Australia Travel: AUD Exchange & Money Guide
Plan your Australian trip finances with this guide to AUD exchange rates, banking options, tipping customs, and practical cost breakdowns for travelers.
Managing Money in the Land Down Under
Australia is a dream destination for travelers worldwide — from the Great Barrier Reef to the Sydney Opera House, the red deserts of the Outback to the coffee culture of Melbourne. It is also one of the more expensive countries to visit, making smart currency management particularly important.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) typically trades around 0.65-0.70 to 1 USD, meaning your US dollars stretch further here than in many other developed nations. This guide covers everything from exchange strategies to real-world costs across Australia's diverse regions.
Understanding the Australian Dollar (AUD)
Denominations
Australia's distinctive polymer banknotes (Australia pioneered polymer currency in 1988) are colorful and durable:
| Denomination | Color | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| $5 AUD | Pink/Lilac | ~$3.25 |
| $10 AUD | Blue | ~$6.50 |
| $20 AUD | Red/Orange | ~$13.00 |
| $50 AUD | Yellow | ~$32.50 |
| $100 AUD | Green | ~$65.00 |
Based on approximate rate of 1 AUD = 0.65 USD
Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 (gold), and $2 (smaller gold coin). Australia eliminated 1c and 2c coins, so cash totals are rounded to the nearest 5 cents.
Quick Conversion
At roughly 1.54 AUD per 1 USD, you can estimate costs by multiplying AUD prices by 0.65 (or roughly two-thirds) to get the USD equivalent. A $30 AUD meal is approximately $19.50 USD.
How to Get Australian Dollars
Option 1: Travel Debit Cards (Best Value)
Multi-currency debit cards consistently offer the best exchange rates for Australia:
| Card | AUD Exchange Markup | ATM Fee Policy | Monthly Free ATM Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0.4-0.6% | Free up to limit | ~$350 AUD/month |
| Revolut Standard | 0% (weekdays) | Free up to limit | ~$300 AUD/month |
| Charles Schwab | Visa rate | All ATM fees reimbursed | Unlimited |
Option 2: Australian ATMs
ATMs are widespread across Australia, even in smaller towns. The four major banks are Commonwealth Bank (CBA), Westpac, ANZ, and NAB.
Key details:
- Most major bank ATMs in Australia do not charge foreign card withdrawal fees (the big four eliminated these fees in 2017)
- Your home bank will likely still charge its own foreign ATM fee ($2-5) and foreign transaction fee (1-3%)
- Independent ATMs (in pubs, convenience stores) may charge $2-3 AUD per transaction
- Daily withdrawal limits typically range from $500-1,000 AUD
Option 3: Airport and City Exchange
Australian airport exchange counters (Travelex is dominant) charge spreads of 4-8% above mid-market. City exchange bureaus in Sydney and Melbourne are slightly better at 2-5%. Neither is ideal for large amounts.
Option 4: Pre-Trip Exchange
Ordering AUD from your home bank before departure is convenient but expensive, typically with 3-6% markup plus a flat service fee. Consider this only for a small arrival amount.
Card Payments in Australia
A Nearly Cashless Society
Australia is one of the world's most card-friendly countries. Contactless payments ("tap and go") are ubiquitous, and many businesses have gone cashless entirely.
Where cards are accepted:
- Virtually all restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Public transit (in most cities)
- Supermarkets and retail shops
- Taxis and ride-share services
- Markets (many vendors now have portable card readers)
Where you might still need cash:
- Some rural and outback businesses
- Small market stalls without card facilities
- Parking meters in some areas
- Laundromats
Surcharges to Watch
Many Australian businesses add a surcharge for card payments, typically 1-1.5% for credit cards and sometimes 0.5% for debit cards. This is legal in Australia and applies to both domestic and foreign cards. The surcharge will be disclosed before you pay, and paying cash avoids it.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
Both are widely accepted in Australia and work with most international cards. Linking your travel debit card to your phone's wallet is the most convenient payment method for day-to-day spending.
Tipping in Australia
Not Expected, Sometimes Appreciated
Australia has a minimum wage of approximately $23.23 AUD per hour (as of 2025), one of the highest in the world. As a result, tipping is not culturally expected. Service workers are paid a living wage and do not rely on tips.
| Situation | Tipping Norm |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (casual) | Not expected |
| Restaurant (fine dining) | 10% for excellent service (optional) |
| Cafe | Not expected |
| Taxi/Uber | Not expected (rounding up is fine) |
| Hotel porter | $2-5 AUD per bag (optional) |
| Tour guide | $5-10 AUD for a day tour (optional) |
| Bar | Not expected |
| Hairdresser | Not expected |
If you want to tip for exceptional service, 10% at a restaurant is generous. Many restaurants have tip jars at the counter for casual change.
