Stop throwing money away: hidden travel fees you can delete from your next trip

You're heading overseas, budgeting for your flights, accommodation, meals and activities. But don't forget, there's another, hidden expense: bank and mobile roaming fees.

But you don't have to let extra fees on your trip turn into bill shock when you get home. If you plan ahead, you can make them kinder on your wallet - and some you might even be able to avoid altogether. First up, there are those pesky foreign transaction fees. And according to Money.com.au's finance expert, Sean Callery, Aussies are paying an average $80 on this when they don't have to.

"Travellers can get stung with international transaction fees any time they tap or swipe their debit or credit card overseas," Callery says. "Any time you pay in a foreign currency, your bank may charge you an extra 1 per cent to 3 per cent of the transaction amount. To avoid this, choose a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees, or opt for a low-fee pre-paid travel card. You can load foreign currencies onto a travel card and then tap or swipe it overseas just like a regular debit card."

But it's not just tapping and swiping that attracts fees. Travellers can also get caught out at overseas ATMs.

"If you do need to use an ATM for cash, try to stick to fee-free global ATM partners or your bank's network of overseas partner ATMs. If you need to take cash out, use a debit or pre-paid travel card," Callery adds.

ING head of consumer insights Matt Bowen says while some banks and travel cards advertise no international transaction fees, hidden costs can still emerge.

"Overseas ATMs and card terminals often set their own charges, which your bank can't control," Bowen says. "Before you travel, check whether your card provider rebates these fees and consider carrying a small amount of local cash for places that don't accept cards."

Compare the Market spokesperson, Sarah Orr, says all these fees "add up fast", so understanding your bank's rules before you go helps you budget.

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"If you're not checking your card's fine print before you travel or shop online, you could be paying way more than you bargained for," Orr says. And if you're travelling with cash, organise it before you go, but not at the airport where "chances are you will get saddled with a rip-off rate".

"Shop around early and see where you can get the best value for your money," Orr says, adding there are even apps on the market that help you change your Aussies dollars to other currencies.