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

Getting ready for your trip to Australia? Your flights are booked, and your bags are pretty much packed. Sunshine, beaches, kangaroos, koalas... everything sounds so inviting.

But wait, hasn't a very practical question quietly crept into your mind: "What does Australian money look like? I hear it's quite different from what we use – will I be flustered when I get there?"

Don't panic just yet. Today, we won't get into complex exchange rates or banking terms. Instead, let's get to know the Aussie dollar in a different way.

Imagine 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 be much smoother.

Meet Your Friend with the "Plastic Feel"

First off, this new friend of yours is surprisingly "tough."

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

This friend isn't just tough; it also has a lot of "substance." The figures on each banknote aren't just randomly placed. They are Australia's pioneers, inventors, social activists, and artists.

For instance, the $50 Australian banknote 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 nickname "Australia's Da Vinci."

So, the next time you're spending money, take a moment to look at the banknote in your hand. You're not just holding a piece of plastic, but a small slice of Australian history and pride.

Its Lovable Little 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 only plays a math game with you when you pay 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 a product is priced at $9.98?

This is where "rounding" comes into play:

If the trailing digit is 1 or 2, it rounds down to 0 (e.g., $9.92 → $9.90)
If the trailing digit is 3 or 4, it rounds up to 5 (e.g., $9.93 → $9.95)
If the trailing digit is 6 or 7, it rounds down to 5 (e.g., $9.97 → $9.95)
If the trailing 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 with cash, the cashier will automatically round your total to the nearest 0 or 5.

This rule only applies to cash transactions. If you pay by card, you'll still be charged to the exact cent. Isn't that fascinating? 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've met 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 new arrivals, you only need to understand two basic types of accounts:

Everyday/Savings Account (日常帳戶): This is your "wallet." Your salary will go into it, and you'll use it for everyday expenses and transfers. This is the account you'll need and use most often.
Term Deposit (存款帳戶): This is your "piggy bank." If you have money you won't need for a while, you can put it here to earn some interest, but it can't usually be accessed freely.

When opening an account, don't worry about language barriers getting you stuck. Modern technology is incredibly convenient. Instant translation chat apps like Intent can make your conversations with bank staff flow smoothly, just like having a personal interpreter with you. From opening an account to making new friends, communication is no longer an issue.

Click here to make Lingogram your communication superpower in Australia!

Are You Ready?

See? The Aussie dollar isn't so unfamiliar anymore, is 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.

When you understand it, you're not just a tourist anymore; you're truly beginning to immerse yourself in local life. Next time you pull out one of those colorful banknotes from your pocket, I hope you'll smile knowingly.

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