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Travel money guide: Australia

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

Kliment Dukovski

Updated Dec 30, 2020

Fact checked

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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

Our pick for travel credit card

American Express® Gold Card

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.6/5

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Our pick for multi-currency debit card

Transferwise Multi-currency

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.5/5

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Our pick for 0% transaction fee debit card

SoFi Money

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.6/5

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What's in this guide?

Should I use a travel card, debit card or credit card?
These are your options for spending money in Australia
Compare travel cards for Australia
What's the Australian currency and where can I get the best exchange rate?
Cash pickup services in Australia
Verdict
Our latest travel deals to Australia

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
American Express® Gold Card	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months	4x at restaurants including delivery and Uber Eats; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points) and 3x points on directly-booked flights	$250	Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 with this upper-mid tier travel card. Terms apply, see rates & fees	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, a value of up to $750 through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries.	5x points on Lyft, 2x points on up to $1,000 on groceries until April 30, 2021, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases	$95	Earn a signup bonus worth $750 plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries with this popular travel card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Platinum Card® from American Express	75,000 points after spending $5,000 in your first 6 months, plus 10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 in combined purchases in the same timeframe	10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 combined in the first 6 months, 5x points on directly-booked flights on up to $500,000 annually, then 1x points after that and on other purchases	$550	One of the most valuable premium travel cards, featuring two welcome offers worth up to $4,500, multiple travel credits and unrivaled lounge access. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	10x points on Lyft rides, 3x points on dining and travel after earning your $300 travel credit and 1x points on all other purchases	$550	Get a generous $300 in annual travel credits, 3x points on travel and dining, and a 50% bonus on point redemptions with Chase's premier card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card	75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x at US restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2x for all other purchases	$450	Earn 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 or more within your first 3 months. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Freedom Unlimited®	$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months	5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% 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.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Citi Premier® Card	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, flights and hotels and 1x points on everything else	$95	Earn 60,000 bonus points after making $4,000 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening.	Apply now 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...
Grand Reserve™ World Mastercard®	50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days	5x points at Grand Reserve Partners, 3x points at any winery, wine club, wine shop, restaurant or bar and 2x everywhere else. Plus an additional 2x points at the wine merchant you spend the most each month.	$149	Earn 5x points at Grand Reserve Partners, 3x points at any winery, wine club, or wine shop, and 2x everywhere else.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card	35,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)	With a welcome offer worth up to $600, up to 2x miles on select purchases, and assorted Delta perks, this is a strong choice for Delta fans. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Freedom Flex℠	$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months	5% back in rotating categories up to $1,500 combined each activated quarter (then 1%), 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% 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.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Hilton Honors American Express Card	100,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus $100 after your first purchase in the first 3 months	7x points on Hilton Honors purchases, 5x at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations, 3x on all other purchases	$0	With a massive welcome offer for a no-annual-fee card and up to 7x points at Hilton, this is a solid pick for Hilton fans and occasional travelers. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
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...
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card	150,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus $150 after making a purchase in the first 3 months	12x points on Hilton Portfolio spending, 6x at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations, 3x on all other purchases	$95	With a big welcome offer worth up to $750, up to 12x points on spending, and free Gold status, this is an upgrade from the entry Hilton card. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card	10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months	2x miles at restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0	Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and dining with this simple, entry-level Delta card, and pay no annual fee. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now 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...
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi	N/A	4% at gas stations on up to $7,000 annually (then 1%), 3% at restaurants and on travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on all other purchases	$0	Get 3% back on your travel and dining purchases with no foreign transaction fees and use the card for your Costco membership.	Apply now 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...
British Airways Visa Signature® Card	50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus earn a Travel Together Ticket after spending $20,000 in the first year	5x Avios on British Airways and partner airlines for the first 12 months (then 3x) and 3x on hotels for the first 12 months (then 2x)	$95	Earn 50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus earn a Travel Together Ticket after spending $20,000 in the first year.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
United℠ Explorer Card	40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus 25,000 miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months	2x miles at restaurants, hotels and United and 1.5x miles on all other purchases	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)	Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. Plus an additional 25,000 miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months.	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 | Thu, Mar 04, 03:23AM 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	1.277	AUD 1,272	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, AOA, 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, MMK, 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	1.255	AUD 1,245	MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.		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 Read the full review
$1	3 - 5 days	USD 20.00	1.252	AUD 1,227	Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries around the world.		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 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

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Kliment Dukovski

Kliment Dukovski is a credit cards writer. He's written over 600 articles to help readers find and compare the best credit cards. Kliment has also written on money transfers, home loans and more. Previously, he ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange, stock market trading and cryptocurrencies.

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Travel money guide: Australia

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

Travel Money Type

Compare

Locations

Compare More Cards

Sign up & start saving!

Our picks for traveling to Australia

What's in this guide?

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

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