Country money guide
Australian dollar essentials
The Australian dollar is the official currency of Australia. Its three-letter currency code is AUD, and prices are normally shown with the dollar sign $. When another dollar currency could be confused with it, you may see A$ or AU$ instead.
Australian banknotes are issued in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. The circulating coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, plus $1 and $2. Australia was the first country to issue a complete series of polymer banknotes, which are more durable than traditional paper notes.
Paying in Australia
Cards and contactless payments are widely used in Australian cities and regional centres. Cash remains useful for small purchases, markets, tips and situations where a terminal or mobile connection is unavailable. It is sensible to carry a modest amount rather than relying on a single payment method.
Before using a card issued outside Australia, check:
- your card issuer's foreign transaction fee;
- whether your bank adds an exchange-rate margin;
- ATM withdrawal fees charged by your bank; and
- any fee displayed by the Australian ATM before you confirm a withdrawal.
If a terminal or ATM offers to convert the transaction into your home currency, that service is called dynamic currency conversion. Choosing to pay in Australian dollars normally lets your card network and issuer perform the conversion instead. Compare the displayed rate and fees rather than assuming the home-currency option is cheaper.
Compare exchange rates for Australian dollar
Compare provider exchange rates with the current mid-market rate before converting money for Australia.
The comparison uses USD/AUD as the representative market pair for this guide.
Cash, banknotes and ATMs
Australian banknotes are legal tender, but a business can set reasonable payment conditions and does not always have to accept cash. Coins also have legal-tender limits for a single payment. Most visitors only need to know that very large payments made entirely with small coins can be refused.
ATMs are common in populated areas but can be less accessible in remote Australia. Use an ATM operated by a recognised bank or provider, review every fee shown on screen and avoid making many small withdrawals if your home bank charges a fixed fee each time.
Damaged or older Australian banknotes may still retain their face value even when a retailer is reluctant to accept an unfamiliar design. The Reserve Bank of Australia or a commercial bank can provide guidance about redeeming old notes.
Bringing money into or out of Australia
Australia does not impose a general limit on how much physical currency a traveller may carry across the border. However, cash with a combined value of A$10,000 or more, including the foreign-currency equivalent, must be declared. Bearer negotiable instruments can also be subject to declaration requirements.
This border declaration is different from making an ordinary electronic transfer through a bank or money-transfer business. AUSTRAC says customers do not personally make the traveller declaration for money transferred through those services, although the provider may request identification and information about the payment.
Do not split physical cash between travellers or trips to avoid the declaration threshold. Check the current instructions with AUSTRAC or the Australian Border Force before travelling with a large amount.
USD/AUD market data
The chart and rates below update independently of the editorial guide.
Sending money to Australia
For an international transfer, compare the amount of AUD the recipient will receive rather than looking only at an advertised fee. The total cost can include:
- the provider's exchange-rate margin;
- a transfer or payment-method fee;
- intermediary or receiving-bank charges; and
- fees for an urgent or assisted transfer.
You will generally need the recipient's full name, Australian bank details and a reason for the transfer. Providers may request identity documents or evidence showing the source and purpose of funds, particularly for larger transfers. These checks do not necessarily mean the payment has a problem.
Bank transfers and specialist money-transfer services can have different pricing, delivery times and support. Compare the final recipient amount using the same sending amount and payment method.
Australian dollar questions
Is the Australian dollar a closed currency?
No. AUD is freely traded and can generally be bought before travelling to Australia. Availability and the offered exchange rate depend on the provider and your departure country.
Should I exchange money before arriving?
There is no single answer for every traveller. Compare the total cost of ordering AUD cash, withdrawing from an Australian ATM and paying directly by card. Airport exchange counters are convenient, but convenience does not guarantee a competitive rate.
Can I use US dollars or euros in Australia?
Australian businesses normally price goods and services in AUD. A business may agree to another currency, but visitors should not expect foreign cash to be accepted or converted at a favourable rate.
Where can I verify Australian banknote information?
The Reserve Bank of Australia publishes current information about Australian banknotes, denominations, security features and legal-tender status.
Recent Australian dollar market commentary
AUD Weekly Overview: Testing Key Levels
Updated 28 Jul 2026 • 23:45 GMT
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is currently testing the critical 0.7000 level against the USD, following a recent upswing fueled by high interest-rate differentials and strong commodity prices. Despite the recent rally and constructive technical setup above the 200-day SMA, the future trajectory of the AUD will be heavily influenced by developments in the US, including any changes in interest-rate expectations and geopolitical risks. The Reserve Bank of Australia's input, with events such as the upcoming CPI report, will also be pivotal in shaping market expectations.
Key watchpoints