Which is represented by banknotes of various denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. In addition to banknotes, this country also has 1 and 2 dollar coins.

In addition to the main currency, there are also cents, which are in circulation and are represented by coins of various denominations. One dollar is equal to one hundred cents. The Australian dollar is a convertible currency, circulated throughout the Cocos Norfolk territory and the Pacific states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu.

A little history

Dollars in this country were introduced into circulation only in 1966. Previously, Australian pounds were used. And the first paper money was a copy of pound notes of 1, 2, 10 and 20 dollars.

The dollar's predecessor was a duodecimal currency, while Australia's modern currency is decimal. When the new Prime Minister was introduced, Robert Menzies suggested giving it the name the Royal, which was used for a short time. But due to the unpopularity of this option, it was decided to call the currency Dollar.

Plastic money in Australia

This is the first country to issue banknotes from polymer materials. Emissions using such new technologies are undoubtedly more expensive, but the service life of such money is much longer. In addition, thanks to developments, in addition to the standard security measures that are used on paper banknotes, plastic money is protected even more reliably; undoubtedly, they are quite difficult to counterfeit. Today there is no paper currency in the country; each banknote is made of special thin plastic.

The first polymer money was issued in 1988; by 1996, paper money was completely withdrawn from circulation. Today, Australia's "paper" currency is money made of thin, flexible plastic. Transparent elements are used in the design. Such banknotes are not afraid of moisture, you can wash them accidentally and swim in the sea with them.

Australian currency today

Modern Australian dollars come in a variety of colors. Banknotes feature images of politicians and other famous people, not just from Australia itself. For example, on the $5 banknote there is a portrait of Elizabeth II, the Queen of Great Britain, and on the 100-unit bill there is a portrait of the Australian singer Nellie Melba.

Australian dollar currency: value and exchange transactions with it

This is a fairly common currency in the world, so there should be no problems with the purchase. Tourists traveling to this country can do the following:

• at all international airports in the country;
• in most hotels;
• in many exchange offices that are located in a fairly dense network throughout Australia;
• in banks;
• Many ATMs support currency exchange functionality.

Today the Australian dollar to ruble exchange rate is 1 to 49 rubles. Transferring money into local currency using ATMs can be costly due to high fees. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out such operations through a bank that is affiliated with the bank servicing the card, where the exchange rate of the Australian dollar to the ruble will be more favorable.

The value of the local currency and its American counterpart has varied at different times. Over the entire period of operation of this monetary unit, it reached its maximum value on March 14, 1984, then the Australian dollar to the American dollar was 1 to 96.68 US cents. Today 1 AUD to 1 USD is 1 to 0.7.

Features of ATMs

It is worth noting that ATMs, like exchange offices, cover the territory of the country in a dense network. They are located in the walls of buildings on the street, in the foyers of many shopping centers, at bus stations and airports. But they have one peculiarity. Most ATMs only accept $20 and $50 bills and will only allow you to withdraw a combination of these bills.

The working schedule of banking institutions is represented by a five-day week - from Monday to Thursday. Banks most often open at 9.00 and close at 16.00, but on Friday the working hours of these establishments are an hour longer. And in some large cities you can find bank doors open even on weekends.

The Australian dollar is the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including the Norfolk Islands, Cocos Islands and Christmas Islands, as well as a number of independent Pacific states, including Nauru, Kiribati and Tuvalu.

If you wish, you can buy the Australian dollar; it is clearly recognizable by the $ or $A, $AU and AU$ symbol. It is worth noting that the Australian currency is one of the ten most traded currencies in the world and ranks sixth in the ranking, behind such currencies as the US dollar, euro, yen, pound sterling and Swiss franc.

One of the main features of the Australian dollar, which distinguishes it from the entire currency variety, is the use of special thin plastic rather than paper that is familiar to the eye.

The history of the “life” of the Australian currency

The Australian dollar, as a decimal currency, was introduced on February 14, 1966. With its appearance, it replaced the previously used duodecimal Australian pound.

The introduction of a new national currency was initiated by the Reserve Bank of Australia six years before the appearance of new monetary units. During this time, the country was developing banknote designs. There was also a lot of controversy regarding the name of the new currency. The name "royal" proposed by Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies did not receive popular support, and the currency was called differently - the dollar.

Traders' jargon gave it its name - "aussie".

The first plastic banknote was released in 1988.

Coin history

With the introduction of a new currency in 1966, coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents were also introduced. 18 years later, in 1984, one-dollar coins appeared on the foreign exchange market. Two years later, Australians began to hear two-dollar coins ringing in their wallets. In 1991, the 1 and 2 cent coins were withdrawn from circulation. Cash payments are carried out by rounding the amount using standard rules for rounding to the nearest amount that is a multiple of 5 cents.

All Australian currency is issued in coin form by the Royal Australian Mint and features an image of Elizabeth II on the obverse.

