Money

The national currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Australian currency is decimal, with the dollar as the basic unit.

100 cents (100c) = one dollar $1.

Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.

Traveller's cheques are widely accepted in Queensland. Currency exchange facilities are available at international airports and banks are generally open Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm. Please note that some banks charge a small fee for cashing travellers cheques.

Major credit cards are also widely accepted with the most common being American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates.

For currency conversions please visit www.xe.net.

There is a 10% tax on all goods purchased in Australia. You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy. The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on the aircraft or ship when you leave the country. For more information, please see the Tourist Refund Scheme on www.customs.gov.au.

Tipping is not common in Australia. When eating out, shopping or taking taxis, the prices are inclusive of GST. Of course, tipping is appreciated for exceptional service.