Money & Banking
Currency
Australian currency (AUD) is decimal, with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). Notes are in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations and coins are in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Currency exchange facilities can be found at most banks, currency exchange specialists in Adelaide's central business district and in the international terminal at Adelaide Airport.
The International Currency Converter provides exchange rates for 270 countries and territories, updated daily. For information on changing currency into AUD, visit the international currency converter website.
Credit Cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards in Australia are American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. You'll find plenty of banks and ATMs (automated teller machines) in Adelaide and major regional centres, but they can be scarce in regional areas, so plan ahead if you're visiting outlying areas of rural Australia.
Departure tax
Departure tax, also known as the Passenger Movement Charge, is prepaid with airline tickets. Children under 12 are exempt.
Tipping
Tipping is not widespread in Australia, and is only common in restaurants. If you receive really good service in a restaurant the recommended tip is 10 per cent of the bill.
Postal Services
You'll find Adelaide's General Post Office (GPO) on the corner of King William and Franklin streets in the city centre, and it's open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Mail for personal collection can be sent to the GPO Adelaide marked "Post Restante" (include the postcode 5000). Mail will be held for a maximum of four weeks. For locations of other post offices throughout South Australia, refer to the Australia Post website.
