Planning a trip to Australia but confused about how to pay? Do you need to bring a lot of cash? Is a credit card enough? Do you need to exchange money first? Relax, this transaction guide in Australia will answer all your confusion before departure. Spoiler: Australia is one of the most cashless countries in the world, and that is exactly what makes it very convenient for travelers.
Australian Dollar to Rupiah Exchange Rate
The Australian dollar exchange rate against the rupiah fluctuates following the global market. As of March 2026, the value is around Rp12,054 per AUD, so AUD100 is equivalent to around Rp1,205,000. Before departure, it is best to monitor the latest exchange rate through Google, the Wise app, or the Bank Indonesia website so you can plan your travel budget more accurately. Avoid exchanging money at the airport because the rates are usually much worse compared to money changers in the city.
Exchanging Australian Dollars: Where Is the Most Profitable?
Before departure, compare rates at several trusted money changers because those usually in city centers or major malls are more competitive than banks. Upon returning, leftover AUD can be exchanged back at the same money changer. A practical alternative is a multi-currency debit card like Wise or Jenius, which allows real-time conversion from rupiah to AUD at near-market rates with low fees.
Contactless Payment: The Most Popular Way to Pay in Australia
According to data from Stripe and the Reserve Bank of Australia, more than 95% of card transactions in Australia are done contactless. This method, known as “tap and go,” simply requires tapping a card or phone on an EFTPOS machine without swiping or entering a PIN for transactions under AUD100. Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted at almost all stores, restaurants, cafes, and public transport.
Some important points about contactless payment in Australia:
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The tap and go limit without a PIN is AUD100 per transaction; above that, you need to enter a PIN
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Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost universally across Australia
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Most terminals also accept payment via smartwatch
- Some merchants charge a surcharge for credit card payments, usually indicated at the cashier
Credit Cards: Which Is the Safest to Use?
Using an Indonesian credit card in Australia generally works smoothly as long as it has a Visa or Mastercard logo, which dominate more than 90% of card transactions there. American Express is also accepted but not as widely as the two networks. Pay attention to foreign transaction fees from your card-issuing bank, usually around 1.5%–3.5% per transaction. Alternatively, use a multi-currency debit card or a credit card without foreign transaction fees.
Australian ATMs: How to Withdraw Cash Without Extra Fees
According to ATM Fee Saver data, most Australian ATMs charge fees for foreign cards between AUD2 and AUD7.50 per transaction, not including conversion fees from your Indonesian bank. To minimize cash withdrawal costs:
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Use ATMs from major banks (Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB) and avoid independent ATMs in convenience stores as fees are higher
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Withdraw larger amounts at once rather than multiple small withdrawals
- Always select "debit in AUD" when asked for currency, avoid Dynamic Currency
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Conversion (DCC) because its rate is very poor
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The cash withdrawal limit at Australian ATMs is generally AUD2,000 per transaction
- Avoid ATMs at airports, as fees are higher than average
Shopping Tips in Australia: Things You Need to Know
There are some shopping habits in Australia that may differ from what you are used to!
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GST Included in Prices: No additional tax at the cashier; the listed price is the final price
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Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS): Travelers who purchase goods worth AUD300 or more from a single store within 60 days before departure can claim a GST (10%) refund at the airport when leaving
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Stores Close Earlier: Compared to Indonesia, many stores close at 17:00–18:00 on weekdays, though major malls in cities usually stay open until 21:00
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Stores Open on Sundays, but Hours Are Shorter: Make sure to check the operating hours of your target store before going
- Use Cards, Not Cash: Some small shops no longer accept cash at all
Tipping in Australia: Mandatory or Not?
Tipping in Australia is different from the United States. According to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, tipping is voluntary because prices usually already include service charges and staff receive a proper minimum wage. A Roy Morgan survey shows that only about 14% of Australians regularly tip, so not tipping is not considered rude as it is not part of the local culture.
Stay Connected for Smooth Digital Transactions
All digital payment methods in Australia, from tap and go, checking exchange rates, to credit card OTP verification, require a stable internet connection. Activate the Australia New Zealand eSIM from Global Komunika before departure so you can connect immediately upon landing, without needing to queue to buy a SIM card at the airport.
