Buy Australian Dollars (AUD)

Online Rate*: 1 NZD =
AUD	BUY CASH
	BUY CARD
BUY CASH + CARD

Online Rate*:
1 NZD =

AUD

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.

BUY AUD BUYING TIPS

AUD currency exchange services

Buy AUD via cash & card

Australian dollar

CASH

CARD

BUY CASH & CARD

Click & Collect at Travelex stores

Buy AUD via travel card

Australian dollar

CARD

BUY on CARD

Click & Collect at Travelex stores

Buy AUD as cash

Australian dollar

CASH

BUY CASH

Click & Collect at Travelex stores
or at select Post Outlets

Make your own mix


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

CUSTOM SELECTION

*^{AUD and THB are pre-selected as default and can be amended.}

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.

Prepaid Travel Money Card Cash Debit or credit card

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.

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.

What is the Australian Currency?