic French pastries - perfectly flakey, buttery, and beautifully made. While you’re there, don’t miss Haigh’s Chocolates, one of Australia’s most beloved chocolatiers. Their handmade chocolates are seriously to die for. The rest of the time, just admire the floors and the ceilings!!

The Block Arcade

A heritage-listed arcade full of charm, boutique shops, and elegant little eateries. A Melbourne icon.

Flinders Lane & Surrounding Laneways

The laneways and arcades around Flinders Lane, Little Collins, and Little Bourke Street are where you’ll find the coolest little stores - clothing, art, books, and more.

Emporium & Melbourne Central

These neighbouring shopping centres cover everything - Emporium for higher-end fashion and brands, and Melbourne Central for everyday faves. Just across the causeway from one another.

H&M at the GPO

This has to be the most beautiful H&M in the world - housed in Melbourne’s grand old General Post Office building. It was big but well set out, found some goodies!

Fitzroy

If you love vintage, second-hand fashion, and indie designers, you’ll love Brunswick Street and Smith Street in Fitzroy.

Where to Stay

Location is everything in Melbourne. I recommend staying close to Flinders Lane or the East End laneways so you’re walking distance from the best of the city.

Ovolo Laneways

QT Melbourne

Boutique style, quirky and luxurious. Rooftop bar is a bonus!

Ovolo Laneways

Funky and modern, tucked right into Melbourne’s famed laneway culture. Loved staying here.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne is a city that truly reveals itself the more you explore - through its alleyways, its food, its green spaces, and the energy of its neighbourhoods. It’s BUSY, super cool and never boring. If you’re visiting for the first time, prepare to walk a lot, eat even more, and fall in love with the city’s blend of urban sophistication and creativity.

J xx