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Australia
What is the currency in Australia and do I need cash?
Last updated 2026-05-08
Short answer: Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD or A$). You barely need cash - 99% of venues take contactless cards including Apple Pay and Google Pay, and many businesses are now cashless. Carry AUD $50-100 in small notes for tips, markets, and the rare regional cafe.
ATMs: widely available; major bank ATMs (CBA, Westpac, ANZ, NAB) charge no fee. Beware Travelex/Cuscal ATMs in airports - $4-6 per withdrawal.
Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere. Amex is patchy outside cities. Many small operators add a 1-2% surcharge.
Tipping: not customary or expected. Round up at cafes if service was good; 10% in nice restaurants for special occasions only.
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