Convert AUD to USD Australian dollar ↔ US dollar Free Online Secure
Type an amount in Australian dollar and read it in US dollar at once. The page uses the European Central Bank's reference rate, and tells you which day that rate is from.
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Common amounts — Convert AUD to USD (Australian dollar ↔ US dollar)
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The last thirty days
Where these codes and rates come from
The three letters in EUR, USD or JPY are not an abbreviation someone invented for a website: they are ISO 4217, a standard in which the first two letters are the country's own code and the third is usually the initial of the currency. The figures on this page come from the European Central Bank, which publishes one set of reference rates each working day, around 16:00 Central European time, agreed between the central banks of the Eurosystem. They are a daily snapshot meant for statistics and accounting, not a live trading feed — which is exactly why they are the same number for everyone, rather than whatever one bank happened to quote at one moment.
Where you meet an exchange rate
You meet an exchange rate four or five times a year without thinking about it: booking a trip, paying an invoice issued abroad, buying from a foreign shop, reading a salary offer in another currency, or checking what a card charge really cost. In all of these the reference rate is the honest middle, and the price you actually pay sits a little to one side of it. Knowing the middle is what lets you see how wide that margin is.
Questions people ask
Is this the rate my bank will give me?
No, and no page can promise one. This is the European Central Bank's reference rate: the midpoint published once a day for statistics. A bank, a card scheme or an exchange office adds its own margin on top — usually between half a percent and three percent, sometimes more at an airport counter. Use this figure to judge the offer you are given, not to predict it.
How often does the figure change, and what happens at weekends?
The European Central Bank publishes once each working day, in the afternoon, Central European time. There is no publication on Saturdays, Sundays or TARGET holidays, so on those days the page shows the last working day's rate and says which day it belongs to. The chart alongside is one year of the same daily series.
Is the answer exact?
Where both units are defined in terms of one another by whole numbers, yes — the page says so above the figure, and the only rounding is in how many digits are shown. Where the ratio has no finite decimal, the page shows twelve significant digits and says the relation is approximate rather than pretending otherwise.
Does anything I type leave my device?
No. The arithmetic runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded and there is no server to upload it to. Load the page once and it keeps working with the network switched off.
Tipping, sales tax and the Grand Canyon: an Australian's first week in the United States, priced in American dollars
The first thing an Australian notices in the United States is that nothing costs what it says. A hamburger on the menu at 14 dollars arrives on a bill of 18 once tax is added, and 22 after the tip. A hotel advertised at 120 dollars a night turns into 155 with the resort fee and local charges. A coffee that costs 4.50 in Melbourne costs 5 in Los Angeles but is served with an expectation of an extra dollar or two. Meanwhile the exchange rate between the Australian dollar and the American one shifts from day to day, and the two currencies share a name and a symbol that invite confusion. This page gives you the rate. Use it to Convert AUD to USD with the daily reference rates published by the European Central Bank, in which both dollars are quoted against the euro; the page combines them into a dollar-dollar figure and prints its date under the result. The amount you type never leaves your browser.
Using the converter
Australian dollars in, American dollars out
Type your budget, Convert AUD to USD, and write the date beside the answer, because the figure and its date belong together.
Type an amount in Australian dollars and read the result in American dollars and cents, with the date of the fixing used. An Australian dollar is worth roughly 64 to 70 American cents, so the answer is about two thirds of the number you typed. Fixings appear once on each working day; on weekends and public holidays the page repeats the last one and says so. A table of round sums and a graph of the past month sit beneath the box. To go the other way, open Convert USD to AUD.
How much is lost along the way
At any counter, Convert AUD to USD first and divide the offer by the result to see the margin.
What you see is a wholesale price that banks use among themselves. Everything a consumer is offered is slightly worse, and the shortfall is the real fee. A quick check: divide the offered amount by the one shown here. A ratio of 0.99 is first-class, 0.97 is what a decent card gives, and under 0.95 is worth another quote. The sums below assume an invented, round rate of 67 American cents to the Australian dollar. It is not a forecast and not today's price, so replace it with the live figure.
The price on the shelf and the price you pay
Sales tax
Before you compare a shelf price, add the tax and then Convert AUD to USD for the full amount.
