What does Australia use for currency?
Australia is an unmissable travel destination offering experiences you’ll never find elsewhere in the world.
Are you looking to find out what currency Australia uses and how much money you should take with you on your trip to Australia? This guide tells you everything you need to know about travel money in Australia and how best to buy Australian currency.
Australian currency
So, what currency does Australia use? It’s the Australian dollar, the symbol is $ (dollar sign) and it has the abbreviation AUD.
The history of the Australian dollar
The Australian dollar was introduced in 1966, to replace the Australian pound which was based on British currency.
It was introduced to decimalise the money system, as pounds, shillings and pence were notoriously confusing. Other countries were beginning to adopt simpler currencies such as the Australian dollar, where a dollar is made up of 100 cents.
Australian coins
Today, the smallest coin denomination in Australia is 5 cents. Smaller coins of 1c and 2c have been discontinued.
Australian coins in circulation are now:
- 5 cents
- 10 cents
- 20 cents
- 50 cents
- $1
- $2
All cent coins are silver in colour while dollars are gold coloured.
Australian bank notes
Australian notes come in the following denominations:
- $5
- $10 (blue)
- $20 (red)
- $50 (yellow)
- $100 (green)
The Australian Mint is in the process of redesigning the $5 note, which will no longer feature the British monarch. Instead, it will focus on traditional indigenous imagery.
What countries use the Australian dollar?
Outside the Australian mainland and Tasmania, the dollar is also used in Australian territories, such as Christmas Island and Norfolk Island.
Australian notes and coins are also used as legal tender in the Micronesian islands of Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu.
How far will my Australian dollars go?
While in Australia, you’ll notice that certain things cost more here than they would in the UK, particularly eating out, shopping and buying food at the supermarket.
On average, the cost of living in Australia is broadly on a par with the UK.
It’s not as hard as you think to keep an eye on your spending while travelling. To help your money go a little bit further on your next visit to Australia, read our guide to travelling Australia on a budget—you’ll be saving dollars before you know it.
Should I tip in Australia?
The policy on tipping in Australia is similar to the UK. If you’re pleased with the service you’ve received, people will always appreciate a tip. It’s also standard practice to round up a taxi fare or restaurant bill, and leave some cash as a thank you. However, some places might actually reject tips depending on the business.
How much money should I bring to Australia?
It’s never easy to know how much to take to any travel destination. How much money you need will depend on your plans and the level of luxury you expect. One way to start is to decide how much you can afford, then setting a daily budget to keep track.
Our GBP to AUD conversion calculator shows you the latest exchange rates, so you can see how many Australian dollars you can get for your budget.
Can I use my card in Australia?
Most outlets in Australia will accept payment with a UK debit or credit card, and you can use them in most ATMs. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted, but it can be a little more challenging to use Amex or Diners Club.
The Travelex Money Card is also widely accepted. You can top up your card via the Travelex Money App with a range of currencies, including Australian dollars—and you can spend anything you don’t use on your next trip.
Buy Australian dollars and get ready to spend!
You’ll always get the best exchange rates by pre-ordering your travel money. At Travelex it’s easy to buy Australian dollars online, or you can Click & Collect from one of our UK stores.
Another option is the Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard®. It’s an easy and safe way to manage your holiday money. Load the card with money, then use it across Australia wherever Mastercard prepaid is accepted.
If you forget to purchase AUD before your trip, you can always get your Australian dollars from Travelex on arrival at various airports and stores in Australia.
