12 Apps to Save Money In Sydney like a Local!
LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY ON FOOD, DRINKS, AND EXPERIENCES IN SYDNEY?
You’ve found the ultimate money-saving guide for Sydney! After 4 years as locals, we’ve personally tested dozens of apps to find genuine ways to save in this notoriously expensive city and have finally narrowed it down to these essential apps that actually work to save money while living in Sydney!
From scoring 50% off at top restaurants to earning cashback on everyday purchases and discovering unbeatable happy hour deals, this guide will help you stop overpaying and start enjoying all that Sydney has to offer without breaking the bank!
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE RESOURCES
– Best accommodation site: Agoda.com
– Purchase Travel Insurance here: SafetyWing
– Cheapest Car Rental: DiscoverCars
MUST HAVE Apps To Save Money In Sydney
Sydney is known for its high living costs, but with the right apps, you can enjoy the city’s best experiences and make your dollar go further. From scoring discounts on meals to earning cashback on everyday purchases, these apps are your key to save money in Sydney and making the most of your budget.
1. First Table
FIRST TABLE BONUS CODE : SAVE MONEY ON DINING OUT
⭐Use this link and code “HATEXPLORES” for $5 off your booking fee!
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.6 stars
Cost: First Table has a $5-$10 booking fee (totally worth it!)
50% OFF the Food bill? Yes please! The First Table App offers half-price meals (excluding drinks) when booking early or slightly late at some of Australia’s best restaurants. You can book for a table up to 4 people and as frequent users, we can attest to this being one of the best ways to experience high-end restaurants while saving money on eating out in Sydney.
Key Features:
- Ideal for early birds who want premium dining at a discount
- You need to book your table in advance for a $5-$10 booking fee
- Order almost double the amount of food in the same budget!
2. Shopback
SHOPBACK BONUS CODE : EARN CASHBACK ON EVERY PURCHASE
⭐Use this link for a $20 bonus on your first online purchase.
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.2 stars
Cost: Shopback is FREE
Did you know that 2 out of every 3 shoppers participate in cashback programs? And for good reason! Shopback is one of our favorite online rewards platforms that gives you cashback on your shopping at over 4,000 retailers.
Whether shopping for groceries, booking hotels, or ordering takeaway, you’ll find deals with various cashback offers across brands like Booking.com, Agoda, and Klook but also Big W, Cotton On, and other major retailers! We saved over $900 already with approx ~10% cashback on most purchases this year!
Key Features:
- Cashback on purchases across a wide range of retailers
- App-exclusive discounts and “upsized” offers
- Withdraw your cashback easily into your bank account
3. EatClub
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.7 stars
Cost: Eat Club is FREE to use
EatClub is an Australian app that offers 30%-50% off the total bill, including drinks, at over 3,000 participating restaurants and bars across the country. By downloading the free app, you will discover exclusive last-minute deals, where you can redeem offers for dine-in or takeaway, and enjoy dining at your favorite restaurants at a fraction of the cost. I have lost count of the number of times I have used their deals!
Key Features:
- Real-time discounts at participating restaurants
- No pre-booking required – just claim and go
- It’s completely FREE
4. Up Money
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.9 stars
Cost: Up Money is free to download.
UP BANK BONUS CODE
If you are going overseas and want to travel like a local, Up is the perfect digital bank for you. This bank offers no fees on international purchases in-person or online so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees. We now use UP on bookings for most marketplaces such as Agoda and Booking.com especially if it’s for an international trip.
As an Up customer, you also get access to the best forex rates within the app powered by Wise (formerly TransferWise), ensuring competitive exchange rates on every transaction.
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You can also pair it with your UP card, which we’ve personally used all throughout our Japan trip to avoid hidden fees.
Key Features:
- Get the best exchange rates for international transfers
- Low fees compared to traditional banks
- Easy and secure transfers for frequent travelers
5. Happiest Hour
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.4 stars
Cost: Happiest Hour App is FREE to use
Happiest Hour is the ultimate guide to happy hour deals in Australia! This app shows you where to find the best deals at pubs and bars near you, from discounted cocktails to cheap pints and wine specials. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. One of the best ways to save money in Sydney on drinks!
