Currency
Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of A$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of A$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Currency exchange
Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. International-class hotels will exchange major currencies for guests. It is recommended that visitors change money at the airport or at city banks.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Use may be restricted in small towns and outback areas. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller's cheques
These are accepted in major currencies at banks or large hotels. However, some banks may charge a fee for cashing travellers cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in a major currency.
Currency restrictions
Export and import of coins/notes in Australian or foreign currency above A$10,000 must be declared to customs at the port of entry or departure. Export of local currency above A$2000 must have reserve bank approval.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Australian Dollar against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | May '05 | | £1.00= | 2.57 | 2.40 | 2.40 | 2.42 | | $1.00= | 1.39 | 1.26 | 1.27 | 1.31 |
Banking hours
Mon-Thurs 0930-1600, Fri 0930-1700. These hours may vary slightly throughout the country.
|