Living and Trading in AUD: FX Guide to Tuvalu
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Tuvalu with the Australian dollar
What's in this Tuvalu currency guide?
What currency is used in Tuvalu?
The official currency of Tuvalu (country code: TV) is the Australian dollar, with symbol A$ and currency code AUD.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Tuvalu?
The domestic currency in Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu
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.
Tuvalu is one of the world’s most remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. This tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean lies just south of the Equator, west of the International Date Line, and two hours by air north of Fiji. A member of the Commonwealth, Tuvalu consists of nine islands and atolls, with Funafuti being the main atoll and home to the country’s only airstrip. Visitors are welcomed with a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, and there’s no departure tax.
Currency in Tuvalu
Tuvalu uses the Australian dollar (AUD), supplemented by unique Tuvaluan coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II and local marine life. There are no ATMs, and credit cards are not accepted, even at hotels and guesthouses, so bring plenty of cash.
Getting Around in Tuvalu
- Funafuti (Fongafale): The best way to explore the main island is by renting a motorbike for $10 per day or hitching a ride. Helmets aren’t available, but with slow speeds and minimal traffic, it’s a safe way to get around.
- Outer Islands: Accessible only by passenger ferry from Funafuti, trips can be long, often overnight or multi-day journeys. Plan accordingly.
Language and Communication
Most Tuvaluans speak English, and signs are in English, but locals may be shy about using it. Learning a few words of Tuvaluan can help break the ice:
- Talofa: Hello
- Fafetai: Thank you
- Fetaui: See you later
Tuvalu’s isolation and simplicity make it a truly unique destination, perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful escape and authentic cultural experiences.
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 Tuvalu - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu
When sending money to Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu.
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!