Key Features:
- Search for the best happy hour deals in Sydney
- Find discounted drinks and food specials at bars and pubs
- Ideal for after-work drinks or weekend meetups
6. Klook AU
KLOOK 10% DISCOUNT CODE
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.7 stars
Cost: Klook activity cost varies based on experiences
For those looking to save money while exploring Sydney (and most Asian countries), Klook is your go-to app for discounted tickets, activities, and tours. From entry to Sydney’s iconic attractions to fun things to do in Port Stephens, Klook typically has the lowest rates with free cancellation options too!
Key Features:
- Discounted packages and city passes for attractions, tours, and experiences
- Easy-to-use interface with instant booking confirmation
- Free cancellation options
7. Hey You
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.8 stars
Cost: Hey You is free to download.
HEY YOU DISCOUNT CODE
While Hey You is more about saving time than money, it’s still incredibly useful if you’re frequently on the go in Sydney. The app lets you order ahead from cafes and coffee shops, skipping the line and making your morning coffee run or lunch break much faster. While it’s not known for deep discounts, the occasional exclusive offer can still help you save a little.
Key Features:
- Order ahead and skip the queue
- Access occasional exclusive deals and rewards
- Perfect for time-conscious commuters
8. McDonald’s Australia
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.2 stars
Cost: App is free to download.
The McDonald’s app is handy for anyone who enjoys a regular Macca’s fix! From classic burgers to McCafé coffees, the app provides regular deals and exclusive discounts on a variety of menu items. It’s updated frequently with limited-time offers, making it easy to score cheap meals or free extras on your next order.
Key Features:
- Regular deals on McDonald’s menu items, including meals, snacks, and drinks
- Access to exclusive, app-only promotions
- Earn points with every purchase, redeemable for free menu items
9. The Sauce
Availability: IOS and Android
Cost: The Sauce is free to use.
The Sauce app is your gateway to last-minute dining deals across Sydney. It partners with local restaurants to bring you discounted meals, often available for same-day dining. If you’re flexible with your dining schedule and love to explore new restaurants, The Sauce is perfect for finding great food at even better prices.
Key Features:
- Last-minute discounts on food and drinks
- Discover new dining spots with exclusive offers
- Great for spontaneous diners
10. TopCashback
CASHREWARDS BONUS: EARN CASHBACK ON EVERY PURCHASE
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.4 stars
Cost: TopCashback is completely free to use!
Similar to Shopback, TopCashback allows you to earn cashback on your purchases across a wide range of online and in-store retailers. The app makes it simple to search for partner brands and redeem offers. You can also link your card to the app for automatic cashback when you shop at participating stores. It’s a no-brainer for regular shoppers who want to save money effortlessly.
Key features:
- Cashback from thousands of partner stores
- Automatic rewards with linked credit or debit cards
- Regular bonus offers and seasonal promotions
- No minimum withdrawal
Bonus: Some More Apps We Love!
11. Pearler
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.5 stars
Cost: Varies per transaction
Pearler is an Australian investment platform designed to build long-term wealth with a simple, user-friendly interface. Its standout feature is the automation tools that make consistent investing effortless, helping you stay on track toward your financial goals. As my personal favorite, I’ve found Pearler especially effective for sticking to a disciplined monthly investment strategy and building up savings!
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Click here for FREE investment credits on Pearler to get started
12. HappyCow
Availability: IOS and Android
Rating: 4.9 stars
Cost: HappyCow is free to download
If you want to save money while dining at vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Sydney, HappyCow is your go-to app. Discover plant-based dining options, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly veg meals or fancy vegan dining experiences. The app features user reviews, detailed restaurant information, and even an option to search for vegan-friendly grocery stores.
Key Features:
- Find vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based restaurants in Sydney
- Detailed reviews and ratings from the community
- Discover budget-friendly vegan spots
The Wrap-Up: 10 Best Apps to Save Money in Sydney!
From scoring unbeatable dining deals and cutting out the coffee queue to pocketing cashback and booking discounted adventures, this article is our secret to enjoying the city without blowing the budget.
Whether you’re a savvy local or an eager explorer, you now have some smart travel hacks to save money in Australia this year. Download, save, and let the good times roll!
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