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.
What is a good Australian dollar exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Australian dollar
Here are some key facts about the Australian Dollar (AUD) that are particularly useful for travelers, expats, and business owners:
- Currency Denominations: Australia's currency includes banknotes in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, and coins in 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as $1 and $2.
- Polymer Banknotes: Introduced in 1988, Australia was the first country to use polymer banknotes, making them more durable and resistant to counterfeiting.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): A 10% GST is applied to most products and services in Australia.
- Currency Declaration: If bringing more than $10,000 AUD (or equivalent) into Australia, you must declare it upon arrival.
- Currency Conversion: Coins cannot be reconverted upon departure, so it's advisable to spend or exchange them before leaving.
- Tipping Practices: Tipping is not compulsory in Australia; however, a gratuity of 10-15% is appreciated in restaurants if service charges are not included.
- Currency Availability: ATMs are widely available in urban areas, but facilities may be limited in remote regions.
- Currency Exchange Fees: Be aware of potential fees when exchanging currency, especially at airports or hotels, and consider using authorized outlets for better rates.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official Australian government website. (australia.com)
For more AUD information check out our selection of Australian dollar news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Christmas Island?
The domestic currency in Christmas Island is the Australian dollar.
What is the Australian dollar currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Australian dollar is AUD — symbol is A$.
What does 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.
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.
Everyday Costs in in Christmas Island
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Christmas Island? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Christmas Island (CX)
Travelers planning a one-week mid-range stay on Christmas Island (CX) should budget around AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,000 per person, which will cover a comfortable experience on this unique island. The cost of living can vary, but here is a general overview of daily expenses in local currency, AUD:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: AUD 20–40
- ☕ Coffee: AUD 4–5
- 🚌 Public transport fare: AUD 5
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: AUD 30
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: AUD 100–150 per night
Overall, Christmas Island can be considered an average destination in terms of cost; however, comparisons with other countries suggest it might feel slightly more expensive. For instance, dining out in the United States can be less costly, while Australia generally aligns closely with Christmas Island's prices. In contrast, a visit to the UK or Singapore may present higher daily expenses, especially in terms of accommodation and meals, making Christmas Island a moderately priced option for travelers.
Expat Life on Christmas Island
For expats considering a move to Christmas Island, typical monthly living costs can range between AUD 2,800 to AUD 3,500. This would cover rent, groceries, utilities, and leisure. Housing costs can vary significantly, depending on the location and type of accommodation, so budgeting wisely is essential.
When it comes to banking, utilizing local banks can be quite convenient. However, be mindful of fees associated with international credit cards. For larger transactions, online money transfer services like Wise or OFX are often more favorable compared to cash exchanges at local banks, as they typically offer better rates and lower fees. Generally, it’s advisable to exchange a small amount for immediate needs and use these online services for larger transfers or remittances, ensuring you maximize your funds while minimizing costs.
USD/AUD Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/AUD change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Recent Australian dollar Market News
Recent Developments Affecting the AUD
1. RBA Monetary Policy Decisions
- The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left interest rates unchanged in its latest meeting, signaling a cautious approach amid global economic uncertainties. RBA
2. Commodity Prices Fluctuation
- Recent declines in key commodity prices, particularly iron ore and coal, have impacted Australian export revenues, leading to downward pressure on the AUD. Bloomberg
3. China's Economic Data
- Weaker-than-expected economic data from China, Australia’s largest trading partner, has raised concerns about future demand for Australian goods, negatively affecting the AUD. Reuters
4. Global Risk Appetite
- Increased geopolitical tensions and rising global inflation have led to a flight to safety, causing the AUD to weaken as investors prefer safe-haven currencies like the USD. Financial Times
5. Australian Employment Figures
- A surprising decline in employment numbers last month may prompt concerns over economic growth, affecting market sentiment toward the AUD. The Sydney Morning Herald
Stay tuned for continuous updates as these factors evolve and impact the currency market.
For more AUD information read our News and guides to the Australian dollar.
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.