Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD). A few rules are worth knowing before you pay for anything — one of them changed very recently.
The price on the tag includes tax
Goods and services tax (GST) is 10%, and businesses must display a total price that includes it. What you see is what you pay at the till.
No more card surcharges
From 1 October 2026, businesses can no longer add a surcharge for payments made with Visa, Mastercard, American Express or eftpos cards — credit, debit or prepaid. Before that date, many cafés and taxis added a percentage for card payments. If you are charged a card surcharge now, it is worth questioning.
Weekend and public holiday surcharges are a separate thing and are still allowed — some cafés and restaurants add one on Sundays and public holidays. Your own bank may also charge a foreign transaction fee; that is between you and your bank.
Tipping
Tourism Australia describes tipping as optional and not expected in most places. In upmarket restaurants, around 10% for good service is common. You will not cause offence by not tipping in a café or a taxi.
Cash of AUD 10,000 or more must be declared
There is no limit on how much money you can bring into or take out of Australia. But if you carry cash and instruments such as traveller's cheques, cheques or money orders — in any currency — with a combined value of AUD 10,000 or more, you must declare it when you arrive and when you leave.
- Declare online on the AUSTRAC form before you pass through customs, and keep the receipt
- A paper form is available from a Border Force or police officer if you cannot use the online form
- Question 5 on the Incoming Passenger Card asks the same thing
- Declaring is free. Splitting cash between travellers to stay under the threshold is illegal
Source: AUSTRAC — Moving money across international borders
Source: ACCC — Card surcharges
Source: Tourism Australia — Key facts about Australia
Common questions
Is it illegal to bring more than AUD 10,000 into Australia?
No. There is no limit. Amounts of AUD 10,000 or more in cash and similar instruments must be declared, that is all.
Can shops still charge extra for paying by card?
Not for Visa, Mastercard, American Express or eftpos cards from 1 October 2026. Weekend and public holiday surcharges are a separate matter and are still allowed.
Should I tip in Australia?
It is optional. Around 10% in upmarket restaurants is common; elsewhere it is not expected.
More on the eVisitor
Tax refund (TRS)
Spend AUD 300+ with one business within 60 days of leaving, carry the goods, and claim at the airport at least 30 minutes before departure.
Customs allowances
Adults may bring A$900 of general goods, 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 grams of tobacco duty free. Above that, you must declare.
Phones and SIM cards
Activating an Australian prepaid SIM requires an ID check — a passport in your name is accepted. Check your phone works on Australian 4G/5G first.
Healthcare
Visitors from 11 countries, including Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, get some public care. Germany, France, Spain, Korea, China and Taiwan are not covered.
Bringing medicines
Up to 3 months' supply for your own use, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's letter — and declared. Some medicines are banned.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol
Vapes are sold only in pharmacies; travellers may bring 2 for their own treatment. The drinking age is 18, and smoking is banned in enclosed public places.