Travel money Australia 2022: How to pay & how much to bring

In Australia, you can pay for almost anything with plastic — including taxis, souvenirs and incidentals. Using a credit card without foreign transaction fees that also earns rewards on purchases is a great way to save money abroad.

Though cards are widely accepted, it’s always a good idea to have some cash in your pocket, too.

Our picks for traveling to Australia

Travel card with no annual fee

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

★★★★★
Finder rating: 3.5/5

Go to site

Send and receive 50+ currencies right from your phone

Wise Multi-currency

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.5/5

Go to site

28+ currencies and real exchange rates. Crypto deposits aren't FDIC insured.

Revolut

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.5/5

Go to site

Should I use a travel card, debit card or credit card?

You shouldn’t have any problem using a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card in Australia. Just watch out for transaction fees that come with using a card.

Debit cards are typically the preferred option for making ATM cash withdrawals. If you don’t want to link your bank account to your card, however, consider a prepaid travel card — just watch out for its additional fees.

These are your options for spending money in Australia

credit cards Learn more about using a credit card in Australia

Using a credit card

Since credit cards are a common payment method in Australia, you may want to consider a travel credit card. You could earn rewards on your purchases and get travel insurance, luggage insurance or car rental insurance. With some cards, you could even get a concierge service, which can be helpful when traveling abroad.

Another option could be an airline cobranded card. This type of card helps you save money on flights, checked bags, lounge access and more. Some cards also come with complimentary travel insurance and similar perks.

Tips:

ATM cash withdrawals using a credit card comes with cash advance fees and cash advance APR. Consider using a debit card instead.
Notify your bank you will be traveling to Australia.

Pros

Credit line access
Rewards
May come with travel insurance and coverage
May come with concierge service

Cons

Cash advance fees on ATMs
Cash advance APR on ATMs

Debit card being swiped in a POS station Best international debit cards

Using a debit card

A debit card comes in handy for cash withdrawals. You won’t pay any cash advance fees or a cash advance APR.

Tips:

Use a debit card for ATM withdrawals and a credit card for purchases.
Notify your bank you will be traveling to Australia.

Pros

No cash advance fee
No cash advance APR
No overdraft

Cons

Weak or no rewards
No access to a credit line
Potential foreign transaction fees up to 3%.
Potential ATM withdrawal fees

person at laptop with credit card and phone Prepaid travel money cards

Using a prepaid travel card

When it comes to staying protected against theft, using a prepaid travel card is your best option as it’s not linked to your bank account. However, travel cards can have expensive fees.

To avoid foreign transaction fees, try loading your prepaid travel cards with Australian dollars.

Pros

Can load Australian dollar
No cash advance APR
No link to your bank account

Cons

Many fees
May take time to load
No rewards

Australian currency notes Compare cash pickup services in Australia

Paying with cash in Australia

In general, most establishments in Australia accept cards. However, carrying some cash is a good idea in case you stumble across a place that doesn’t.

You can either exchange US dollars at a bank or make an ATM cash withdrawal. If you go for the latter, consider using a debit card and preferably one without foreign transaction fees or ATM fees.

Pros

Payment flexibility
Convenience
No need for ATMs

Cons

High risk of theft

Woman taking a check picture Traveler’s checks guide

Using traveler’s checks

Traveler’s checks aren’t widely accepted in Australia. This could make purchasing and cashing your checks a nuisance. Considering checks come with foreign transaction fees and purchasing fees, they could become more expensive than they’re worth. In Australia, the other payment options could be better alternatives.

