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INR → VND · VietnamAustralian Dollar (AUD)
The Australian Dollar is the official currency of Australia and one of
the most-traded currencies in the world. For Indian travellers and
students, AUD is a familiar currency. Australia has been one of the top
destinations for Indian students for over two decades, and Indian
tourism to Australia has grown sharply with direct flights from Delhi,
Mumbai, and Bangalore.
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About Australian Dollar (AUD)
The story, the role, and the reach of the australian dollar — explained for Indian travellers, students and businesses.
The Australian Dollar is the official currency of Australia and one of
the most-traded currencies in the world. For Indian travellers and
students, AUD is a familiar currency. Australia has been one of the top
destinations for Indian students for over two decades, and Indian
tourism to Australia has grown sharply with direct flights from Delhi,
Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Australia has the world's seventh most-traded currency. The AUD/USD pair
is one of the most-traded currency pairs globally and accounted for
around 4.9 percent of global FX turnover in the BIS 2025 survey. Indian
student migration to Australia, business travel, and family migration
all keep AUD demand strong from India.
This page covers what the dollar is, how it moves against the rupee, and
where to buy it in India. For today's live rate, jump to the rate page
below.
A short history
From its origins to the modern australian dollar you know today.
The Australian Dollar was introduced on 14 February 1966, replacing the
Australian Pound at a rate of 2 dollars per pound. The shift to decimal
currency was a major modernisation. Before 1966, Australia used a
pounds-shillings-pence system inherited from British colonial times.
From 1966 until 1983, the AUD was pegged to other major currencies,
first to the British Pound, then to the US Dollar, and then to a
trade-weighted basket. In December 1983, the Hawke-Keating government
floated the dollar, allowing the market to set the rate. The float was
one of the defining economic reforms of modern Australia.
Australia has been a pioneer in polymer banknotes. In 1988, the Reserve
Bank of Australia issued the world's first polymer banknote, a
commemorative $10 note for the bicentennial. By 1996, all Australian
notes were polymer. This was decades before the UK and Canada moved to
polymer notes.
For Indians, AUD matters because Australia is a top student destination
and a growing trade partner. India-Australia trade ties have
strengthened sharply since the 2022 Economic Cooperation and Trade
Agreement (ECTA).
Denominations you'll use
The notes and coins in actual circulation — and which ones you'll see most.
Australian notes are polymer (plastic) and feature different colours and
sizes for each denomination, with transparent windows containing
security features. Each note features a notable Australian figure: David
Unaipon and Edith Cowan on the $50, John Flynn and Mary Reibey on the
$20, Banjo Paterson and Mary Gilmore on the $10, AB Banjo Paterson on
the $10, and so on.
Banknotes
- $5 (pink)
- $10 (blue, most commonly used note)
- $20 (red-orange)
- $50 (gold-yellow, most commonly dispensed by ATMs)
- $100 (green, largest note. Some shops may not accept it for very small purchases.)
Coins
- 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢ (silver-coloured)
- $1 (gold-coloured)
- $2 (gold-coloured, smaller than the $1 coin)
A note on coins: the $2 coin is physically smaller than the $1 coin,
which surprises first-time visitors. The 1¢ and 2¢ coins were withdrawn
from circulation in 1992.
When buying AUD from Matrix Forex, ask for a mix of $20 and $50 notes.
The $50 is the most useful denomination for daily spending. The $100 is
harder to use in small transactions.
How the AUD moves
The forces and policy decisions that shape its value against the rupee.
The AUD is the seventh most-traded currency globally, with the BIS 2025
survey showing the AUD on around 6 percent of all FX trades. The AUD/USD
pair is the sixth most-traded currency pair, accounting for 4.9 percent
of global FX turnover.
Against the Indian Rupee, the AUD moves based on:
- Reserve Bank of Australia policy. RBA interest rate decisions and signals move the AUD directly.
- Commodity prices. Australia is a major exporter of iron ore, coal, gold, and natural gas. AUD strengthens when commodity prices rise.
- China's economy. China is Australia's largest trading partner. Chinese growth data and Chinese demand for Australian exports move the AUD.
- Global risk sentiment. The AUD is a risk-on currency. It tends to weaken during market stress and strengthen when global growth looks strong.
AUD/INR has moved significantly through 2025 and 2026. The rate traded
between ₹51.21 and ₹60.41 in 2025 (average ₹56.22). Through 2026 so far
it has been ₹60.06 to ₹65.85 (average ₹63.34). Over the past six months
the AUD has strengthened against the rupee by around 18 percent.
Why Indians buy AUD
The everyday use-cases — travel, education, business — that bring Indians to this currency.
AUD demand from India breaks into four buyer types.
Students
Australia is one of the top three destinations for Indian students after
the US and Canada. Universities like Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, Monash,
UNSW, Queensland, and Adelaide draw large Indian student numbers. The
Australian student visa (subclass 500) requires proof of funds for
tuition, living costs, and travel. From 2025, the financial capacity
threshold for living costs is AUD 29,710 per year. Tuition at top
Australian universities runs AUD 35,000 to AUD 55,000 per year.