In addition to the usual coins, Australia regularly issues commemorative coins in denominations of 50 cents. The first such coin was issued in 1970 and is inextricably linked with the name of James Cook and his exploration of the east coast of the Australian continent. Seven years later, a coin was issued to commemorate Elizabeth II and her Silver Jubilee. The 1981 issue of the coin commemorates the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana. The 1982 coins are dedicated to the Brisbane Commonwealth Games. In addition, special coins in denominations of 1 dollar and 20 cents left the walls of the Royal Australian Mint.

You can still buy Australian coins now, even if we are talking about those copies that are no longer issued and have gained their value due to their uniqueness.

Technical and visual differences of coins

• The one and two cent coins were first issued in 1966 and were an alloy of 97% copper, 2.5% zinc and 0.5% tin. Each of the coins had a diameter of 17.53 mm, 21.59 mm and a mass of 2.59 g and 5.18 g, respectively. The obverse of the coin depicted Queen Elizabeth II. And on the reverse - a feather-tailed acrobat and a frilled lizard;
• Since 1966, coins in denominations of 5, 10 and 20 cents made from an alloy of copper (75%) and nickel (25%) have been in use. A common feature of the coins is the edges and the image of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse;
• On the reverse of 5 cents there was an echidna, 10 cents - a large lyrebird, 20 cents - a platypus. In addition to the images on the reverse, the coins differ in technical parameters, having a mass of 2.83 g, 5.60 g, 11.30 g and a diameter of 19.41 mm, 23.60 mm and 28.52 mm, respectively;
• Since 1969, a 50 cent coin has been issued, on the reverse of which the Australian coat of arms is clearly visible. The diameter of the coin varies from 31.51 mm to 32.00 mm with a thickness of 3 mm and a weight of 5.55 g;
• coins in denominations of $1 and $2 came into use in 1984 and 10988 and became well recognizable due to their depiction of a kangaroo and an Australian aborigine. Coins are made using an alloy of copper (92%), aluminum (6%) and nickel (2%).

Australian dollar banknotes

The first paper notes issued in 1966 were in denominations of $1, $2, $10 and $20 and were equivalent to the previously used Australian pounds. The five-dollar bill was issued a year later, after the population was introduced to the decimal monetary system.

Over time (in 1984), the $1 bill was replaced by a coin, and the $2 bill suffered the same fate in 1988. The $50 bill was introduced in 1973, and the $100 bill was introduced 11 years later. All Australian banknotes are the same height but different lengths.

If you have bought banknotes issued after 1988, you will certainly have noticed that they are distinguished by their quality and durability, since they are made of special plastic. The first such banknote was dedicated to the bicentenary of the European settlement of Australia.

The $5 bills were modified three times. The original $5 features a pale pink color, an image of Elizabeth II on the obverse, and a view of the modern and old Australian Parliament House on the reverse. The first such banknote was issued on July 7, 1992.

Banknotes issued from 1995 to the present day have a similar size (130x65 mm) and purple color. In the center of the obverse there was a portrait of Elizabeth II, on the left - a branch of eucalyptus, a vignette with an image of eucalyptus color. In the center of the reverse are the modern and old buildings of the Australian Parliament, on the left is a landscape design of the parliament building, on the right are geometric figures whose outlines resemble the architectural features of the modern parliament building.

From 1 January 2001, a new design of banknotes appeared, which can be recognized by the portrait of Sir Henry Parkes in the center of the obverse, the image of the Tenterfield School of Art and scenes from the work of the Australian artist Tom Roberts, which depicts the “Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia”. The reverse is no less meaningful and includes a portrait of Catherine Helen Spence, her signature and a micro-stamp with the words of the Australian anthem. To the left is the building of the state children's department, to the right are portraits of five historical figures who fought for the creation of the federation.

The $10 is blue in color, 137mm x 65mm, and has a transparency window with a windmill design. The first $10 bill was issued on November 1, 1993 and is still issued today. In the center of the obverse is an excerpt from the poem “The Boy from Snowy River” by Paterson and his portrait. On the left is a vignette with a windmill and a horse with its rider; on the right is the inscription "Waltzing Matilda", which is the name of a folk song and the unofficial Australian anthem, as well as running unbroken horses.

In the center of the reverse are excerpts from the poem “Never shall our enemies reap our harvest,” a portrait of Mary Gilmore painted by William Dobell. On the left are oxen carrying wool, a village woman and the countryside; on the right is Mary Gilmore's signature.

Red bills have a denomination of $20. Red Australian dollars first appeared in citizens' wallets in 1994. In the center of the obverse is a portrait of Mary Reibey; on the right is a house in Sydney that belonged to Reibey and her signature; to the left is her own schooner Mercury and a vignette of a compass.

In the center of the reverse is a portrait of John Flynn, on the right is a camel and rider, on the left is the Victory ambulance plane, which was Flynn’s means of transportation, a medical diagram “Where it hurts” and a pedal generator.

Yellow $50 bills are 151x65 mm in size and have been issued since October 4, 1995. You can determine the authenticity of the banknote using the transparency window, which depicts the Southern Cross and the number 50.

In the center of the obverse is a portrait of David Unaipon, a diagram of a sheep shearing machine that was patented by Unaipon, and an introduction in his own hand to the story “Legendary Stories of the Aborigines”; on the right is a vignette depicting the constellation of the Southern Cross; on the left is an Australian Aboriginal couple and a missionary church.

