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What is the Australian Currency?

Currency:

Australian Dollar

Currency code:

AUD

Central Bank:

Reserve Bank of Australia

Currency symbol:

$, A$ or AUD (dollar)

Currency sub unit:

¢ (cent)

Bank notes:

$5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Coins:

5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2


Originally, Australia used the British pound but this was phased out in 1910 when the Australian pound came into circulation. In 1956, the Australian dollar was introduced and in 1988 Australia switch to polymer bills similar to those now used in Canada and other countries. The Australian dollar is now the 5th most traded currency in the world.



It is most common for Australians to choose card as preferred method of payment over cash. This is due to convenience and the ability to tap & go almost anywhere in the country, from catching the train to buying souvenirs – card is the easier way to shop with AUD.



The most used notes in Australia are the $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills.




Australia Prefers Card Payments

Stores, cafes, small market stalls and even public transport prefer cards as their payment method. The Travelex Money Card allows you to easily load the AUD you need to spend at your leisure.

Top up the card whenever you need to via the Travelex website. You can also access AUD in cash at thousands of Australian ATMs which accept the Travelex Money Card.

picture of the Travelex Money Card

AUD Goes Further with the Travelex Money Card

  • Our Travelex Money Card gives you better rates than Cash
  • $0 Eftpos Fees
  • $0 ATM Fees1
  • $0 Online Shopping Fees2



1. Travelex does not charge ATM fees, some operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits. 2. Transacting via some online merchants may incur a surcharge.

Easy Currency Options for your Trip

Australia
Australian dollar


Australia
Australian dollar


Australia
Australian dollar


Make your Own Mix
Select currencies of your choice* in CASH and/or CARD




What to spend your Australian dollars on

  • Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

    303 AUD

  • 3-mile taxi ride

    12.50 AUD

  • Tourist t-shirt

    20 AUD

  • Postcard and a stamp

    2.50 AUD

  • Bottle of water

    2 AUD

How many Australian dollars will I need?**

Please select your budget above.


- +

- +

Total spending money needed:

  • A budget
  • for people for
  • nights


Recalculate

Must-sees in Australia

  • Whitsunday Islands
  • The Whitsundays, as they're better known, are a collection of islands in Queensland great for camping, hiking and scuba diving off of the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Magnetic Island
  • Wildlife abounds on and around Magnetic Island, with over half of its territory designated as national park land. Make sure to get a closer look at the 800 koalas living on the island.
  • Adelaide
  • A hidden gem often missed by tourists in Australia for the first time, Adelaide boasts a vibrant art scene and is also a great jumping off point to Australia's best wine country.

Other Ways to Get Foreign Currency


Travel Money Card

AUD on Travelex Money Card, buy online and in-store

More Info

ATMS

Get AUD from an ATM in New Zealand and when you arrive in OZ

More Info

Find a Store

Purchase cash or the Travelex Money Card in-store

More Info

Cash

All you need to know about AUD, how much things cost and how much you need

More Info

*Rates are subject to change throughout the day. In-store rates vary compared to online.

**The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.