When looking for a place to live in Australia you will notice that everything is in dollars. AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS that is.

This sounds obvious. But for many, it is a surprise that their home currency is not accepted in Australia.

Once you start looking for a place to live in Australia you will (sometimes) be shocked on how expensive everything is.

The Australian dollar (AU$) is the fifth most traded currency in the world, accounting for 7.6% of the world’s daily share.

It trades in the world foreign exchange markets behind the US dollar, the Euro, the Yen and the Pound Sterling. The Australian dollar is popular due to the general stability of Australia’s economy and political system, and because of its exposure to Asian economies.

You will find both coins and notes:

The coins are ¢5, ¢10 and ¢50 cents (in silver), and $1 & $2 dollars (gold coins).

Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and

$100 dollars (the last ones are not that common). It‘s very easy to recognise the notes as they are clearly colour marked.

As per any other country in the world everything has to be paid using Australian Dollars (no, we don’t accept US dollars).

If for example you are coming from North America or Europe, don’t be alarmed by the prices of room prices in Australia. Remember that the Australian Dollar tends to be cheaper than your currencies.

Want to find out general prices for place to live in Australia?

Please note that prices in this page do not include furniture or utility bills (gas, electricity, internet).

Did you know that Australia invented the (almost indestructible) polymer bank notes?  These were issued in 1988 by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Check this video on Australian notes and money security from the RBA

Read about Internet in Australia and why it’s one of the most common reasons for complaints