Everything international travellers need to know about the Australian Dollar (AUD) — coins, polymer notes, contactless payments, and money-saving tips.
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD) — the fifth most traded currency globally — one of the world's most advanced currencies. The nation pioneered polymer (plastic) banknotes in 1988, creating durable, secure, and environmentally friendly currency that has since been adopted by over 50 countries worldwide. Each denomination features unique colours, sizes, and prominent Australians, making them easy to distinguish.
Australia is extremely card-friendly — cash accounts for less than 15% of total transactions in Australia today (down from over 30% a decade ago). Contactless "tap and go" is accepted nearly everywhere. While cash is still accepted and available at widespread ATMs, it is increasingly unnecessary in cities and major towns. Carry more cash if visiting regional or remote areas.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has confirmed that the $5 note will be redesigned to honour the culture and history of First Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), replacing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles III will not appear on Australian banknotes — he will, however, feature on Australian coins. The existing $5 note remains legal tender during this transition, which is expected to take several years of consultation with Indigenous groups before the new note is issued.
Multiple convenient options for international travellers
ATMs are widespread in Australia — at banks, shopping centres, service stations, and convenience stores. Most accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro).
Typical Fees: $2–$5 per withdrawal plus your bank's foreign transaction fee (usually 2–3%).
Tip: Use bank-owned ATMs for lower fees. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise costs.
Widely Accepted: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. Contactless "tap and go" payments are the Australian norm — one of the world's highest adoption rates.
Digital Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are extremely popular and accepted at the vast majority of retailers.
Limited: American Express (often attracts 1–3% surcharge), Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay at fewer locations.
Available at international airports, major banks, and tourist areas. Rates are displayed as "buy" (what they pay you) and "sell" (what you pay them).
Best Rates: Usually found at city exchange bureaus, not airports.
Tip: Consider a travel money card (like Wise or Revolut) before arriving — competitive exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks.
Most experienced travellers use a combination: a travel money card (Wise or Revolut) for everyday purchases, a credit card as backup, and a small amount of cash ($100–200) for emergencies and small vendors. A 2025 survey found that while 68% of Australians prefer digital payments, 81% still believe cash should remain an option.
Australia has a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in most prices. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim GST refunds on:
How to Claim: Present your goods, passport, tax invoices, and boarding pass at TRS counters at the airport (allow 30+ minutes).
Not Eligible: Accommodation, car rentals, tours, services, consumed goods.
Australian law requires you to declare if you're carrying physical currency (cash, cheques, money orders) of:
$10,000 AUD or more (or foreign equivalent)
This applies when entering or leaving Australia. Declaration forms are available on aircraft or at customs.
Important: Failure to declare can result in fines up to $13,200 or prosecution. This includes family groups travelling together.
Note: Digital currency and credit/debit cards do not need to be declared.
Not Mandatory: Unlike the US, tipping is not expected in Australia because workers receive fair minimum wages.
When to Tip:
Payment: Most POS systems don't have tip prompts. Cash tips are most common when tipping.
Choose the best option for your needs
| Method | Typical Fees | Best For | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card (Visa/MC) | 2–3% foreign transaction fee | Everyday purchases | ✅ 95%+ |
| Debit Card | $2–5 + 2–3% per transaction | ATM withdrawals | ✅ ATMs widely available |
| Travel Money Card | 0.5–1% typically | Budget-conscious travellers | ✅ Where Visa/MC accepted |
| Cash (AUD) | Exchange rate margin 3–5% | Small vendors, markets | ✅ Universal |
| Digital Wallets | Same as linked card | Contactless convenience | ✅ 90%+ urban areas |
| American Express | 2–3% + merchant surcharge | High-end establishments | ⚠️ 60–70% |
Most experienced travellers use a combination: a travel money card (Wise or Revolut) for everyday purchases, a credit card as backup, and a small amount of cash ($100–200) for emergencies and small vendors who are cash-only.
