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What is USD?

Currency:

US Dollar

Central Bank:

Federal Reserve Bank

Currency symbol:

$ (dollar)

Currency sub unit:

¢ (cent)

Nicknames:

greenback, buck, dough, green

Bank notes:

$1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Coins:

1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1


The US dollar (USD) is one of the widely used currencies in the world and serves as the official currency in several countries and regions outside the United States, including the Caribbean, Ecuador and El Salvador.



Don’t be surprised to hear dollarsreferred to as ‘bucks’ when you are out and about, this is a commonly used nickname! You may also hear 5 cent coins referred to as ‘nickels’, 10 cent coins as ‘dimes’ and 25 cent coins as a ‘quarters’.



Tipping is standard practice across America and you will be expected to pay up to 15% on top of your meal – or even 20% for upmarket restaurants. Thankfully, portion sizes tend to be very generous indeed, so you’re unlikely to feel short-changed!



Plan ahead with currency bundles, travel insurance & eSIMs

USACanada
US dollarCanadian dollar


USACanada
US dollarCanadian dollar


Travel insurance
Discover more with Cover-More
travel insurance by your side.


USA International SIMs
Choose from a range of eSIMs
to suit your travel needs.


picture of the Travelex Money Card

USD Goes Further with the Travelex Money Card

  • Our Travelex Money Card gives you better rates than Cash
  • Receive even better rates when exchanging $2,000 and over
  • Free delivery to your home or to your local Travelex store

What to spend your dollars on

  • Poker Chip

    Smart gambling in Vegas

    1 USD *

  • Taxi

    Grand Central Station to
    the Empire State Building

    5.50 USD *

  • Basket Ball

    Catch an LA Lakers game (from)

    35 USD *

  • Cinema

    IMAX at the L.A. Chinese Theatre

    19 USD *

  • Coffee

    Sip fresh coffee at Central Park

    4 USD *

How many dollars will I need?**

Please select your budget above.

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Total spending money needed:

  • Coins IconA budget
  • Person Iconfor people for
  • Calendar Days nights

 

*Recalculate

Buying US dollars online is easy

Order American dollars online, lock in the rate and collect at your local store or at the airport before you fly

  • 1. Click the ‘Buy US Dollars Now’ button below
  • And tell us how much you need for your trip in Cash or Travel Card.

  • 2. Choose where to get it
  • Collect at more than 3,600 pick up locations.

  • 3. Pay online
  • You can pay online using either PayID, BPAY, Visa or MasterCard®

Payment options in the USA

Payment methods in the US are fairly consistent nationwide. Credit cards and travel cards are widely accepted, though cash is still useful in many everyday situations.

  • Perfect for: Tipping, taxis, diners & small businesses.
  • Pros: Widely accepted, handy in rural areas.
  • Cons: Harder to track spending, not as secure.

Why use foreign cash?

  • US dollars are accepted everywhere in the States, making them a reliable payment option—especially at places that don't take cards, like street vendors, food trucks, or local bars.
  • Having foreign currency on you also makes it easy to tip at pubs or restaurants, which is a big part of US service culture.

 

Things to consider:

  • Pickpocketing can happen in busy cities, so avoid carrying large sums of cash.
  • Cash can make budgeting tricky, as it’s harder to track your spending.
  • Perfect for: Safer travel with locked-in exchange rates.
  • Pros: Reload online, store multiple currencies, easy replacements.
  • Cons: Top-up times can vary, some ATM fees apply.

Why use foreign cash?

  • Travel money cards let you load USD in advance using Australian dollars.
  • They’re safer than carrying a lot of foreign cash and easy to cancel or replace if lost. Many cards let you order a backup to take with you.
  • You can lock in your USD exchange rate at your time of purchase to avoid any hidden costs.*

 

Things to consider:

  • ATM withdrawals may attract a small fee.
  • Reloading your card may take a day or two, so plan ahead for top-ups.
  • Perfect for: Hotel deposits, car hire, emergencies.
  • Pros: Convenient, widely accepted across the US.
  • Cons: Foreign transaction fees, not ideal for smaller purchases

Why use foreign cash?

