Australia Travel Guide

Australia uses the Australian Dollar and is highly card-friendly, but long domestic distances and expensive tours can raise the final budget. Indian passport holders need a Visitor visa (subclass 600), AUD 250 from 1 July 2026. For a comfortable mid-range trip, budget around AUD 220 to 380 per person per day, with higher allowances for Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and rental-car itineraries. Carry most spending on an AUD prepaid or multi-currency travel card or a low-foreign-transaction-fee bank card, plus AUD 150 to 250 in cash for backup. Declare food and other biosecurity-risk items on arrival.

Understanding the Australian Dollar exchange rate

AUD exchange rates move constantly and are hard to predict. Focus on the final customer rate, card foreign-transaction fees, ATM charges and any card surcharge rather than trying to pick a perfect day. Compare the quoted AUD rate against a reliable market reference and check all visible charges before you confirm.

How much AUD to carry

For a mid-range trip, allow around AUD 220 to 380 per person per day before international flights. Most travellers can place planned spending on an AUD prepaid or multi-currency travel card or a low-foreign-transaction-fee bank card, and carry AUD 150 to 250 in cash for a week. Increase the buffer for road trips, remote areas and tours that must be paid on the day.

Cards, cash and three payment traps

Card acceptance is widespread, but a card-first trip should still include a backup. Carry two independently issued cards where practical, enable international use, and know your issuer's foreign-transaction, ATM and replacement fees.

• Dynamic currency conversion: when a terminal offers AUD or your home currency, choose AUD. Home-currency billing can carry an unfavourable processor rate.
• Card surcharges: banned since 1 October 2026 on eftpos, Visa and Mastercard, including cards issued overseas. Weekend, public-holiday and booking surcharges are still allowed.
• Device mismatch on transit: where contactless transport is available, tap on and off with the same physical card or the same phone so the system applies the correct fare and caps.

The best ATM approach in Australia

Use ATMs operated by recognised banks and review the operator fee before confirming. Your own bank or travel-card issuer may also charge a withdrawal or conversion fee. Fewer, larger withdrawals usually cost less than repeated small ones. Decline any ATM offer to convert into your home currency and let your own provider handle the AUD transaction.

GST and the Tourist Refund Scheme

Australia applies a 10% GST to most goods and services, normally included in displayed prices. Eligible international travellers may claim a refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme when purchases total at least AUD 300 (including GST) from a supplier using the same ABN, the goods were bought within 60 days of departure, and the invoice and export conditions are met. Services such as hotels, tours and car rental are not claimable.

Getting around Australia

Australia is very large, so fewer regions usually makes a better first trip. Domestic flights are typically the most practical way to connect Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart and the Red Centre.

Public transport varies by city. Sydney uses Opal or supported contactless, with daily and weekly caps (see What things cost). Melbourne uses myki or contactless credit and debit cards, but not prepaid cards issued outside Australia, so a forex card may be refused there; fares are half price until 1 January 2027 (see the fees panel above). Queensland Translink uses a permanent 50-cent flat fare on eligible services, excluding Airtrain. Perth offers cash, contactless and SmartRider. Recheck each network before travel.

Driving rules and recognition of overseas licences are set by each state and territory. Carry your valid home-country licence and check whether an English translation or International Driving Permit is required in every jurisdiction on your route. Budget for insurance, fuel, tolls, one-way fees, parking and long distances between stops.

National park and Great Barrier Reef fees

Australia has no single national-park pass. Commonwealth, state and territory parks use different entry, vehicle, camping and tour charges. For the current Kakadu pass price and the Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge, both seasonal or temporary in 2026, see the fees panel above. Tour operators usually collect the reef charge with the tour price. Check the specific park or operator page before you pay for flights, accommodation or a rental car.

Entering Australia and biosecurity

Australia applies strict biosecurity controls. Declare food, plant material, animal products, medicines and other listed goods, even small quantities or homemade food. If unsure, declare the item; declaration itself does not automatically lead to a penalty, but failing to declare, or giving false information, can lead to infringement action, civil or criminal penalties and possible visa cancellation. Check current Australian Border Force guidance before packing snacks, spices, seeds, wooden items, herbal products or medicines.

Australian visa requirements by passport

Indian passport holders are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or the eVisitor (subclass 651), so they need the Visitor visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream, applied for online through ImmiAccount. The base charge is AUD 250 from 1 July 2026, up from AUD 200. Most visitors are granted up to three months, and up to 12 months is possible.

Processing times move with demand: in late September 2026, half of Tourist stream applications were decided within 21 days and 90% within 33. Biometrics are requested only in some cases, and the department tells you if they are needed. Apply well ahead, with complete documents.

Check Australian visa options → · Check current visa charges → · Check visa processing times →