Befriending the Local Currency Before Your Australia Trip! It's Right There in Your Wallet.

Planning your Australia trip? Tickets booked, bags almost packed. Sunshine, beaches, kangaroos, koalas... everything sounds so appealing!

But wait, hasn't a practical question quietly popped into your mind: "What does Australian money look like? I've heard it's different from ours, will I get flustered when I'm there?"

Don't panic. Today, we won't delve into complex exchange rates and banking terms. Let's get acquainted with 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 treasure trove of fascinating stories. Understand it, and your Australian life will be much smoother.

Meet This 'Plasticky' Friend

Firstly, your new friend is incredibly 'resilient' – more than you'd imagine.

Forget the woes of paper notes getting ruined in the wash or tearing easily. Australian banknotes are made of plastic! They're brightly coloured, waterproof, and durable. Even if you accidentally toss one in the washing machine with your jeans, just take it out, dry it, and it'll be good as new.

This friend isn't just resilient; it also has deep 'substance'. The figures on each banknote aren't just put there randomly. They are Australia's pioneers, inventors, social activists, and artists.

For instance, the A$50 note features the portrait of David Unaipon, an Aboriginal Australian author and inventor. He not only advocated for Indigenous people but also designed many mechanical devices, earning him the title 'Australia's Leonardo da Vinci'.

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

It Has a Cute 'Quirk': The Rounding Math Game

Every friend has a few quirks, and the Aussie dollar is no exception. Its most interesting quirk is that it plays a math game with you, but only when you're paying in '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 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 complicated? Actually, just remember one simple rule: When paying in cash, the cashier will automatically round the amount to the nearest 0 or 5 for you.

This rule applies only to cash transactions. If you're paying by card, every single cent will be debited accurately. Isn't that interesting? It's like a friend who insists on calculating things in their own unique way.

How to Find a Comfortable 'Home' for This Friend?

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 a newcomer like you, it's enough to understand two basic types of accounts:

Everyday/Savings Account: This is your 'wallet'. Your salary will be credited here, and you'll use it for daily expenses and transfers. This is the account you'll need and use most often.
Term Deposit: This is your 'piggy bank'. If you have some money you don't need immediately, you can put it here to earn interest, but usually, it cannot be easily withdrawn.

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 smooth and seamless, just like having a personal interpreter. From opening an account to making new friends, communication will no longer be an issue.

Click here to make Intent your communication superpower in Australia

Are You Ready?

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

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

Once you understand it, you're not just a tourist; you're truly beginning to integrate into local life. Next time you pull out that colourful banknote from your pocket, I hope you'll smile knowingly.

Because you're now well-acquainted with your first Australian friend.