Pros

Security

Cons

Not accepted everywhere
Fees for purchasing and cashing checks

Compare travel cards for Australia

Name	Welcome Offer	Rewards	Annual fee
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel	2x miles on every purchase, every day, 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles when you book on Turo, the world’s largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023	$95	Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card	Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel	Earn unlimited 1.25x miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.	$0	Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card	75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months	3x points on Southwest® purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming	$99	Limited-time offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Venmo Credit Card	N/A	3% cash back on your eligible top spend category, 2% back on your second top spend category and 1% on the rest	$0	A cashback credit card that lets you auto-purchase the crypto of your choice from your Venmo account.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One Platinum Credit Card	N/A	N/A	$0	Pay no annual fee, be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card	75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months	3x points on Southwest® purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming	$149	Limited-time offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening	2x miles on every purchase, every day, 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 10x miles when you book on Turo, the world’s largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel	$395	Capital One's premium luxury travel card, featuring airport lounge access at Capital One Lounge and 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel	$95	Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That's worth $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card	75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest® purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming, 1x points on all other purchases	$69	Limited-time offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™	N/A	1x points on all purchases with 2% point value when you redeem for airfare and 1.5% for cash back	$495	Receive an annual $100 air travel credit toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card	Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	Earn up to 17 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.	$0	Earn 120,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back	3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases	$0	Now earning 5% on Chase Travel Portal purchases, this card has become a worthy travel card pick. Also get up to 5% on other everyday purchases.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Freedom Flex℠	$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months	5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5%cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, 1% cash back on all other purchases.	$0	Get 5% back on purchases made through the Chase Travel Portal, making this a strong travel card as well as a solid everyday rewards card.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Luxury Card Mastercard® Titanium Card™	N/A	1x points on all purchases with 2% point value when you redeem for airfare and 1% for cash back	$195	Enjoy unique excursions, privileged access to exclusive events and insider opportunities.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	New Offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®	5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel after earning your $300 travel credit, 10x points on Lyft rides, 10x points on Chase Dining through Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other dining and 1x points on all other purchases	$550	Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example $900 points are worth $900 toward travel	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card	50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days	3x points on travel or 4x points if you’re a PenFed Honors Advantage member and 1.5x points on all other purchases	$95	50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days from account opening.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The World of Hyatt Credit Card	30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus 2x instead of 1x points on up to $15,000 (up to 30,000 more points) in the first 6 months	9x total points at Hyatt hotels as a World of Hyatt member, 2x on gyms, commuting, dining and airlines and 1x on all other purchases	$95	Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus earn 2x instead of 1x points on up to $15,000 (up to 30,000 more points) in the first 6 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Luxury Card Mastercard® Gold Card™	N/A	1x points on all purchases with 2% point value when you redeem for airfare or cash back	$995	Earn 2% point value when redeemed for airfare or cash back through the Luxury rewards program.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
United℠ Explorer Card	Up to 70,000 bonus miles: 60,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus 10,000 miles after you spend $6,000 total on purchases in the first 6 months months	2x miles on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)	Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles. Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 miles after you spend $6,000 total on purchases in the first 6 months months your account is open.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card	60,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months	Up to 14x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x on travel and 1x on all other purchases	$0	For a limited time, earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months months from account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

What’s the Australian currency and where can I get the best exchange rate?

Australia uses the Australian dollar with a symbol $ and a currency code AUD.

You could exchange US dollars upon arrival, but the conversion rates at the airport usually aren’t favorable. An ATM cash withdrawal could give you a better rate.

Refreshing in: 60s | Tue, Jul 05, 08:51AM GMT

Common Australian dollar banknotes:

The main banks in Australia are:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)
Westpac Banking Corporation (Wespac)
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)

National Australia Bank (NAB)
Bank of Queensland
Macquarie Bank
Bendigo Bank

AMP Bank Ltd
Suncorp Bank
Bankwest

Find ATMs in Australia

Using money transfers to safely travel with cash

With WorldRemit you can send money to Australia before you depart. Once you arrive, you can pick it up from a local WorldRemit agent.

To make the transfer, you need to submit an Australian phone number and an address. If you don’t have one, WorldRemit recommends submitting the phone and the address of the place you’ll be staying at. This is in case the local agent needs to contact you. But you can still pick up the money with only your passport.

Cash pickup services in Australia

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
$1	Within an hour	USD 3.99	1.464	AUD 1,458	WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, ARS, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RUB, RWF, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SOS, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TZS, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
$10	Within an hour	N/A	N/A	N/A	Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers. Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 10.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies ALL, AMD, ARS, AZN, BAM, BDT, BGN, BIF, BOB, BRL, BSD, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KZT, LKR, LRD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MWK, MXN, MYR, NIO, NPR, PAB, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SLL, SRD, SVC, THB, TJS, TND, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VND, XAF, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
$1	Within an hour	USD 8.00	1.438	AUD 1,426	MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Agent, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer, International Money Order Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AFN, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BZD, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, IQD, IRR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, LYD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MNT, MOP, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SDG, SEK, SGD, SLL, SRD, STD, SVC, SZL, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, XPF, YER, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
$1	3 - 5 days	USD 20.00	1.434	AUD 1,406	Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries around the world.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Agent, Bank Account to Bank Account, International Money Order Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, AFN, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BZD, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CUP, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, FKP, GBP, GEL, GGP, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, IMP, INR, IQD, IRR, ISK, JEP, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KPW, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, LYD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MNT, MOP, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SDG, SEK, SGD, SHP, SLL, SOS, SPL, SRD, STD, SYP, SZL, THB, TJS, TMT, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TVD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XDR, XOF, XPF, YER, ZAR, ZMW Go to site Read the full review

Compare up to 4 providers

Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

Verdict

Plastic is widely accepted throughout Australia. For best value, consider using a travel or an airline cobranded credit card for purchases, and a debit card for ATM cash withdrawals. But make sure your cards have no foreign transaction fees.

