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Money and Costs

Daily Costs

Budget: Less than $200

  • Hostel dorm bed: $60
  • Double room in a basic motel: $125-175
  • Simple main meal: $15–20
  • Short bus or tram ride: $5

Midrange: $200−350

  • Double room in a B&B or hotel: $150–250
  • Brunch in a good cafe: $25–40
  • Small gig or show: $30
  • Short taxi ride: $25

Top End: More than $350

  • Double room in a top-end hotel: from $350
  • Three-course meal in an upmarket restaurant: $125 per person
  • Theatre or festival tickets: from $100 per person
  • Domestic flight between two main cities: from $150
expanses
Australlian-currency

Currency

Australian dollar ($)

Australia’s currency is the Australian dollar, comprising 100 cents. There are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Prices in shops are often marked in single cents then rounded to the nearest 5c when you pay. Australian dollars is the only currency accepted. You won’t have much trouble finding an ATM (automated teller machine, or cashpoint) but be aware that transaction fees are high.

 

Changing Money

Changing foreign currency (or travellers cheques, if you’re still using them!) is rarely a problem at banks and licensed money changers such as Travelex in major cities and airports.

 

Exchange Rates

Canada C$1 $1.06
China Y1 $0.27
Eurozone €1 $1.58
Japan ¥100 $1.25
New Zealand NZ$1 $0.97
South Korea W1000 $1.25
UK UK£1 $1.82
USA US$1 $1.39
ATM-Eftpos

ATMs & Eftpos

ATMs Australia’s ‘big four’ banks – ANZ, Commonwealth, National Australia Bank and Westpac – and affiliated banks have branches all over Australia, plus a slew of 24-hour cashpoints (automated teller machines; ATMs). You’ll even find them in some outback roadhouses.

Eftpos Most petrol stations, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and shops have Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (Eftpos) facilities.

Banking fees Withdrawing cash through ATMs or Eftpos may attract significant fees − check associated costs with your home bank and enquire about fee-free options.

Tipping

It’s common, but by no means obligatory, to tip in restaurants and upmarket cafes if the service warrants it. Taxi drivers also appreciate you rounding up the fare. Tipping is not usually expected at hotels.

Bargaining

Gentle haggling can be observed at weekend markets and vintage shops, but it’s generally not the done thing in Australia, where prices are fixed. It’s acceptable to ask for a discount on expensive items when paying cash or buying more than one item. In most instances you’re expected to pay the stated price.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted for everything from a hostel bed or a restaurant meal to an adventure tour, and are essential for hiring a car. They can also be used to get cash advances over the counter at banks and from many ATMs, depending on the card, though you’ll incur immediate interest. Diners Club and American Express (Amex) are not as widely accepted in Australia.

Debit Cards

A debit card allows you to draw money directly from your home bank account. Any card connected to the international banking network – Cirrus, Maestro, Plus and Eurocard – should work with your PIN, but again expect substantial fees. Companies such as Travelex offer debit cards with set withdrawal fees and a balance you can top up from your personal bank account while on the road.

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