One of the initial challenges when arriving in a foreign country is understanding the local currency. Beyond merely knowing exchange rates, it is essential to comprehend how various countries use size, texture, and design elements to assist both travellers and residents in confidently navigating their monetary systems. Australia pioneered the introduction of polymer banknotes, with each denomination uniquely distinguished by size, colour, and the images depicted on them.
Also known as Automated teller Machines and in some countries as Automatic Banking Machines. In Australia ATMs are very common, you will find them not only at banks but also at shopping centres, service stations and convenience stores. Foreign credit cards may not be accepted at all ATMs and it is prudent to check the applicable fees first.
Visa and Mastercard are the two most commonly accepted credit cards in Australia. American Express and Diners Club are less commonly accepted although many restaurants do accept them. JCB and Union Pay are the least accepted credit cards.
Money exchanges are available at all international airports and many domestic airports. They are also available in most major cities as well as popular tourist locations. Exchange rates are normally displayed as 'buy' and 'sell'. Most exchanges do not charge a commission although there will always be a difference between the buy and sell rates.
There is a 10% Goods and Services Tax applied to the majority of purchases made in Australia. The Tourist Refund Scheme allows tourists to claim back the GST on purchases made within the last 60 days and over $300 on one invoice. The scheme mainly applies to goods and does not apply to accommodation, tours and car rental.
If you are travelling with more than $10,000.00 AUD or foreign equivalent you must declare it upon arrival or departure.
Check current exchange rates with your bank or at official currency exchange services. Rates fluctuate daily based on international market conditions.
When the first fleet arrived in Australia it was decided that no currency was required as the population consisted of only soldiers and convicts. Rum became one of the original forms of currency during the first 25 years. The first coins used in Australia, in 1813, were created by punching the centre out of a Spanish dollar to produce two coins - the Holey Dollar and the Dump. In 1910, nine years after Federation, Australian silver coins were introduced. In 1966 decimal currency, dollars and cents replaced the pounds, shillings and pence. Today, Australia is a world leader in bank notes and coins and pioneered the use of polymer bank notes in 1988, although it wasn't until 1996 that paper notes were fully replaced.
The present $5 note is the only current circulation note that doesn't have an actual person on both sides. One side features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, while the other features Parliament House in Canberra. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was commissioned in 1984 by the Reserve Bank. The image shown is the new more secure and colourful $5 note released in September 2016.
The $10 note has the portraits of poets AB 'Banjo' Paterson and Dame Mary Gilmore. Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson (1864–1941) was famous for works such as Waltzing Matilda and The Man from Snowy River. Dame Mary Gilmore (1865–1962) was also a poet, author, journalist and keen campaigner against inequality and deprivation.
The $20 note features philanthropist Mary Reibey, and aerial medical service pioneer, Reverend John Flynn. Mary Reibey (1777–1855) arrived in Australia in 1792 as a convict, but went on to become a successful shipping magnate and philanthropist. Reverend John Flynn (1880–1951) founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The $50 note displays Indigenous inventor and writer, David Unaipon, and Australia's first female parliamentarian, Edith Cowan. David Unaipon (1872–1967) was an inventor, writer and public speaker, hailed for his contributions to science. Edith Cowan (1861–1932) was a social worker and feminist who went on to become Australia's first female politician.
The $100 note features legendary soprano Dame Nellie Melba and General Sir John Monash. Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) was known for her amazing soprano voice and international fame. General Sir John Monash (1865–1931) was one of the greatest military commanders in Australia, as well as an engineer and administrator.
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