In this Sydney CBD guide, we show you how to save money when looking for Currency Exchange and Forex services downtown in the emerald city.
Sydney is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Whether you are visiting to experience the dazzling the harbour; the crystal blue waters and crashing waves of Bondi beach; learn about Sydney’s convict past; sample the culinary wonders across the city; or delight your senses at the Sydney Opera House, you you will want to be prepared for your trip and be at the ready with some australian dollars in your wallet.
Ordering Cash Online versus buying In-Store
Whatever your reason for visiting, and there are so many possible reasons, before you hit the streets looking for currency exchange you are better off ordering your foreign cash online from Foreign Xchange or Travelex and then picking up the cash at a Post Office branch near to where you live or work.
You will find that you can save a couple of percent on the exchange rate margin by pre-ordering your cash. Our Review of Auspost exchange rates includes the following table that shows you an example of how much you can save.
| Currency | Amount | Branch Rate | Online Rate | Branch Cost | Online Cost | Online Saving | Saving % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | $500 | 0.6924 | 0.7138 | $722.14 | $700.48 | $21.66 | 3% |
| EUR | €500 | 0.5852 | 0.6033 | $854.41 | $828.78 | $25.63 | 3% |
| GBP | £500 | 0.5239 | 0.5401 | $954.39 | $925.75 | $28.63 | 3% |
| JPY | ¥50,000 | 75.372 | 78.5122 | $663.38 | $636.84 | $26.54 | 4% |
| NZD | $500 | 1.0223 | 1.0539 | $489.10 | $474.43 | $14.67 | 3% |
| Total | $4,698.21 | $4,698.21 | $129.85 | 3% |
Table showing Online vs In-branch Savings with AusPost (exchange rates were valid for 21st July, 2018)
Compare the Best Exchange Rate providers and banks in Sydney
These tables show the latest rates from some major Australian banks (CBA, ANZ and Westpac) for foreign transfers and travel money. The percentages with the rates show how much margin the bank is charging compared to the market mid-rate.
The tables are updated hourly, for the latest comparison goto our comparison calculators for Foreign Transfers and Travel Money.
You can click the rates to goto directly to the comparison table for the currency and transaction type of your choice – the percentage margins for each rate are to the latest market midrate
Travelex , 1AUD=
CBA , 1AUD=
ANZ , 1AUD=
Westpac , 1AUD=Sydney CBD Currency Exchange Locations
Pre-Order Foreign Cash & Save
Get better rates than available to you in-branch by first ordering online from Foreign Xchange for home delivery, you can still pick up in person at any Australia Post branch.
Further Reading
Travelex & TravelMoneyOz – Who has best rates?
To help you choose between Travelex and Travel Money Oz the following live exchange rates table shows who has the best exchange rate when ordering foreign currency online.
What is a Closed Currency?
A closed currency is a one that is not available for purchase in countries other than its country of origin. We take a look at what that means for a traveller visiting a country with a closed currency.
Best Ways to Save on Currency Exchange
We show you how to Pre-order foreign cash online for better currency exchange rates and save money for your next trip.
Top 5 Travel Money Options
There are multiple methods and modes to travel money these days. The most seasoned nomads will share that they mix it up with some cash, a pre-paid travel card or a travel credit card. This provides multiple options when you are on the road whilst also minimising the risk of being stranded with no money […]