Family migration and PR holders
Australia is a major destination for Indian skilled migration. Family
reunification visas, partner visas, and permanent residency are common
reasons Indians make initial moves to Australia, each requiring AUD for
setup costs.
Leisure travellers
Australia is a popular destination for Indian tourists, particularly for
Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, and the wine regions. A
typical 10 to 14 day Australia trip needs AUD 2,000 to AUD 4,000 in
spending money.
Business travellers and trade
Since the 2022 India-Australia ECTA, business travel and trade have
grown. Sectors like mining, IT, dairy, education, and healthcare drive
recurring business travel.
Using AUD in Australia
Cards vs cash, ATM tips, common pitfalls — what to know before you travel.
Australia is heavily card-based. Contactless payments work universally,
and most Australians rarely carry cash. PayWave and Apple Pay or Google
Pay work at almost every retail point. Cash is becoming less common,
though it still has a role in certain settings.
Places that prefer cash
- Small market stalls and farmers' markets
- Some food trucks (most accept cards but check beforehand)
- Tips at certain restaurants (though tipping is not expected, see below)
- Smaller regional cafes and bakeries
- Buskers and street performers
Places where cards work well
- Almost everywhere in cities (universal)
- Public transport (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, GO Card in Brisbane: all accept contactless bank cards now)
- Restaurants and bars
- Petrol stations
- Tourist attractions and tour operators
ATMs
ATMs are widely available. The four major banks (Commonwealth, ANZ,
Westpac, NAB) operate the most ATMs. Most do not charge their own
customers but charge foreign-card users AUD 2 to AUD 5 per withdrawal.
Your Indian bank will charge a separate international transaction fee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Restaurant workers earn a minimum
wage that includes service. A 10 percent tip for exceptional service is
appreciated but not required. Round-ups for taxi fares are common.
Hotels typically do not expect tips. This is one of the cultural
differences Indian travellers should know: not tipping is not rude in
Australia.
How to get AUD in India
Your options — branches, banks, online forex providers, and the airport route.
Cash (AUD notes)
Up to USD 3,000 equivalent per trip in foreign currency notes (roughly
AUD 4,500 at current rates). Matrix Forex sells AUD at the live
interbank rate with same-day delivery across 21 Indian cities. Ask for a
mix of $20 and $50 notes.
Forex card
Load AUD onto a forex card before travel. The Matrix Forex Card supports
28 currencies including AUD, with no markup on the live interbank rate.
Wire transfer
For tuition fees, family support, or hotel pre-payments, send AUD
directly to an Australian bank account via SWIFT. Funds typically reach
Australia within 24 hours.
What most travellers actually do
For a 10-day Australia trip: AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,000 in cash, a forex
card loaded with another AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000, plus an Indian credit
card for emergencies. For student remittance, cash is limited to USD
3,000 equivalent, with the bulk of tuition and living costs via wire
transfer.
CTA: Go to Live Rate Page · Links to: /australian-dollar/rate/
Rules and limits
LRS, TCS, KYC and the FEMA rules every Indian needs to know.
USD 3,000 equivalent per trip in foreign currency notes.
USD 2,50,000 per financial year across all purposes.
TCS applies above ₹10 lakh per financial year. Education via Section 80E loan: 0 percent. Self-funded education and medical: 5 percent above ₹10 lakh. Travel, family support, gifts: 20 percent above ₹10 lakh.
Australian student visa applicants must show financial capacity covering 12 months of living costs (AUD 29,710 from 2025), one year's tuition, and travel costs. The funds need to be available and verifiable. Plan your remittance accordingly.
Travellers arriving in or departing Australia with AUD 10,000 or equivalent in foreign currency must declare it to the Australian Border Force. This rarely applies to leisure travellers but matters for property purchases or large business amounts.
PAN, passport, Australian visa, and confirmed flight ticket or admission letter.
Keep up to USD 2,000 equivalent in foreign currency notes after return. Matrix Forex buys back unused AUD at the live interbank rate.
Frequently asked questions
(or A$ to distinguish it from the US dollar). It is issued by the
Reserve Bank of Australia.
14 February 1966 to modernise its currency system. The
pounds-shillings-pence system inherited from British colonial times was
complex and inefficient. Decimalisation made calculations and accounting
easier.
Through 2026 so far, AUD/INR has averaged ₹63.34 with a range of ₹60.06
to ₹65.85. The AUD has strengthened sharply against the rupee, gaining
around 18 percent in the past six months.
AUD 2,000 in cash plus another AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000 on a forex card.
Budget travellers can manage on AUD 100 to AUD 150 per day; mid-range
AUD 200 to AUD 300 per day.
minimum wage that already includes service. A small tip for exceptional
service is appreciated but not required. This is a significant cultural
difference from the US.
on Indian-issued credit cards. A forex card avoids this markup.
an authorised dealer like Matrix Forex. You will need the university's
bank details, your PAN, your passport, the student's Confirmation of
Enrolment (CoE), and admission proof. Funds typically reach Australia
within 24 hours.
interbank rate with same-day door delivery across 21 cities, or in
person at our nine branches.
