Money

The Australian dollar is divided into 100¢. Coins are 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, and 50¢ pieces (silver) and $1 and $2 pieces (gold). Prices often end in a variant of 1¢ and 2¢ (for example, 78¢ or $2.71), a relic from the days before 1-cent and 2-cent pieces were phased out. Prices are rounded to the nearest 5¢ -- so 77¢ rounds down to 75¢, and 78¢ rounds up to 80¢. Bank notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

Websites such as the Universal Currency Converter (www.xe.com/ucc) and www.oanda.com will give you up-to-the-minute currency conversions.

The strengthening in the Australian dollar in the past year or so has meant it is not quite the bargain destination for American and European travelers as it used to be. Over the past few years, the Australian dollar has fluctuated but seems to have steadied at around A$1.10 to US$1 in the past year or so, and this is the rate we have used throughout this book. Most travelers will find money matters relatively easy in Australia, but beware the small town where traveler's checks may not be readily accepted. We've also included price conversions to British pounds.

You should consider changing a small amount of money into Australian currency before you leave (though don't expect the exchange rate to be ideal), so you can avoid lines at airport ATMs (automated teller machines). You can exchange money at your local American Express or Thomas Cook office or your bank. If you're far away from a bank with currency-exchange services, American Express offers traveler's checks and foreign currency, though with a $15 order fee and additional shipping costs, at tel. 800/807-6233 or www.americanexpress.com.

Going with the Gold

It's common for attractions or charities to request "gold coin" -- a $1 or $2 coin -- donations as an entry fee. So keep some handy!

ATMs

The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine), sometimes referred to as a "cash machine" or a "cashpoint." The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe. Go to your bank card's website to find ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Australian ATMs use a four-digit code, so check with your bank and make sure you change yours before you leave home. Note: Many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.

The Australian Dollar, the U.S. Dollar & the British Pound

For U.S. Readers, the rate of exchange used to calculate the dollar values given in this book was US$1 = approximately A$1.10 (or A$1 = US90¢).

For British Readers, the rate of exchange used to calculate the pound values in the accompanying table was £1 = A$2.15 (or A$1 = UK45p).

Note: International exchange rates for the Australian dollar can fluctuate markedly. Check the latest rate when you plan your trip. The prices in this guide should be used only as a guide.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are another safe way to carry money. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs but high fees make this a pricey way to get cash. Keep in mind that you'll pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time. Also, note that many banks now assess a 1% to 3% "transaction fee" on all charges you incur abroad (whether you're using the local currency or your native currency).

Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted in Australia; American Express and Diners Club are less common; and Discover is not used. Always carry a little cash, because many merchants will not take cards for purchases under A$15 (US$14/£7) or so.

Traveler's Checks

You can buy traveler's checks at most banks. They are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.

The most popular traveler's checks are offered by American Express (tel. 800/807-6233, or 800/221-7282 for card holders -- this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts Amex gold and platinum cardholders from the 1% fee); Visa (tel. 800/732-1322) or Visa through AAA (members can obtain Visa checks for a $9.95 fee for checks up to $1,500 at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378); and MasterCard (tel. 800/223-9920).

However, be warned that traveler's checks are not as widely accepted in Australia as in many other countries. If you do opt for them, get them in Australian dollars. Checks in U.S. dollars are accepted at banks, big hotels, currency exchanges, and some shops in major tourist regions, but smaller shops, restaurants, and other businesses will have no idea what the exchange rate is when you present a U.S. check. Another advantage of Australian-dollar checks is that the two largest Aussie banks, ANZ and Westpac, cash them free; it will cost you around A$5 to A$11 (US$4.50-US$9.90/£2.25-£4.95) to cash checks denominated in foreign currency at most Australian banks.

Be sure to keep a record of the traveler's checks' serial numbers separate from your checks in the event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if you know the numbers.

American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa, and MasterCard offer foreign currency traveler's checks, useful if you're traveling to just one country; they're accepted at locations where dollar checks may not be.