Currency in Christmas Island: AUD Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Christmas Island with the Australian dollar.
What's in this Christmas Island currency guide?
What currency is used in Christmas Island?
The official currency of Christmas Island (country code: CX) is the Australian dollar, with symbol A$ and currency code AUD.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Christmas Island?
The domestic currency in Christmas Island is the Australian dollar.
What is the Australian dollar currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Australian dollar is AUD — symbol is A$.
What doe the Australian dollar look like?
Here is an example Australian dollar banknote:
Which countries use the Australian dollar?
It is the domestic currency in Australia, Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Norfolk Island and Tuvalu.
Is the Australian dollar a closed currency?
No, the Australian dollar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and AUD?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to AUD (US dollar to Australian dollar)*.
*Converted at the current USDAUD interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Things to know about the Australian dollar
The Australian dollar is the fifth most traded currency in the world. Here are a few things to know about the AUD:
The symbol for the AUD is $ and it is abbreviated as "AUD" or "A$" to distinguish it from other currencies with the same symbol.
The currency is commonly referred to by foreign-exchange traders as the "Aussie dollar".
The AUD is a freely floating currency, meaning that its value is determined by the market forces of supply and demand.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is responsible for the monetary policy of the AUD and sets the official interest rate, which impacts the value of the currency.
The AUD is a commodity currency, meaning that it is influenced by the prices of Australia's commodity exports, such as iron ore, coal, and gold.
Australia has a strong and stable economy, which makes the AUD a popular choice for investors.
The AUD is used as a benchmark currency in the South Pacific region and is also used as a reserve currency by some central banks.
The AUD is accepted as a form of payment in a number of countries around the world, including Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The AUD historically has a relatively high interest rate compared to other major currencies, which can make it an attractive investment option for some investors.
Australians are more focussed on their currency exchange rate than are the citizens of most other countries, along with perhaps the British and Canadians. This is may be due to the open and trading nature of the Australian economy and also due to their love of 'overseas' travel.
The Australian dollar banknotes and coins
The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and $1 and $2. The banknotes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
The banknotes feature images of famous Australian historical figures, such as Edith Cowan, David Unaipon, and Mary Reibey. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
Travel money for Christmas Island
Using Wise for Australian dollar travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Australian dollar otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Australian dollar cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the AUD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Christmas Island: Travel Guide
Traveling to Christmas Island requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Christmas Island is an Australian territory located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,600 kilometers northwest of mainland Australia. The island is about 135 square kilometers in size and has a population of around 2,000 people. The island is known for its unique wildlife, particularly the annual red crab migration and a diverse marine life. The island's economy is based on a small tourist industry, a small phosphate mining operation and recently a growing tourism industry.
Christmas Island was named by Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company, when he arrived on Christmas Day in 1643. Despite the name, Christmas Island is not a popular destination for tourism during Christmas.
The island is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 60 species of birds, 12 species of reptiles, and several species of bats and insects, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. The most notable of these is the red crab, which has a population of tens of millions and migrates en masse each year from the forest to the ocean to breed.
Christmas Island is also known for its diverse marine life and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The island's waters are home to a variety of tropical fish, sharks, rays, and several species of coral.
The island's capital is Flying Fish Cove, often called "The Settlement", it has a small population of around 500 people. There are also several other small towns and villages on the island, but much of the island is uninhabited and covered by national park.
Christmas Island is a remote location and has limited infrastructure, which can make it challenging for travelers to get around and find accommodations. However, if you are interested in wildlife, nature and diving, Christmas Island is an unique destination to consider.
USD/AUD Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/AUD change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Christmas Island - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Christmas Island you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Christmas Island
When sending money to Christmas Island it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Australian dollar amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted AUD amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Christmas Island.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Australian dollar deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Christmas Island
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Australian dollar currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the AUD exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Australian dollar bank account: A local AUD bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Christmas Island. It may also be more convenient to use a local AUD bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Christmas Island. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Christmas Island. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Christmas Island, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Christmas Island.
Christmas Island
Christmas Island is an Australian territory located in the Indian Ocean, around 1,600 km northwest of the coast of Western Australia. The economy of Christmas Island is relatively small and heavily dependent on a few key industries, including:
- Phosphate mining: Christmas Island is rich in phosphates, a mineral used in fertilizers. The Christmas Island Phosphates mining operation, which is owned and operated by the Australian government, is the main source of revenue for the island.
- Tourism: Christmas Island is also an ecotourism destination, known for its unique wildlife, such as the annual red crab migration, as well as its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The island receives a small number of visitors each year, mostly from Australia and Asia.
- Fishing: Christmas Island also has a small commercial fishing industry, which is focused on catching tuna and other fish species.
- Services: The island also has some small service-based economy, such as retail, healthcare, and education.
The economy of Christmas Island is heavily dependent on the mining industry and government spending, with a small and limited private sector. The island also receives significant funding from the Australian government, which is used to support essential services, infrastructure and economic development.
It's worth noting that the economy of Christmas Island has faced some challenges in recent years, such as the decline of the mining industry, which has led to a reduction in government revenue and employment opportunities.