Aussies 'spending millions in Canada' on credit cards

Australian tourists with a Visa credit card spent some $223 million in Canada alone last year, according to the credit card company.

eTravel Blackboard cited a recent Tourism Outlook: Canada report, which indicated that Australian spending on credit cards in the North American country increased by 14.5 per cent between 2007 and 2008.

According to Tim Wilson, head of Visa Canada, the country's increased appeal could be boosted by the upcoming winter Olympic games, which are set to be held in Vancouver in 2010.

The Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade suggests that both debit and credit cards are popular methods of payment for people travelling overseas.

It suggested that the wisest way to keep money secure while travelling is to use a combination of debit and credit cards, cash in the local currency and traveller's cheques.

The department also noted that travellers should ensure their card will work in an ATM overseas before they leave.