Currency & Payment
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates locally.
Local Currency Overview
Currency type, banknotes, and coin denominations
The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, symbol A$ or $), divided into 100 cents. Polymer (plastic) banknotes come in A$5 to A$100, with coins for smaller amounts. Australia is largely cashless, so you rarely need much cash, but keep a little for small vendors and markets.
- Currency
- Australian dollar (A$, AUD)
- Notes
- A$5 to A$100 (polymer)
- Cash
- Rarely needed in bulk
- Banknotes are durable polymer, not paper
Currency Exchange Tips
Best places and methods to exchange money
Change money at banks, airport counters or city exchange bureaus, and compare rates. Since cards work almost everywhere, many visitors just withdraw or pay by card rather than carrying lots of cash. Airport rates are usually poorer, so change only a small amount there if needed.
- Where
- Banks / exchange bureaus
- Airport
- Poorer rate — small only
- Tip
- Cards often easier than cash
- Cards are so widely accepted you may barely need cash
Credit Card Acceptance
Card brand availability and usage tips
Cards are accepted almost everywhere and contactless (tap) payment is the norm, including on public transport in many cities. Visa and Mastercard are universal; Amex is common but not always accepted. Some businesses add a small card surcharge. Apple Pay and Google Pay work widely.
- Acceptance
- Almost everywhere
- Contactless
- The norm
- Surcharge
- Small card fee sometimes
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported
ATM Usage
How to withdraw cash and associated fees
ATMs are widely available at banks, shops and shopping centres. Major bank ATMs usually charge no direct fee, while some independent ATMs add a surcharge shown on screen. Your home bank may charge foreign fees. Decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) to be charged in Australian dollars.
- Availability
- Widely available
- Fees
- Some independent ATMs surcharge
- DCC
- Choose to pay in AUD
- Use major bank ATMs to avoid extra surcharges
Mobile & Digital Payments
Digital payment services available locally
Mobile payments work very well: add your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and tap almost anywhere, including on public transport in many cities. There is no separate app or local account needed for visitors. This is often the easiest way to pay, with no need to carry cash.
- Wallets
- Apple Pay / Google Pay
- Where
- Almost everywhere, transit
- Setup
- Just add your card
- No local account needed — use your own card
Tipping Culture
Expected tipping amounts and etiquette
Tipping is not expected in Australia because staff are paid proper wages. It is optional and modest: you might round up or leave around 10% for great service at a nice restaurant, but there is no obligation. Cafes, taxis and bars generally do not expect tips.
- Expected?
- No, optional
- If you do
- Round up / ~10%
- Everyday
- Not expected
- Staff earn proper wages, so tips are a bonus, not a norm
Price Guide
Average costs for meals, transport, and accommodation
Australia is a relatively expensive destination, especially in big cities and remote areas. Displayed prices include GST, and there are no surprise sales taxes added at the till. Eating at cafes and cooking your own food saves money; alcohol and accommodation in prime spots are pricey.
- Level
- Relatively expensive
- Prices
- GST included, no add-ons
- Save
- Cafes, self-catering
- Displayed prices are final — no tax added at checkout
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) lets you claim back the GST (and wine equalisation tax) on eligible goods you take out of Australia. You generally need to spend A$300 or more at one business (same ABN), buy within 60 days of departure, and carry the goods and tax invoice to the TRS facility at the airport. Rules can change, so check current ABF details.
- Scheme
- TRS (GST refund)
- Threshold
- A$300+ per business
- Window
- Within 60 days, at airport
- Carry goods and tax invoice to the airport TRS facility