Buy Australian Dollars

You’ll usually be able to use bank cards in most urban areas and tourist spots in Australia, but you shouldn’t rely on cards alone. Many of the country’s attractions are off the beaten track or in areas where connectivity is less reliable, so you’ll need to be prepared with cash. And remember, overseas card payments usually incur fees, charges and unfavourable exchange rates.

Prices will vary depending on where you are in Australia and your travel style, but the country isn’t considered cheap. On average, a one-week trip for two people could set you back around $3,500, the most costly expense being flights. Expect to budget around $250 for your daily spending, unless your travel plans are particularly frugal or luxurious.

Australia’s official currency is the Australian Dollar, which is the country’s only legal tender. You shouldn’t expect to be able to use any other currencies.

Yes, you’ll need a visa to enter Australia. British passport holders need to apply for an Australian tourist visa, which allows a stay of up to 90 days, and must have a passport that’s valid for the entire length of the trip. Always check the entry requirements with your country’s embassy before departing.

Unlike in the US or Canada, tipping isn’t customary in Australia. Most restaurants include a service charge, but otherwise you could still leave a tip of around 10-15% if you choose. For other services, like hotel workers or tour guides, tipping is likewise a nice but not mandatory gesture.

Most Aussies’ first language is English, but the country is particularly diverse in its culture and languages. You might hear Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Punjabi, Greek, Italian and more spoken across the country. 

Australia is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, but it’s always wise to check government travel advisories before your trip.

You can also visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the latest government travel advice for Australia.

When planning a trip to Australia, you need to consider the climate. Many travellers prefer the dry season of December to April, when the weather is sunnier yet mild and with less rainfall. September is the island’s rainiest month, with higher chances of tropical storms.

It's best to buy your Australian Dollars before travelling to Australia. By getting your travel money in advance, you could get a more favourable exchange rate.

There's no limit to the amount of Australian Dollars you can take to Australia. However, if you're carrying more than $10,000 AUD it must be declared upon entering and leaving the country.

No, you can only use the New Zealand Dollar in New Zealand.

You can use the Australian Dollar in Australia and its territories, including:

• Christmas Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Nauru
• Norfolk Island
• Heard Island and McDonald Islands