Australian currency, Australian money

Money Matters

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Australian dollar which is divided into 100 cents.

The notes are: $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
Coins: 5c 10c 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.

The 1c and 2c coins were phased out in 1990. Shops round prices up or down to the nearest 5c on your total bill, not on individual items.

...for history of Australian currency and more info

CREDIT CARDS
The cards widely used for payment for most goods and services are:

American Express
MasterCard
Diners Club
Visa

Credit cards can be used to get cash from any bank (take some form of photo ID).
Credit cards and usual cash cards can be used in ATMs (cash dispensers).
Travellers' cheques are accepted.

In the event of a lost or stolen credit card or cheques, call the company immediately:

AMERICAN EXPRESS
Credit cards 9271 8666
Travellers' cheques 9271 8689

DINERS CLUB
1800 331 199

MASTERCARD
1800 120 113

VISA
1800 801 256

Central branches of major banks have foreign exchange facilities. (Fees apply)
Trading hours: Mon-Thurs 9.30am-4pm, Fri 9.30am-5pm.
Limited Saturday services are available at some banks and building societies.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) operate 24 hours.

TIPPING
Whilst a tip is not essential and you should not feel obliged, it is appreciated for good service. A 10% tip is widely accepted as the standard in restaurants.
In a taxi, a tip of $1-$2 is usual.
No service charges are added to hotel and restaurant bills.

GST (Goods and Services Tax)
This 10% tax was introduced on July 1, 2000 on most goods and services.