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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


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!

  • 1. Click the ‘Buy AUD now’ button below
  • And tell us how much you need for your trip in cash or on a travel money card.

  • 2. Choose where to get it
  • Collect your foreign currency in-store or get free home delivery for travel card.

  • 3. Pay online
  • You can pay online using either Bill Payment, Visa or Mastercard


AUD currency exchange services

Buy AUD via Cash & Card

Australian dollar



Buy AUD via Travel Money Card

Australian dollar



Buy AUD as cash

Australian dollar



Make your own mix

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




picture of the Travelex Money 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.

Payment Options in Australia

Whether you're planning a quick city break or an extended road trip, it's smart to think ahead about how you'll pay for things in Australia. From buying Australian dollars in NZ to how to carry your travel money once you're there, here’s what you need to know.

Pros:

  • More secure than carrying cash and often comes with emergency assistance.
  • Easy to top up, manage or replace on the go with the Travelex Money App.
  • Locking in exchange rates when buying online could help you save money.

Cons:

  • Some smaller vendors in Australia may not accept foreign currency cards.
  • There may be local ATM fees when taking cash out of your travel money card.
  • Top-ups can take time to process—so don’t leave it to the last minute.

Pros:

  • Widely accepted across Australia, especially useful in markets or rural areas.
  • No surprise hidden fees when you pay in Australian dollars upfront.

Cons:

  • Carrying too much money as cash can be risky.
  • Lost or stolen cash may not be covered by travel insurance.
  • Harder to keep track of your spending.

Pros:

  • Helpful for booking activities online or covering emergencies.
  • Credit or debit cards often come with fraud protection and travel rewards.
  • Convenient, secure and familiar way to pay.
  • Ability to access a larger pool of funds.

Still undecided? Compare the pros and cons of travelling with cash vs cards with our in-depth guide.

Cons:

  • May miss out on cash-only experiences.
  • ATM withdrawals and foreign transaction fees can be higher.
  • Exchange rates can vary and may not be in your favour.
  • Easy to overspend when you’re not tracking prices in NZD.

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.

Plan ahead with foreign currency and ATM options


ATMs

Withdraw AUD from an ATM in New Zealand orand when you arrive in OZ.

Find an ATM

Find a Store

Pick up foreign cash and buy a Travelex Money Card in-store.

Find a store

Currency exchange calculator

Convert NZD to 45+ foreign currencies with our currency exchange calculator.

Use calculator

Exchange rate tracker

Receive an alert when the Australian dollar has reached your desired rate.

Track rates

*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.