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 |
Australia originally used the British pound until 1910, when the Australian pound was introduced. In 1966, the country adopted the Australian dollar, and by 1988, it became one of the first nations to switch to polymer banknotes—now used in countries like Canada and beyond.
Today, the Australian dollar (AUD) is the fifth most traded currency in the world and commonly used banknotes include the $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations.
Most Australians prefer using card over cash, thanks to the widespread convenience of tap-and-go technology. Whether you're catching a train or picking up souvenirs – paying by card is often the quickest and easiest way to spend AUD.
How to convert New Zealand dollars to AUD
Buy Australian dollars online, lock in the exchange rate, and collect at your local store or airport before you fly!
AUD currency exchange services
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Buy AUD via Travel Money Card
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Buy AUD as cash
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Make your own mix
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Select currencies of your choice* in CASH and/or CARD |

AUD goes further with the Travelex Money Card
- Withdraw foreign cash with no international ATM fees¹.
- Load, tap, and go wherever Mastercard is accepted worldwide.
- Save with no foreign exchange fees².
- Free delivery to Travelex stores.
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.
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