Before heading to Australia, make a 'local friend'! It's sitting right there in your wallet.

Getting ready to head to Australia? Your flights are booked, and your bags are just about packed. The sunshine, beaches, kangaroos, koalas… it's all so appealing.

But hang on, isn't a very real question quietly creeping into your mind: "What does Australian money look like? I've heard it's a bit different to what we use; am I going to get all flustered when I get there?"

Don't you worry. Today, we're not going to talk about complicated exchange rates and bank terms. Instead, let's get to know the Aussie dollar in a different way.

Think of it as the first 'local friend' you'll make in Australia. This friend has a unique personality, a few quirks, and a whole heap of fascinating stories tucked away. Get to know it, and your Aussie adventure will be heaps smoother.

Time to meet this very 'plastic' friend

First off, your new friend is incredibly 'tough', beyond what you might expect.

Forget the nightmare of paper notes getting shredded in the wash or tearing apart. Australian banknotes are made of plastic! They're brightly coloured, waterproof, and super durable. Even if you accidentally chuck one in the washing machine with your jeans, just hang it out to dry, and it'll be good as new.

This friend isn't just tough; it's also got a lot of 'substance'. The people on each banknote aren't just there by chance. They're Australian pioneers, inventors, social activists, and artists.

For example, the $50 Aussie note features the portrait of David Unaipon, an Aboriginal Australian author and inventor. He not only gave a voice to Indigenous people but also designed many mechanical devices, earning him the nickname 'Australia's Da Vinci'.

So, next time you're spending money, take a moment to really look at the note in your hand. You're not just holding a piece of plastic; you're holding a little piece of Australian history and pride.

It's got a cute 'quirk': The Rounding Maths Game

Every friend has a few quirks, and the Aussie dollar is no different. Its most interesting quirk is that it plays a maths game with you, but only when you're paying with cash.

Australia hasn't used 1 and 2 cent coins for ages. The smallest denomination is 5 cents. So, what happens if something is priced at $9.98?

That's where 'rounding' comes in:

If the last digit is 1 or 2, it rounds down to 0 (e.g. $9.92 → $9.90)
If the last digit is 3 or 4, it rounds up to 5 (e.g. $9.93 → $9.95)
If the last digit is 6 or 7, it rounds down to 5 (e.g. $9.97 → $9.95)
If the last digit is 8 or 9, it rounds up to the next 0 (e.g. $9.98 → $10.00)

Sounds a bit complex? Really, just remember one simple rule: when you pay with cash, the shop assistant will automatically round it to the nearest 0 or 5 for you.

This rule only applies to cash transactions though. If you're paying by card, you'll still be charged to the exact cent. Pretty interesting, hey? It's like having a friend who insists on doing their sums in their own unique way.

How to find a comfy 'home' for this friend?

Now that you've got to know this friend, the next step is to find it a 'home' in Australia – that is, open a bank account.

There are plenty of banks in Australia, but for someone just arriving, you only really need to understand two basic types of accounts:

Everyday/Savings Account: This is your 'wallet'. Your salary will go in here, and you'll use it for your daily spending and transfers. It's the account you'll need and use the most.
Term Deposit: This is your 'piggy bank'. If you have some money you won't need for a while, you can put it in here to earn some interest, but you usually can't access it freely.

When opening an account, don't worry about language barriers holding you up. Technology these days is super handy; instant translation chat apps like Intent can make your conversations with bank staff totally smooth, just like having a personal translator with you. From opening an account to making new friends, communication will be a breeze.

Click here to make Lingogram your communication superpower in Australia

Are you ready?

See? The Aussie dollar isn't so unfamiliar now, is it?

It's no longer just a bunch of cold numbers and plastic bits; it's an Australian friend with personality, stories, and even a few quirks.

Once you understand it, you're not just a tourist – you're truly starting to integrate into local life. Next time you pull out one of those colourful banknotes from your pocket, hopefully, you'll crack a knowing smile.

Because you and your first Australian friend are already good mates.