For a trip to Australia, it's best to set off with a little cash in Australian dollars (AUD), as the country is one of the most contactless-oriented in the world. Here's how to get organised before you leave.
The Australian dollar (AUD) in practice
The official currency is the Australian dollar, written AUD or A$ to distinguish it from other dollars. It is divided into 100 cents. Australia has a notable feature: it was the first country in the world to adopt polymer banknotes, that thin, water-resistant plastic that barely tears. You'll come across notes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, in very bright colours, as well as coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and of 1 and 2 dollars.
Good to know: 1- and 2-cent coins no longer exist. When you pay in cash, the total amount is rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 cents. This rounding does not apply to card payments, which are calculated to the exact cent.
A country where the card is king
Australia is an almost cashless society. Contactless payment (the famous "tap and go") is accepted absolutely everywhere: cafés, supermarkets, taxis, public transport, markets, and even for a simple 4-dollar coffee. Bank cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay cover the vast majority of your urban spending in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth.
Two habits to keep in mind, however. First, some merchants apply a surcharge (an extra fee) on card payments, often 1 to 2%, which must be displayed. Second, remember to notify your bank of your trip and to check the foreign exchange fees applied to each transaction abroad, which can quickly add up. Some cash exchanged in advance, commission-free, often remains more advantageous for your small purchases.
How much cash should you take?
In the big cities, you can live almost entirely by card. But Australia is also the outback, the vast roads, the national parks, the small isolated petrol stations and the farmers' markets where cash always comes in handy. If your itinerary strays off the tourist trail, plan for a reserve of AUD in notes.
In practice, setting off with the equivalent of 200 to 400 Australian dollars in cash is a good starting point for the first few days: transport from the airport, first meals, any tips and unexpected costs, without depending on an ATM right on arrival. You'll then top up by card or via local ATMs, bearing in mind that the latter frequently charge withdrawal fees.
Before you leave, you can check our currencies and reserve your Australian dollars online, then come and collect them in store.
Tipping and the cost of living
Good news for the budget: tipping is not a cultural obligation in Australia. Wages in the service sector are high and service is included. Leaving a tip remains an appreciated gesture in a good restaurant, but no one will ask you for it and it is never expected as it is in the United States.
On the other hand, the cost of living is high, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne: accommodation, going out and restaurant meals quickly weigh on the budget. A goods and services tax (the GST, 10%) is generally already included in the displayed prices, which avoids any nasty surprises at the checkout.
Customs rules to know
As for formalities, two rules deserve your attention. When leaving the European Union, any transport of cash equal to or exceeding €10,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared to customs. On arrival, Australia applies a comparable rule: any amount in cash equal to or exceeding 10,000 Australian dollars must be declared to the authorities. For a typical tourist trip, you'll stay well below these thresholds.
Why prepare your currency exchange before leaving
Exchanging your euros for Australian dollars before you leave avoids the queues and the unfavourable rates of airport counters, in Australia as in France. At Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you exchange your currencies commission-free from among more than 53 currencies available. Our single store is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, accessible via the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) as well as the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame). We are open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. You can reserve your Australian dollars online and come and collect them in store.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need cash to travel in Australia?
Not for the most part: card and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. But a reserve of cash remains useful for rural areas, the outback, markets and unexpected situations. Planning for 200 to 400 AUD for the first few days is reasonable.
Is tipping mandatory in Australia?
No. Service is included and wages are high. A tip remains an appreciated gesture at a restaurant, but it is never expected or demanded.
Where can you exchange your euros for Australian dollars in Paris?
At Paris Change, at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005), an ACPR-approved bureau, commission-free and open 7 days a week. You can reserve online and collect your AUD in store.
Prepare for your trip to Australia with peace of mind: check our currencies, reserve your Australian dollars online and come and collect them at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel.
