Help! Any Australians around? Urgent question

[ModernToss]

Need Aussie assistance here, as google is not being my friend. I am stuck in Switzerland, and feeling pretty helpless.

Due to a cock-up by his bank, my son (who started at Melbourne Uni last week) has not yet got his ATM card. He has hundreds in the bank. However, due to a cock-up by himself, he now has $4 at his disposal, and has had since yesterday. This was all not too dreadful until he realised that tomorrow is a state holiday in Victoria.

Two questions: 1) presumably banks are closed on state holidays? And 2) He has a 20-pound note and a 50-franc note. I told him to go down to an FX kiosk and change one or both, but he's worried that they might be closed too - and his $4 would only get him downtown (a two hour walk back home if they are closed). It's apparently 36 degrees, so I can see why this wouldn't appeal.

Does anyone know if things like FX bureaux are likely to be open?

[PrincessOfChina]

I haven't been in Australia for over ten years but I would be very surprised if the tourist currency exchange places were shut on a holiday. He won't get a great rate but it'll be better than nothing.

[ModernToss]

Thank you, Princess. That's what I think too. I've never been in a major city where they shut.

[saffronwblue]

Banks defiintely shut tomorrow but tourist FX exchange places will be open. I am sure there wouldbe one at Bourke St Mall. Failing all else there will be one at the airport, although $4.00 won't be enough.

[SavoyCabbage]

Where does he live?

[SavoyCabbage]

Does he just need to get through tomorrow till the banks open?

[ModernToss]

He lives in Windsor, and yes - just needs enough to get through until Tuesday.

[saffronwblue]

I have googled travelex and it is not clear if they are open or not. The airport definitely would be - otherwise if he went to the Hyatt or maybe Crown Casino I am sure some concierge would help him.
OP if you are really worried pm me - I could lend him $20 if he caught a tram to our house.

[Bluestocking]

Has he made any UK or Swiss friends yet? One of them might well be willing to change his European currency. I like xe.com for exchange rates.

[ModernToss]

Oh, that is so kind of you saffron. I hope it won't come to that. I googled all morning but couldn't see what was open and what wasn't.

Unfortunately he only has one friend so far, and that friend is more than $4 away apparently.

[SavoyCabbage]

I've got a friend who works at crown so I can ask her, but she is working tonight till midnight.

[ModernToss]

That would be great - thank you!

[saffronwblue]

I'm off to bed now but will check this thread in the morning.

[ModernToss]

Thanks so much.

[SavoyCabbage]

I have phoned Crowne and they said they don't do currency conversion. It doesn't sound likely though! I have still texted my friend though as she will know if there is anywhere.

[ModernToss]

Thank you again, Savoy. I think he will be fine going down to Swanston/Collins, where there seem to be lots of FX places.

[SavoyCabbage]

Ok, she says 'the cage' is open 24 hours a day and changes money and that he could spend the day sitting on the sofas reading the paper in the air-con too! Also, the concierge does it too.

And, it's the Moomba festival in the city tomorrow so the city will be packed so more things will be open than a usual bank holiday.

[ModernToss]

That is all great news!

[saffronwblue]

I loathe the Crown Casino so am pleased to hear that its existence has finally been of use to someone.
Hope your boy enjoys his time at Melbourne Uni.

[ModernToss]

Thank you again, saffron - you've been so kind. I am sure he'll enjoy it.

The good news is that he found an FX bureau and changed some Swiss francs. Even got a decent exchange rate! From now on, there will be an emergency $50 stashed in his flat.