HSBC CAD to AUD Travel Money Compared

Traveling to Australia: How Much Should You Bring?

For travelers planning a 1-week mid-range stay in Australia, a budget of around AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,200 should suffice, covering most everyday expenses. In Australia, typical daily costs include AUD 20-30 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, about AUD 4 for a cup of coffee, and AUD 4.60 for a one-way public transport ticket in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. A prepaid SIM card with adequate data might cost around AUD 15-20, while budget accommodations such as hotels or Airbnb can range from AUD 100 to AUD 150 per night. Compared to visiting the United States, where daily expenses and accommodation can be quite similar, Australia leans towards being moderately expensive. When juxtaposed with Singapore, Australia is notably more budget-friendly, as Singapore's costs are relatively higher, particularly for accommodations and dining.

Typical daily costs in Australia:

• 🥘 Meal at a local restaurant: AUD 20–25

• ☕ Coffee: AUD 4–5

• 🚌 Public transport fare: AUD 5–10

• 📱 Prepaid SIM card (7 days): AUD 10–20

• 🛏️ Budget hotel or Airbnb: AUD 100–150 per night

Living in Australia: A Guide for Expats

For expats settling in Australia, expect typical monthly living costs to range from AUD 3,000 to AUD 4,500, depending on lifestyle choices and city of residence. Rent is a significant variable, with average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center costing around AUD 2,000 or more. When it comes to banking and card usage, Australia’s infrastructure supports a wide variety of international credit and debit cards, making it convenient for daily transactions. Online banking is highly prevalent, and digital wallets are gaining traction. For sending or receiving money, online transfer services like Wise or OFX are often more economical and faster than traditional bank exchanges, offering competitive rates and lower fees. It's usually more cost-effective to exchange money locally or rely on these online platforms for currency exchanges, as they often beat the rates provided by banks.