Staying & paying with debit card in Brisbane?

Your Visa debit card acts as both a credit card and ATM card (cash machine), with the difference being that the funds come straight out of your bank account. It is also perfectly acceptable to use this card to pay for accommodation. Just select 'credit' when asked how you want to pay. You might want to consider asking your bank to supply a duplicate card, just in case you lose the original or it gets caught in an ATM. And a numeric PIN might be an advantage. Don't for get to notify your bank before travelling so they don't put a stop on your account due to what they might see as unusual activity.

I understand it works the same as a Visa credit card. If you're pre-booking accommodation you'll need to give your card number/deposit to hold the booking anyway - so you'll find out straight away. The only time you'll have trouble is if you're trying to pay for purchases under $10 and some smaller shops and cafes don't accept cards. Otherwise I'm sure you'll be fine. Ring your bank and check if you're worried.

It's up to the individual establishment you stay at but if they accept Visa credit cards they'll accept Visa debit cards - over here they aren't really viewed or treated differently. You can use it exactly as you would at home in the UK.

dont most banks charge you though if you use the card in an ATM or paying at a till???

I am very sure that you will have no troubles here. The Lloyds TSB site says: " You can use your debit card almost anywhere in the world – at over 27 million outlets and one million ATMs - wherever you see the Visa symbol"

Your debit card should be fine but bring your banks eftpos card as well so you can get cash out from ATMs Just double check with your bank they will give you all the info you need. Just remember don't keep cash and cards in the same place always leave something hidden in a different place. so if the worse ever happens and you loose one then you have something to fall back on. Never leave your valuables in checked luggage