Before You Go to Australia, Make a 'Local Friend'! It's Already in Your Wallet.

Ready for Australia? Your flights are booked, your bags are almost packed. Sunshine, beaches, kangaroos, koalas… it all sounds so enticing.

But wait, isn't a rather practical question quietly creeping into your mind: "What does Australian money actually look like? I've heard it's quite different from what we use; will I be completely flustered when I get there?"

Don't panic just yet. Today, we're not going to delve into complex exchange rates and banking terms. Instead, let's get acquainted with the Aussie dollar in a different way.

Think of it as the first 'local friend' you make in Australia. This friend has a unique personality, a few quirks, and holds many fascinating stories. Once you understand it, your life in Australia will run much more smoothly.

Meet This Distinctly Plastic Friend

First off, your new friend is surprisingly durable.

Forget the awkwardness of paper money getting washed to bits or torn. Australia's banknotes are made of plastic! They're brightly coloured, waterproof, and incredibly durable. Even if you accidentally put them through the washing machine with your jeans, just take them out, let them dry, and they'll be good as new.

This friend isn't just durable; they also have real 'substance'. The figures on each banknote aren't just placed there randomly; they represent Australia's pioneers, inventors, social activists, and artists.

For example, the 50-Aussie dollar banknote features the portrait of David Unaipon, an Aboriginal Australian writer and inventor. He not only advocated for Indigenous people but also designed numerous mechanical devices, earning him the title 'Australia's Leonardo da Vinci'.

So, when you're spending money, perhaps take a moment to look closely at the banknote in your hand. You're not just holding a piece of plastic; you're holding a small piece of Australian history and pride.

It Has a Charming Little Quirk: The Rounding Game

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

Australia stopped using 1-cent and 2-cent coins a long time ago; the smallest denomination is 5 cents. So, what happens if an item is priced at $9.98?

That's when 'rounding' comes into play:

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

Sounds complicated? Actually, just remember one simple rule: When you pay in cash, the shop assistant will automatically round the amount to the nearest 0 or 5 for you.

This rule only applies to cash transactions; if you pay by card, every single cent will still be deducted precisely. Isn't that interesting? It's like having a friend who insists on settling up in their own unique way.

How to Find This Friend a Comfortable 'Home'?

Now that you're acquainted with this friend, the next step is to find it a 'home' in Australia – which means opening a bank account.

Australia has many banks, but for newcomers like you, you only need to understand two basic types of accounts:

Current Account (also known as an Everyday or Spending Account): This is your 'wallet'. Your salary will be paid into it, and you'll use it for daily spending and transfers. It's the account you'll need and use most often.
Term Deposit: This is your 'piggy bank'. If you have a sum of money you won't need for a while, you can put it here to earn some interest, though you usually can't access it freely.

When opening an account, don't worry about language barriers holding you back. Modern technology is incredibly convenient; instant translation chat apps like Intent can make your conversations with bank staff seamless, just like having a personal interpreter with you. From opening an account to making new friends, communication will no longer be an issue.

Click here to make Lingogram your ultimate communication tool in Australia

Are You Ready?

See? The Aussie dollar doesn't seem so unfamiliar now, does it?

It's no longer just a pile of cold numbers and plastic notes, but an Australian friend with personality, stories, and even a few charming quirks.

Once you understand it, you'll no longer just be a tourist; you'll truly start to immerse yourself in local life. Next time you pull out one of those colourful banknotes from your pocket, I hope you'll share a knowing smile.

Because you and your first friend in Australia will already be firm friends.