Currency Australian Dollar = 100 cents Notes:100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Coins:1, 2 and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Meals
Budget: $ 5.00 - 10.00
Mid-range: $ 10.00 - 25.00
High: $ 25.00 +
Lodging
Budget: $ 10.00 - 30.00
Mid-range: $ 30.00 - 90.00
High: $ 90.00 +
A few things to bear in mind when organising your money
1. Cash is great until it gets stolen. Cash is handy when you first arrive.
2. Keep some USD, local currency or another major currency away from your main wallet in case of emergencies
3. The safest place to carry money is next to your skin, in a money belt or at least in different places.
Travel will be your biggest expense, distances are huge. If you’re coming from Europe or the USA, Australia is going to look pretty cheap. Food is great value.
Accommodation is also reasonably priced, you will need: $ 30.00 to $ 45.00 a day, if you’re staying in hostels or campsites, and mostly making your own meals. $ 85.00 to $ 95.00 a day, if you’re moving around a bit, eating out once or twice a day and staying in budget hotels. $ 150.00 + a day, If you’re only staying for a couple of weeks and plan to take a few internal flights.
Currency exchange Before converting currencies, find out what banks, post offices or foreign exchanges charge in way of commission as this can vary greatly. Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. International-class hotels will exchange major currencies for guests. It is recommended that visitors change money at the airport or at city banks, as the exchange rate is better.
Traveller’s cheques Not all banks or foreign exchanges recognise all brands of travellers cheques, to be on the safe side you should buy a mix; Visa, Amex and Thomas Cook are the most well known and widely accepted. However, some banks may charge a fee for cashing travellers cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in a major currency. A passport is usually sufficient proof of identity.
If staying for any duration you could open a cash card account with a major bank, allowing you access to automatic tellers, which are very widespread and open 24 hours.
1. Most travellers cheques can be replaced worldwide if lost or stolen within 24 hours, they have no expiry date so can be kept for your next trip
2. Sign your Travellers Cheques once, right after purchase, as you are not protected against loss or theft.
3. You should also keep your receipt and the serial numbers on the cheques separate in case of theft
Credit & debit cards Credit cards American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa(particularly Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted (and pretty much compulsory if you’re going to rent a car), and ATMs all over the country accept credit and Cirrus cards. Use may be restricted in small towns and outback areas. Carry cancellation numbers for all credit and debit cards in case they are stolen or lost Currency restrictions Export and import of coins/notes in Australian or foreign currency above $10,000 must be declared to customs at the port of entry or departure. Export of local currency above $2000 must have reserve bank approval.
Bank Hours Bank hours are usually 9:30 to 16:30, Monday to Thursday, with an extension until 17:00 on Fridays, although in the city centre hours can be 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. Building societies are often open longer than banks.
Tipping is gaining a foothold in Australia, particularly in cafes and restaurants in the bigger cities, and a tip 10-15% is usual. However, you won’t cause offence if you don’t tip. Taxi drivers are always grateful if you leave the change.
