The Sydney Royal Easter Show is a beloved annual event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. With rides, games, shows, and exhibits galore, there are plenty of opportunities to spend money at the Easter Show. One common question attendees have is whether they can buy credits or vouchers to use throughout the show, rather than having to pay for individual tickets at each ride or game.
What are credits?
Credits, also sometimes called vouchers or tokens, are a form of scrip that can be purchased and then used to pay for rides, games, food, or other attractions at large events like carnivals, amusement parks, and fairs. Credits allow visitors to pay for everything upfront by buying a certain dollar amount worth of credits, which are valid throughout the event. This saves people from having to carry around cash and make individual transactions at each place they want to spend money. Credits are popular because they are easy to use, allow bulk purchasing, and ensure patrons spend most of what they loaded onto their card or voucher during their visit.
Are credits sold at the Easter Show?
Yes, the Sydney Royal Easter Show does sell credits for use at rides, games, and food stalls across the event. Credits can be purchased at booths located near the main entry gates. There are a few different credit options to choose from:
Plastic Card Credits
The main type of credits sold are plastic prepaid credit cards. These cards have a magnetic strip that can be loaded with any dollar amount between $5 and $100 at the time of purchase. The cards operate just like a prepaid debit card – each time you use them at a compatible Easter Show attraction, the amount spent is deducted from the balance. Plastic card credits can be topped up if you run out during your visit.
Paper Vouchers
Paper vouchers are also available for purchase on-site at the Easter Show. These vouchers come preloaded with set credit amounts like $10, $20, or $50. Vendors will visually inspect and mark off the vouchers when accepting them for payment. Change is not given for unused amounts left on a paper voucher.
Unlimited Ride Bands
In addition to standard credits, some booths sell Unlimited Ride Bands. These provide unlimited access to participating rides for a single discounted price. For example, a 1-Day Unlimited Ride Band might cost $45 and allow you to go on rides as many times as you want throughout that day. This can offer big savings compared to paying per ride. Unlimited Ride Bands are valid for either 1 day or the entire run of the Easter Show.
Where to Buy Credits
You can purchase standard plastic card credits, paper vouchers, and Unlimited Ride Bands at the following locations within the Sydney Royal Easter Show:
- Main entry gates
- The Showpass Booth (near Carnival Wood)
- Kidz Fest Booth
- Telstra Booths
- Ticketek Booths
Look for the telltale signs advertising credit sales. On busy days, there are usually attendants roaming the queues to sell credits before you get into the park. Cash, EFTPOS, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted for credit purchases.
Benefits of Buying Easter Show Credits
There are a few advantages to purchasing credits at the Sydney Royal Easter Show rather than paying as you go:
- Convenience – Don’t need to take out your wallet for every purchase
- Speed – Transactions are usually faster with credits/bands
- Budgeting – Load a set amount onto your card so you don’t overspend
- Discounts – Unlimited Ride Bands offer savings over individual tickets
- Easy Refunds – Remaining balances can be refunded at the end of day
For those reasons, credits tend to be very popular with families, groups, and other Easter Show attendees.
Where Credits Can Be Used
Easter Show credits can be used at the vast majority of food, drink, ride, and game stalls across the event. Anywhere that accepts credit card or EFTPOS payments will also accept the show’s plastic prepaid credit cards or paper vouchers. Certain exclusions include:
- Carnival Rides – Have their own ticketing system
- Showbags/Retail – Cash only at some stalls
- Animal Experiences – May need to pre-book
To check whether a specific attraction, food item, or stall accepts credits, simply ask the operator before ordering or queuing. Signage will also indicate if they accept credit payments.
Tips for Using Easter Show Credits
To make the most of your Easter Show credit purchase, keep these tips in mind:
- Load conservative amounts onto your card to avoid having leftover funds
- Use credits for more expensive items to get the best value
- Check your balance regularly and top up if needed
- Keep your card/vouchers secure to avoid losing them
- Spend all credits on your last day for easy refunds
- Split costs between credits and cash to use up balances
Refunding Leftover Credits
Don’t worry if you end up with an unused balance on your Easter Show credits – you can get a refund for unspent funds! Just take your plastic credit card or any remaining paper vouchers to a credit sales booth before you leave the show. You’ll need to provide proof of purchase to obtain a refund.
With plastic cards, you can get cash back for the exact remaining dollar amount. For paper vouchers, you’ll receive the standard denomination in cash, for example $10 for an unmarked $10 voucher. Refunds must be processed on the same day of purchase.
The Convenience of Easter Show Credits
In summary, credit cards and vouchers provide a very convenient way to pay for the myriad of rides, games, attractions, food, and souvenirs at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. With multiple booths selling credits located around the venue, it’s easy to load up a card when you arrive or anytime during your visit. Credits allow you to leave your cash and bank cards in your wallet while you enjoy the fun of the Easter Show. If you want to simplify your spending and not have to count out money for every transaction, purchasing credits is highly recommended. Just don’t forget to get a refund for any unused balance before you leave!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about purchasing and using credits at the Sydney Royal Easter Show:
How much do credits cost?
You can choose to load any dollar amount between $5 and $100 onto the plastic prepaid credit cards sold at the Easter Show. Paper vouchers come in set denominations like $10, $20, and $50.
What’s the benefit of unlimited ride passes?
Unlimited ride passes allow you to go on all participating rides as many times as you want for one discounted fixed price. This can offer big savings compared to paying individual ride tickets each time. They are ideal if you plan to go on lots of rides.
Where can’t I use Easter Show credits?
There are some restrictions on credits: they may not be accepted for carnival rides, showbags, retail purchases, or animal experiences. Always check before using if you are unsure. Cash is always universally accepted.
Do credits expire?
Yes, leftover credits cannot be used at future Easter Shows. Be sure to use up all your credits or get a refund before the end of the show. Refunds must be processed on the same day as purchase.
Can I get a refund for unused credits?
Yes, you can get a cash refund for any remaining balance on your plastic credit card or unused paper vouchers. Take them to a credit sales booth before leaving the show and provide proof of purchase. Refunds are in cash.
Is there a fee for purchasing credits?
No, there are no fees for purchasing Easter Show credit cards or vouchers – you just pay the dollar amount you choose to load. There are also no activation fees or charges to use the cards around the show.
Are credits a good idea?
Yes, credits are highly recommended! They make spending fast and convenient, allow easy budgeting, and are simpler than carrying cash everywhere. Just be sure not to load too much so you can get a full refund later.
Conclusion
The Sydney Royal Easter Show allows visitors to pre-purchase credits on plastic cards or paper vouchers to redeem for rides, games, food, and more across the event. Credits provide convenience, speed, budgeting control, and discounted deals on things like unlimited ride passes. They can be bought at booths located inside the Easter Show gates and used almost everywhere. With the ability to get refunds on unused balances, there is no risk to loading up a bit extra on your credit card. Overall, buying and using credits is a smart idea that will very likely enhance your fun and experience at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.