🇦🇺 Australia · AUD
Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD) and is one of the most cashless societies in the world, where tap-to-pay cards and phones are accepted almost everywhere. You can comfortably travel with little or no cash, though a small amount is handy for markets and remote areas.
The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), divided into 100 cents. Banknotes are polymer (plastic) and come in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, while coins are issued in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents plus 1 and 2 dollars. Cash totals are rounded to the nearest 5 cents since 1- and 2-cent coins no longer exist.
Australia is overwhelmingly card-based, and contactless tap payments are the norm for everything from coffee to taxis. Many businesses are effectively cashless, though some pass on a card surcharge, especially for credit cards. Carrying a small amount of cash is useful for farmers markets, some food trucks and remote towns, but you'll rarely need much.
Paying directly in Australian dollars by card is usually the most cost-effective option. If you do exchange cash, city exchange specialists generally beat banks and hotels, so compare a couple and check for commission. Because Australia is so cashless, many visitors skip cash exchange entirely.
Airport currency counters offer poor rates and high margins, so avoid changing significant sums there. If you want some cash on arrival, withdraw a small amount from a bank ATM instead. In most cases you can leave the airport with no cash and simply tap your card for transport.
ATMs from the major banks (such as Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ and NAB) are widely available and usually don't charge their own fee, whereas independent ATMs in pubs and convenience stores often levy a surcharge. Always decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in Australian dollars. Your home bank may still apply foreign-transaction fees, so check before you travel.
Tipping is not expected in Australia, as staff are paid a proper minimum wage. It's entirely optional, and rounding up or leaving around 10% for exceptional service at a nicer restaurant is appreciated but never obligatory. There's no need to tip taxis, cafes or bars.
The most common avoidable cost is the card surcharge many businesses add, especially on credit cards, so ask or look for the displayed surcharge rate. Decline dynamic currency conversion on cards and ATMs and pay in Australian dollars. Use major-bank ATMs to avoid the high fees charged by independent machines in bars and shops.
You can travel Australia with very little cash thanks to near-universal card acceptance. Bringing or withdrawing a small amount for markets, remote areas and the occasional cash-only spot is sensible, but large amounts are unnecessary. A tap-enabled card or phone will cover the vast majority of your spending.
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