  • US stores, hotels and restaurants widely accept major cards like Visa and Mastercard.
  • They’re great for booking deposits and big expenses without dipping into your travel money.

 

Things to consider:

  • Smaller places—like cafes, bars or food trucks— often prefer cash to avoid processing fees.
  • There may be minimum amounts required to spend on cards in stores.
  • Bank cards may charge 2–5% in international transaction fees, so watch your spending.

Discover where to buy USD in Australia

You can buy USD online or in-store at any of our branches around Australia.

Check our full list of branches, or click the links below to find your nearest money exchange store and lock in buying USD at a great rate today.



Must-sees in the United States

New York
  • New York
  • This bustling metropolis is full of great landmarks. The Empire State Building, Broadway theatre district and Madison Square Garden are just three of them, begging to be explored!
New Orleans
  • New Orleans
  • A vibrant clash of American, Caribbean and French influences, New Orleans is especially known for its live blues and jazz music.
Miami
  • Miami
  • Miami features a unique blend of Hispanic and American culture that you won’t find anywhere else. Take it all in while you walk the famous South Beach.

The best time to buy US dollars is when the Australian dollar is strong, as you’ll get more USD for your money. Exchange rates shift daily, so it’s worth watching market trends. Use our USD exchange rate tracker to set alerts and be notified when the U.S dollar has reached your desired rate.

You can buy USD at any Travelex store across Australia or order online for click-and-collect at your nearest location. Travelex also offers home delivery to most areas — so you can exchange currency without leaving the house.

Find your nearest store.

The cheapest way is to buy USD online and either pick it up in-store or have it delivered. Travelex offers better online rates than in-store, with extra savings when exchanging $2,000 AUD or more. For the best overall deal, load your USD onto a Travelex Money Card to lock in the rate and avoid market fluctuations.

Unfortunately, no one can say for sure as exchange rates depend on global events, interest rates, and economic trends in both Australia and the US. Historically, the AUD to USD rate has ranged from as low as $0.47 to above $1.10. To avoid surprise fluctuations, consider using a Travelex Money Card to lock in today’s rate.

When is the best time to buy us dollars?

The best time to buy US dollars is when the Australian dollar is strong, as you’ll get more USD for your money. Exchange rates shift daily, so it’s worth watching market trends. Use our USD exchange rate tracker to set alerts and be notified when the U.S dollar has reached your desired rate.

Where can I buy us dollars near me?

You can buy USD at any Travelex store across Australia or order online for click-and-collect at your nearest location. Travelex also offers home delivery to most areas — so you can exchange currency without leaving the house.

Find your nearest store.

What is the cheapest way to buy US dollars?

The cheapest way is to buy USD online and either pick it up in-store or have it delivered. Travelex offers better online rates than in-store, with extra savings when exchanging $2,000 AUD or more. For the best overall deal, load your USD onto a Travelex Money Card to lock in the rate and avoid market fluctuations.

Will the AUD get stronger against USD?

Unfortunately, no one can say for sure as exchange rates depend on global events, interest rates, and economic trends in both Australia and the US. Historically, the AUD to USD rate has ranged from as low as $0.47 to above $1.10. To avoid surprise fluctuations, consider using a Travelex Money Card to lock in today’s rate.

* Rates are subject to change throughout the day. In-store rates vary compared to online.

** The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.

*** Business days. Some stores open 7 days. The next available date will be displayed when ordering.

^^Based on mid-market and Travelex Online AUD to FX exchange rates as of the date of the relevant social media post and/or email communication. Rates are subject to change throughout the day. Any rates and savings are quoted as a guide only.

Travelex Limited (ABN 36 004 179 953, AFSL Number 222444) arranges for and sells Online Foreign Currency via its Online Ordering Facility. You should consider the Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any product.

Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Travelex Money Card in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited (‘EML’)(ABN 30 131 436 532, AFSL 404131). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Travelex Money Card and Target Market Determination available at www.travelex.com.au, before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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