Currency in Australia

The currency in Australia is Australian Dollars (AUD). 1 AUD is equal to 100 cents. The amount of 5 AUD and above is available as bank notes while the coins have the value of up to 2 AUD. 20 cent and 50 cent coins are the most useful ones since telephones, washing machines etc. operate with those.

It is recommended to have some small amount of Australian Dollars at the time of arrival to Australia because some money may be necessary already before getting out of the terminals. Some banks have exchange offices at the airports but it is more common to get better rates at the banks in the city so exchanging the bigger amounts outside the airports can help saving some money. The banks are usually open between 9.30-16.00 except Fridays and between 9.30-17.00 on Fridays.

Using traveller's checks is also an option that is safer than anything else. Showing passport is absolutely necessary for exchanging them and if they get stolen, it is possible to get new ones as soon as the relevant authorities are informed.

Credit cards are widely used for making payments especially in the big cities. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diner's Club are accepted almost at every shop. It is recommended to have some cash while travelling in the outback.