The banknote is clearly recognizable by its reverse, in the center of which is a portrait of Edith Cowan, mother and adopted children; on the right is Cowan at the lectern, reading her speech, which was dedicated to the welfare of children and women's rights; on the left is the Western Australian Parliament building.

$100 bills are green in color and size 158x65 mm. In the center of the obverse is a portrait of Nellie Melba; on the right is an image of a vignette with a lyrebird; on the left is an image of the decoration of the theater on the stage of which Melba played in 1902, an image of the actress and Melba’s signature.

Obverse - portrait of John Monash and his signature; on the right - a cannon and soldiers; on the left are the cavalry and the breastplate of the Rising Sun, John and the donkey (image based on a monument in the city of Melbourne).

The purchase and sale of this currency accounts for 5% of global foreign exchange transactions. This popularity is not accidental and is explained by the high interest rate in Australia, the general stability of the Australian political system and economy, and the freedom of the foreign exchange market from government intervention.

Australian dollar (AUD)- the official currency of Australia (the Commonwealth of Australia), and some other countries (for a full list of countries using the Australian dollar, see below). The most commonly used symbol for the Australian dollar, especially within countries where it is the official currency, is $; the symbols A$ and AU$ are also used. The Australian dollar is sometimes called the "Aussie" and also (within the countries where it is used) the "Pacific Peso".

The Australian dollar is the sixth most traded currency in the world (after the US dollar, yen, euro, pound sterling, and Canadian dollar). Used in approximately 5% of all global foreign exchange transactions, the Australian dollar is very popular with currency traders due to the relative lack of government intervention in the foreign exchange market. In addition, the stability of the Australian economy and government plays a role.

The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Australian dollars. Coins in circulation: 1 and 2 Australian dollars, as well as 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.

Where is the Australian dollar used?

• Australia
• Australian Antarctic Territory (Australia's external territory)
• Kiribati
• Cocos Islands (Australian outer territory)
• Nauru
• Ashmore and Cartier Islands (Australian external territory)
• Coral Sea Islands (Australian external territory)
• Norfolk Islands (Australian outer territory)
• Christmas Islands (Australian outer territory)
• Heard Island and McDonald Islands (Australian external territory)
• Tuvalu

Australian dollar exchange rate for today

In the currency converter you can see the exchange rate of the Australian dollar for today to the ruble, the rate of the Australian dollar to the American dollar, and the rate of the Australian dollar to the euro.

A Brief History of the Australian Dollar, History of the Australian Currency

The Australian dollar, a decimal currency, was introduced in 1966, replacing the Australian pound, which was a duodecimal currency. Robert Menzies, the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, proposed calling the new currency “the Royal”. Other names have also been put forward, such as "the Austral" and "the Koala". Although the name "Royal" was initially used, it proved extremely unpopular and was soon replaced by "Dollar". At the time of the introduction of the new currency, 2 Australian dollars was equal to 1 Australian pound. Coins were immediately introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.

For most of its history, Australia maintained a peg to the British pound, due to the historical ties between the two countries, as well as the view of the British pound as a stable currency. Australia then had a peg to the US dollar in various forms for several decades. And finally, in 1983, the Australian dollar ceased to be pegged to other currencies and became a floating currency.

In 1984, Australia introduced a one-dollar coin, followed by a two-dollar coin in 1988.

In 2006, 1 and 2 cent coins were withdrawn from circulation.

Various special and commemorative coins were issued at different times. In particular, special coins were issued for the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Australian banknotes and banknotes, photo of the Australian dollar

Below are all currently issued Australian banknotes. For each bill there is a photo of both the front and back sides.

Amount of Australian dollars	Front side	Reverse side
5 Australian dollars
10 Australian dollars
20 Australian dollars
50 Australian dollars
100 Australian dollars

The currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). One Australian dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Australian dollars, as well as coins of 1 and 2 Australian dollars, and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

All major international credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted for payment. Keep in mind that with a VISA card you can cash out no more than $500 (AUD) at a time, with a VISA PREMIER card - no more than $2,500 (AUD), and usually up to a 15% fee is charged for cashing out. In small provincial towns, paying with plastic cards is often impossible.

It is better to exchange money at banks, their branches at the airport or exchange offices "Singapore Money Exchange" (no commission), "Thomas Cook" and "American Express". Less favorable rate at hotel exchange offices.

Australian dollar exchange rate

Cheap hotels in Sydney

Australian dollar (AUD) / American dollar (USD)

1 AUD = 0.77 USD

100 AUD = 77 USD

Australian Dollar (AUD) / Euro (EUR)

1 AUD = 0.69 EUR

100 AUD = 69 EUR

The Australian dollar is the sixth most traded currency in the world (after the US dollar, euro, yen, pound sterling and Swiss franc), and accounts for 5% of global foreign exchange transactions. Since 1988, banknotes have been produced using special thin plastic rather than paper.

Modern money in Australia

Old money in Australia from 1966 - 1992