If you would like to know more about which payment method would work best overseas, check out our travel money guide page.Back to top

Our latest travel deals to Australia

Deal

Find cheap flights to Sydney

Expires 1 Aug 2029

Get deal

Deal

Book your flight today to Sydney, Australia

Expires 1 Oct 2029

Get deal

Deal

Cheap Fiji flights from $755 return

Book flights to Nadi, Fiji with American Airlines, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas and more.

Get deal

Deal

Trafalgar US_Save 15% off 2020 Australia & New Zealand trips with Trafalgar US! Book an adventure today!

Get deal

Deal

Sydney hotel stays from $53 per night

Book hotels in Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Sydney Airport and more from just $63 per night.

Get deal

Deal

Book your hotel today in Sydney, Australia

Get deal

Deal

Up to 20% off tours worldwide

Discounted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa and South America.

Get deal

Thank you for your feedback!

Kliment Dukovski

Kliment Dukovski is a cryptocurrency and investments writer who has written over 700 articles to help readers find and compare the best financial options. Kliment has also written on money transfers, home loans and more. Previously, he ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange and stock market trading.

More guides on Finder

Compare HELOC rates in Florida
What to know about HELOC rates in Florida to get the best rate.
How to buy cryptocurrency in the USA
Learn how to buy cryptocurrency in the US and what you’ll need.
Affirm Savings review
This buy now, pay later service has stepped into the savings account game. But is it worth it?
How to invest in Ethereum
Interested in Ethereum? Find 5 strategies to invest in the cryptocurrency.
How to buy cryptocurrency in Puerto Rico
How to start buying and investing in cryptocurrency in Puerto Rico.
How much are closing costs on a HELOC or home equity loan?
Do you have to pay closing costs on home equity loans and HELOCs?
Best Cash-out Refinance Lenders 2022
Find out how it works and if it makes sense for your current situation.
How to buy gold
Learn where to buy gold, how to invest in gold and about gold’s historical performance as an investment. Find out all the need-to-knows with our extensive guide.
High-yield savings accounts of July 2022
Take a look at several of the best high-interest savings accounts to grow your funds with no risk. You’ll discover fee structures and what it takes to open an account.
Scratch Card Review
Earn cash back equal to inflation with this upcoming card.

Ask an Expert

Click here to cancel reply.

Display Name

Your Email (will not be published)

Your Question

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

Travel money guide: Australia

Consider a credit card without foreign transaction fees to save money abroad.

Our picks for traveling to Australia

Should I use a travel card, debit card or credit card?

These are your options for spending money in Australia

Using a credit card

Pros

Cons

Using a debit card

Pros

Cons

Using a prepaid travel card

Pros

Cons

Paying with cash in Australia

Pros

Cons

Using traveler’s checks

Pros

Cons

Compare travel cards for Australia

Compare up to 4 providers

What’s the Australian currency and where can I get the best exchange rate?

The main banks in Australia are:

Find ATMs in Australia

Using money transfers to safely travel with cash

Cash pickup services in Australia

Compare up to 4 providers

Verdict

Read more on this topic:

Our latest travel deals to Australia

Kliment Dukovski

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

Travel money guide: Australia

Consider a credit card without foreign transaction fees to save money abroad.

In this guide

Travel money type

Compare

Locations

Compare more cards

Top picks of 2021

Our picks for traveling to Australia

Should I use a travel card, debit card or credit card?

These are your options for spending money in Australia

Using a credit card

Pros

Cons

Using a debit card

Pros

Cons

Using a prepaid travel card

Pros

Cons

Paying with cash in Australia

Pros

Cons

Using traveler’s checks

Pros

Cons

Compare travel cards for Australia

Compare up to 4 providers

What’s the Australian currency and where can I get the best exchange rate?

The main banks in Australia are:

Find ATMs in Australia

Using money transfers to safely travel with cash

Cash pickup services in Australia

Compare up to 4 providers

Verdict

Read more on this topic:

Our latest travel deals to Australia

Kliment Dukovski

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

Advertiser Disclosure