Money Matters

CURRENCY: The Australian dollar (AUD) is used with the basic unit determination (100 cents equals one dollar). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Prices are rounded to the nearest 5c.

In preparation for your journey, you may want to calculate the exchange rate from the US dollar to local currencies. There are several websites that offer a conversion engine. You can also check the Wall Street Journal for currency rate information.
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
http://www.xe.net/ucc
http://www.x-rates.com

CREDIT CARDS AND ATMS: Most major credit cards are widely accepted such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club but it is wise to check with the establishment first. It is also advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in US Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it. Exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. Keep your traveler's checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided.

TIPPING: Tips for hotel and lodge personnel are usually included in your tour price, however tips to your driver and naturalist guides are also at your discretion. A suggested detailed tipping chart will be sent to you with your final documents prior to departure.

SHOPPING: The shopping experience here is as varied as the regions of this country. Here you'll spot everything from exotic jewelry, premium wines, gifts, antiques and collectibles. You may also want to focus on opals, sheepskin products, Aboriginal artifacts & art, and Australian country clothing.

VAT/GST: The Australian GST is a Goods and Services Tax of 10% added to the price of most things purchased in Australia. There is a program (Tourist Refund Scheme or TRS) where travelers can reclaim the GST on some purchases. It is essential that you get a tax invoice when you buy the goods you want to claim a refund on and take this with you to the airport. There are TRS booths at the departure areas of most airports where you need to show the goods you want to claim the refund on, the tax invoice, your passport and boarding pass. In most cases you will be able to get a cash refund on the spot.

DEPARTURE TAXES: Information specific to your itinerary will be outlined in the final documents/instructions.