Sydney - Currency

ATMs are available in many parts of Sydney - ensure you inform your bank before travelling abroad, and be aware you may be charged for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to exchange some cash before arriving in Sydney.

Visit the other Sydney city guide sections to get more detailed travel advice, and information on the best Sydney attractions and sightseeing activities, recommended shops and restaurants, as well as the best Sydney hotels.

Sydney - Notes and Coins

Sydney Currency Exchange

Australia’s currency is the Australian dollar (AUD$). Like the American and Canadian dollars, the Australian dollar is divided into 100 units, or cents. There are 5, 10, 20, 50, $1, and $2 coins. You will no longer see 1 and 2 cent coins in circulation, so prices are rounded down or up. Bills used are: $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. These are quite different from other currencies: constructed of plastic, they are both durable and difficult to counterfeit.

It is quite easy to exchange money once you are in Sydney. Any bank in the city will change your currency into Australian dollars, and you can also exchange traveler’s checks there as well. If you do not like the idea of carrying all your vacation money with you, it is a good idea to bring your ATM card. This way, you can withdraw only as much as you need for the day. In addition, major credit cards are accepted almost universally. American Express and Travelex both have branches in Sydney if you need assistance.

Banks

You may find that banks in Sydney close a bit earlier than is typical in other areas. Hours are generally Monday through Thursday 9:30am to 4:00pm and Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm. Some banks, particularly those in areas frequented by tourists, offer extended hours on weekday evenings, and are open for short days on Saturdays. If you need money outside of banking hours, you can use your ATM card. ATMs are located throughout the city: it would be hard not to find one. Before you leave for Sydney, check on the back of your ATM or debit card for the CIRRUS or PLUS logos. Both of these are international networks, and you will be able to use your cards wherever you see that symbol. As a precaution, it is a good idea to call your bank to make sure the card will be accepted abroad and that you have a valid PIN.

Another good question to ask is: what are the fees involved for taking out money in Sydney? It is not unusual for the bank from which you are withdrawing money to charge you a fee, for your bank to charge you a fee, and for there to be a fee for foreign transactions. You could pay $5 or more in fees. If you only need a small amount of cash, find a store that accepts debit cards and ask if they give cash back. Buy some sunscreen and snacks for the beach, and get your cash that way. There are also exchange bureaus open seven day a week if you need currency:

Central Station (9:00am-4:00pm – Coach Terminal)
Circular Quay (8:00am-9.30pm – Wharf 6)
Kings Cross (8:00am-midnight – CNR Springfield Ave & Darlinghurst Rd)
ANZ (365 George St. City Center. 13.1314)
Commonwealth Bank (254 George St., City Center. 02.9241.6855)
Westpac Bank (60 Martin Pl. City Center. 13.2032)