What Things Cost in Australia (2025)
Food and Drinks
| Item | Price (AUD) | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Flat white coffee | $4.50-6.00 | $2.93-3.90 |
| Cafe breakfast/brunch | $18-28 | $11.70-18.20 |
| Pub meal | $18-30 | $11.70-19.50 |
| Mid-range restaurant dinner | $30-55 | $19.50-35.75 |
| Fast food meal | $12-16 | $7.80-10.40 |
| Beer (pub, pint) | $9-14 | $5.85-9.10 |
| Wine (glass, restaurant) | $10-18 | $6.50-11.70 |
| Meat pie (bakery) | $5-8 | $3.25-5.20 |
| Grocery shopping (weekly) | $100-180 | $65-117 |
| Water bottle (600ml) | $2-4 | $1.30-2.60 |
Transportation
| Mode | Price (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Opal Card (bus/train) | $2.50-7.70 | Per trip, distance-based |
| Melbourne Myki (tram/train) | $3.50-9.00 | Daily cap applies |
| Uber/DiDi (city, 10km) | $15-30 | Depending on surge |
| Taxi (flag fall + 10km) | $25-40 | Varies by state |
| Domestic flight (Syd-Melb) | $80-250 | Book ahead for deals |
| Petrol/gas | $1.70-2.20/L | Self-driving costs |
| Airport train (Sydney) | $18.70 | To Central Station |
| Airport bus (Melbourne) | $22.00 | SkyBus to Southern Cross |
Accommodation
| Type | Sydney | Melbourne | Budget Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | $30-55 | $25-45 | $20-35 |
| Budget hotel | $100-160 | $90-140 | $70-120 |
| Mid-range hotel | $160-300 | $140-260 | $100-200 |
| Luxury hotel | $300-700+ | $250-600+ | $200-400+ |
Per night in AUD
Activities
| Activity | Price (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Great Barrier Reef day trip | $200-300 | From Cairns |
| Sydney Opera House tour | $43 | Guided tour |
| Uluru (Ayers Rock) visit | $38 | Park entry (3-day pass) |
| Blue Mountains day trip | $100-200 | From Sydney |
| Great Ocean Road car rental | $50-80/day | Self-drive |
| Surfing lesson | $70-120 | Group lesson |
| Zoo/wildlife park | $40-55 | Major parks |
Daily Budget Estimates
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (AUD) | Daily Budget (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $70-120 | $46-78 |
| Budget | $120-200 | $78-130 |
| Mid-range | $200-350 | $130-228 |
| Luxury | $350-700+ | $228-455+ |
Regional Cost Variations
Australia's costs vary significantly by region:
Most expensive: Sydney, remote outback areas (due to transport costs) Expensive: Melbourne, Perth, Cairns Moderate: Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast Most affordable: Smaller regional towns, Tasmania (outside Hobart)
Practical Money Tips
Supermarket Savings
Coles and Woolworths are the two main supermarket chains, with Aldi offering budget alternatives. Buying groceries and cooking in your hostel or Airbnb can cut food costs by 50-70% compared to eating out.
BYO Restaurants
Many Australian restaurants are BYO (Bring Your Own), allowing you to bring your own wine or beer. A corkage fee of $3-10 per bottle applies, but this is still far cheaper than restaurant drink prices.
Free Attractions
Australia offers numerous free experiences: Bondi Beach, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, many hiking trails, and free walking tours in major cities.
GST Refund (Tourist Refund Scheme)
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows visitors to claim a refund of the 10% GST on goods over $300 AUD purchased from a single store within 60 days of departure. Claim at the TRS counter at the airport before your flight.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Purchase a prepaid SIM at the airport or any supermarket. Telstra has the best coverage for regional and outback travel. Plans with 30-40GB of data start around $30-40 AUD per month.
Key Takeaways
Australia is a card-friendly destination where a good travel debit card will cover most of your needs. Keep some cash for surcharge avoidance and the occasional cash-only situation, but do not over-exchange before your trip. Take advantage of free activities, cook some of your own meals, and use the Tourist Refund Scheme for major purchases to stretch your budget further.
For the latest AUD exchange rates and budget planning, use the currency converter at hwanyul.com.
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