Australia, a vast and diverse land of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and laid-back coastal towns, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Outback and scenic Great Ocean Road, Australia promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. To make the most of your journey Down Under, understanding the local currency and financial landscape is key. This guide will provide you with essential information about Australian currency, accessing local cash, using ATMs, balancing cash and card usage, minimising fees, and various payment options to help you explore Australia without financial worries.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to travel on a budget in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Australia?
With over 26,000 ATMs across the country, including those from the top 4 commercial banks, finding one in Australian cities and towns is easy. But in remote places or islands, they’re a rare sight. You’re likely to find ATMs at major airports, town centers, main tourist streets, shopping malls, and bank branches. However, don’t expect to find them at smaller airports, islands, remote bus stops, village interiors, off the beaten path in small towns, or at religious sites and secluded resorts.
You can find ATMs at:
- Popular airports,
- Market and town squares are great places to gather and socialise.,
- The bustling streets that attract tourists in every major town,
- Shopping malls,
- Food lanes,
- Branches of the bank,
- A few office buildings
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Small airports on islands,
- Bus stops in the area,
- The villages’ interiors,
- Hidden away in small towns, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets,
- Remote resorts and retreats
Best ATMs to use in Australia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Australia are those owned by popular banks such as:
Commonwealth Bank,
ANZ Bank,
Westpac, and
National Australia Bank (NAB).
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards. Some international banks also have their ATMs in Australia, namely HSBC
Global ATM alliance: Global ATM Alliance is a partnership among many banks in the world to allow its customers to withdraw cash from all partner banks abroad without any ATM fee. Many banks in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Latin America are part of the Global ATM Alliance, including Bank of America, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and others. As on date of writing this article, Westpac is part of this alliance.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Australia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in AUD).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Australia, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in AUD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Australia?
Yes, many types of foreign cards are easily accepted at ATMs in Australia.ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Australia.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs are typically available 24/7. Standalone units offer round-the-clock access, while those within banks may only operate from 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in Australia?
The term “ATM” is commonly used to refer to a machine with the bank’s name displayed on it.
PIN type
Also, many merchants used old machines which require a magnetic stripe on the card and not just a chip-and-pin card.
Languages at ATMs in Australia
Australian ATMs typically present English as the primary language. If you’re not familiar with it, live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be handy, but proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
If you cannot understand these languages, it’s fine. Use the camera feature of Google Translate to translate the selections on your phone in real time! Note: Because these translations are not always accurate, please take your time and finish the transaction without haste.
Do ATMs in Australia work similarly as other countries?
Indeed, Australia’s ATMs are up-to-date, resembling those in the US, UK, Europe, and India in appearance and functionality. Remember, some models might retain your card during the transaction, so be sure to retrieve it after getting your cash.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Australia & Oceania.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Australia?
ATMs in Australia dispense only the official currency Australian Dollar (AUD).
ATM withdrawal limits in Australia?
ATMs in Australia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of AUD 400 to AUD 2,000, most common being AUD 2,000 (Australian Dollars). Daily limit is also usually AUD 2,000 per day.
ATM Fees in Australia?
There is only one fee-free ATM in Australia, that too for some specific cards only. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Australia have varying ATM fees for foreign cardholders between AUD 2 to AUD 7.5 per transaction. Only one bank ATM has zero ATM Fees for Global ATM Alliance member bank cards.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Australia – something every traveller handling cash in Australia should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Australia?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Australia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Australia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Australia.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Australia ATMs?
Generally, ATMs in Australia are equipped with security features like cameras and guards. While the crime rate around ATMs is low, it’s wise to stay vigilant against pickpocketing. There have been isolated incidents of skimming devices placed near the keypad.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Australia takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There is only one fee-free ATM in Australia, that too for some specific cards only. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Australia have varying ATM fees for foreign cardholders between AUD 2 to AUD 7.5 per transaction. Only one bank ATM has zero ATM Fees for Global ATM Alliance member bank cards.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Australia?
Yes. You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, India, China and other countries at ATMs in Australia
Bitcoin ATMs?
Yes, there are over 30 Bitcoin ATMs in Australia.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Australia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs in Australia.
Citbank: Yes, there are about 20 Citibank ATMs in Australia.
Barclays: Nope
HSBC: Yes, there are approximately 15 HSBC ATMs in Australia.
Standard Chartered: None