When the First Fleet arrived in Australia in 1788, the colony initially operated without official currency, with rum becoming an informal medium of exchange. The first official coins used in Australia were created in 1813 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who addressed the coin shortage by punching the centre out of Spanish dollars, creating two coins: the "Holey Dollar" and the "Dump."
In 1910, nine years after Federation, Australia introduced its own silver coins. The country used pounds, shillings, and pence until 14 February 1966, when decimal currency was introduced — replacing the old system with dollars and cents. (The currency was almost named the "royal" before "dollar" was chosen.) This simplified calculations and aligned Australia with international monetary standards.
Australia revolutionised currency production in 1988 by introducing the world's first polymer (plastic) banknotes, beginning with the $10 note to commemorate the bicentenary. By 1996, all paper notes were replaced with polymer versions. These innovative notes are more durable, harder to counterfeit, and more environmentally sustainable than traditional paper currency. Over 50 countries worldwide have since adopted Australia's polymer banknote technology, cementing Australia's place as a global currency innovation leader.
Each Australian banknote features prominent Australians who made significant contributions to the nation. All notes are made from durable polymer with world-first security features including tactile bumps for vision-impaired users.
The $5 note is unique as it's the only current denomination not featuring two notable individuals alongside Parliament House. The current $5 features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (commissioned 1984), while the reverse shows Australia's Parliament House in Canberra. Important 2026 update: The Reserve Bank of Australia has confirmed the next $5 note will honour the culture and history of First Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) — King Charles III will not appear on the note. The new design is undergoing consultation with Indigenous groups and will be released in the coming years. Both existing versions remain legal tender.
Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson (1864–1941) was one of Australia's most beloved poets, famous for iconic works including "Waltzing Matilda" (Australia's unofficial national anthem) and "The Man from Snowy River." Dame Mary Gilmore (1865–1962) was a renowned poet, author, journalist, and passionate advocate for social justice, campaigning against inequality and deprivation throughout her life. The $10 note was the world's first polymer banknote, issued in 1988.
Mary Reibey (1777–1855) arrived in Australia as a convict at age 13 but went on to become one of the colony's most successful businesswomen, building a shipping and trading empire and engaging in extensive philanthropy. Reverend John Flynn (1880–1951) founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 1928, revolutionising healthcare access for people in remote and rural Australia — one of the nation's most celebrated institutions.
David Unaipon (1872–1967) was a pioneering Indigenous Australian inventor, writer, and public speaker. His contributions to science and mechanical engineering earned him recognition as one of Australia's most influential thinkers, and his image on the $50 note represents a powerful acknowledgement of Indigenous achievement. Edith Cowan (1861–1932) was a social reformer and feminist who became Australia's first female member of parliament in 1921, championing children's rights, education, and women's welfare.
Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) was an internationally acclaimed soprano, recognised as one of the greatest opera singers of her era. She achieved worldwide fame and became a cultural icon for Australia — "Peach Melba" and "Melba toast" are named after her. General Sir John Monash (1865–1931) was one of Australia's most celebrated military commanders during World War I, also renowned as a distinguished civil engineer and administrator who contributed significantly to nation-building projects.
Australian banknotes are among the world's most secure currencies. Australia's polymer note technology — now adopted by over 50 countries — incorporates multiple anti-counterfeiting technologies:
Raised bumps on the sides help vision-impaired users identify denominations by touch. Each denomination has a different number of bumps — a world-first accessibility feature on banknotes.
Transparent polymer windows with intricate designs that are extremely difficult to replicate. Hold the note up to light to see these features clearly — look for the denomination numeral within the window.
Extremely fine text and holographic images that change appearance when tilted. A rolling colour effect visible on the denomination numeral is a key security feature visible without magnification.
Under UV light, specific elements on the notes glow, revealing hidden security features not visible in normal light — used by bank employees and security personnel to verify authenticity.
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