Damon Mcknight
Planning a trip to Australia? It's a good idea to exchange some money before you go. You can buy Australian dollars (AUD) in the US online, in-store, or even at the airport. Some major US banks offer currency exchange services, but you may need an active checking account with the bank to access this service. If you're looking for convenience, you can order AUD online and have it delivered to your door, or pick some up at the airport. But be aware that airport exchange rates can be high. For better rates, consider using a travel money card or a company that specializes in foreign exchange, like Travelex or Wise. These companies offer competitive rates and low fees, but be sure to compare your options to find the best deal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best places to get Australian dollars in the US | Online or at the airport |
| Exchange rates | Vary by provider, but Wise gives the mid-market rate |
| Wise Multi-Currency Card | $9 USD, delivered to your door in 14-21 business days |
| Currency exchange desks at airports | Often have higher fees and less choice |
| Currency exchange in US banks | May require an active checking account |
| Currency exchange in Australia | Travelex has stores nationwide |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange desks at the airport
If you're exchanging money at the airport, Sydney Airport offers three options: ANZ, Travelex, and Global Exchange.
ANZ
ANZ has a desk on the second level of the departures (landside) zone. It's open daily from 5:30 am to 9 pm. You can get Australian dollars using cash, EFTPOS, Visa/Mastercard, and Amex. If you pay with BPAY, you can avoid the card commission. ANZ also has a branch before the security checkpoint at Mascot Airport T1.
Travelex
There are two Travelex locations at Sydney Airport. One is in the Gate 32 zone on the second level of T2 (next to Tap House), and the other is in Qantas Terminal 3 Domestic Airport next to Gate 3. The offices are open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Global Exchange
Global Exchange offers a range of currency exchange products and services. You can pre-order your currency online and collect it at the airport during extended opening hours. They have over 60 foreign currencies available.
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Ordering Australian dollars online
One option is to use a travel money card, such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card. This card can be ordered online for 9 USD and delivered within 14-21 business days. It offers mid-market rates and low transparent fees for spending in over 150 countries worldwide.
Another option is to use a currency exchange provider that offers home delivery. Some providers allow you to order Australian dollars online and have the cash delivered to your door. This can be a convenient choice, but someone will need to be available to sign for the delivery. It is also important to compare the fees and exchange rates offered by different providers, as these can vary significantly.
It is also worth checking with your bank, as some major US banks offer currency exchange services for customers, although you may need to have an active checking account with the bank to access this service and order in advance.
Online currency converters, such as Wise, can be a useful tool to compare exchange rates and find the best deal. These tools allow you to track live exchange rates and see how rates have changed over time. It is important to be aware that banks and traditional providers often add hidden markups to their exchange rates, which can result in higher costs.
When ordering Australian dollars online, it is important to plan in advance to ensure you receive the currency before your trip.
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Using a Wise Multi-Currency Card
If you're looking to exchange money from USD to AUD, one option is to use a Wise Multi-Currency Card. This card is linked to your Wise Account and can be used for spending and cash withdrawals in over 170 countries, including Australia.
Here's how it works:
Signing Up and Activating Your Card
To get started, you'll need to sign up for a Wise Account if you don't already have one. Once you have an account, you can order your Wise Multi-Currency Card for a low, one-time fee. Before you travel, make sure to activate your card and set a PIN. This activation process can only be done in the US, so it's important to take care of it before your departure.
Loading Funds and Currency Conversion
The Wise Multi-Currency Card is a debit card that simplifies budgeting for international spending. Simply top up your Wise Account with the funds you plan to spend, and then either manually convert the funds to AUD or use the card's auto-convert feature to instantly switch your balance to AUD as needed. Wise provides the real mid-market exchange rate, so you can make significant savings compared to traditional banks.
Spending and Withdrawing
Once your card is loaded with AUD, you can use it just like you would a regular debit card in Australia. You can make purchases in stores or online and withdraw cash from ATMs. The Wise card only charges a super-low fee on ATM withdrawals after the first 350 AUD. Additionally, you can easily track your spending with instant transaction notifications in the Wise app.
Security Features
The Wise Multi-Currency Card offers several security advantages. You can freeze and unfreeze your card instantly through the Wise app, giving you control over your card's security. Additionally, the card provides an extra layer of security with the option to generate digital cards for added peace of mind.
In summary, the Wise Multi-Currency Card offers a convenient, cost-effective, and secure way to access and spend your money in Australia, making it a valuable tool for anyone travelling from the US to Australia.
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Currency exchange at banks
When exchanging currency at banks, it is important to be aware of potential hidden fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers but add a markup to the exchange rate. This means you may be charged more without your knowledge. To avoid this, it is recommended to compare the offered rate with the mid-market rate, which can be found using online currency converters like Wise's currency converter.
Some banks in Australia that offer foreign currency exchange services include Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), ANZ, and Bank of Queensland. CommBank allows both customers and non-customers to order foreign currency online and pick it up at a local branch in approximately 5 business days. ANZ used to consistently offer the best foreign exchange rates for major currencies like USD but discontinued its retail foreign currency exchange services in October 2021.
It is worth noting that exchanging cash at banks may require you to ensure your banknotes are clean, undamaged, and in good condition. Additionally, banks may charge different fees for buying or selling foreign currency, so it is important to inquire about these charges before proceeding with the transaction.
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Currency exchange at Travelex stores
Travelex is the world's largest retail foreign exchange specialist, with 80+ stores across Australia.
You can buy a Travelex Money Card online or at any participating Travelex currency exchange store in Australia. The card works like a Mastercard, offering easy payments overseas without the need to carry lots of cash. You can load AUD on your Travelex Money Card and save when spending in other currencies. It's a safe and convenient way to carry multiple currencies when travelling.
You can also order foreign cash or the Travelex Money Card online and collect it in-store. Buying online and picking up in-store will get you the best rates. You can also sell your leftover foreign currency at most Travelex stores across Australia. Simply visit a store and the team will assist you with selling back your unused travel money at competitive rates.
Travelex currency specialists typically offer better exchange rates, lower fees, and a wider choice of foreign currencies than banks.
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Frequently asked questions
You can exchange money from USD to AUD at Travelex stores across Australia.
You can buy Australian dollars at the airport, although the fees may be higher than in a city centre location.
You can use online services such as Wise and Western Union to transfer USD to AUD.
The current exchange rate is not available, however, the 30-day average was 1.5534 and the 90-day average was 1.5769.
Banks and other providers often add hidden markups to their exchange rates, charging you more without your knowledge. It is recommended to compare rates and fees to find the best option.
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