In the United States, sales tax is added at the till and varies from state to state and city to city. Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire and Delaware have none, while Los Angeles charges about 9.5 per cent, Chicago 10.25 and parts of Louisiana and Tennessee more than 9. A 50-dollar jacket becomes 54.75 in Los Angeles. Australians, used to a price that already includes the goods and services tax, must add seven to ten per cent to every shelf price before they Convert AUD to USD and compare.
Tipping
A tip of a fifth is normal, so add it to the bill and then Convert AUD to USD for the total.
Service staff in the United States earn low base wages and rely on tips. A tip of 18 to 22 per cent is expected in restaurants and bars, 15 to 20 for taxi and ride-hailing drivers, a dollar or two per drink at a bar and a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Many card terminals suggest amounts. For a 60-dollar meal, the tip is 11 to 13, and with tax of 5 the bill reaches about 77 American dollars, or 115 Australian dollars at the invented rate. Culture shock is mild if you plan for it.
Resort fees and hidden charges
A hotel's headline rate is rarely the final price, so Convert AUD to USD for the total including all fees.
Hotels in tourist cities often add a daily resort or destination fee of 25 to 50 dollars, not included in the headline rate. Parking can cost 30 to 60 dollars a night in a city centre. Car rental has taxes, airport fees and optional insurance that can double the quoted price. Read the final total before you confirm and Convert AUD to USD for the full amount.
Where Australians go
Los Angeles and California
A rental car and a theme park are the largest costs, so Convert AUD to USD for both before you book.
Los Angeles is the main gateway, with direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne taking around fourteen hours. The city offers beaches at Santa Monica and Venice, studio tours in Hollywood, theme parks and a vast sprawl that needs a car. Driving in California is on the right; a rental costs 50 to 100 dollars a day. A drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco takes two days and passes redwoods, cliffs and Big Sur. A day at a major theme park costs 120 to 190 dollars a ticket.
New York and the east
New York has museums, theatre, skyscrapers and food from every culture, and a week there easily absorbs a large budget. Broadway tickets cost 80 to 250 dollars, a major museum 25 to 30, a slice of pizza 1.5 to 4. A subway ride costs 2.90. Hotels average 250 to 400 dollars a night. Washington, Boston and Philadelphia are a short train ride away and rich in history.
Hawaii, the national parks and Las Vegas
Hawaii, a stopover on the way from Australia, offers beaches and volcanoes at prices higher than the mainland. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone and Zion national parks charge 35 dollars a vehicle, or 80 for an annual pass that covers all of them. Las Vegas draws crowds with casinos, shows and cheap buffets. Each destination merits a day or more, so plan the route and Convert AUD to USD for each leg.
Entry and money
Getting in
Australian citizens travelling for tourism or business can use an electronic travel authorisation, applied for online through the official government site before departure. Beware of lookalike sites that charge much more. The officer at the border may ask about your plans and your funds, so carry proof of onward travel and accommodation. Declare food, plants and large amounts of cash.
Cards and cash
Take a small cash reserve and Convert AUD to USD to know how much that is in Australian dollars.
Cards are accepted everywhere, and contactless payment is common though less universal than in Australia. Australian cards charge a foreign-transaction fee of about 3 per cent unless you use a travel card. A terminal may offer to bill you in Australian dollars; decline, since the rate it uses is poor. Cash machines charge their own fee of 3 to 5 dollars, plus your bank's. Withdraw larger sums less often.
Time, units and weather
Time zones are a puzzle: Los Angeles is seventeen to nineteen hours behind Sydney, New York fourteen to sixteen. Convert EST to PST shows the gap between the American coasts. The United States uses miles, gallons and Fahrenheit, so Convert km to mi, Convert L to gal and Convert °C to °F are essential tools.
Road trips and national parks
The American road
For Australians, the American road trip is a legend that lives up to its reputation. The distances are vast, the highways straight, and the diners, motels and neon signs part of the show. A classic route runs from Los Angeles through the desert to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion, then north to Yosemite and the coast. Fourteen days and 4,000 kilometres are enough. Fuel costs about 3.5 to 5 dollars a gallon, which is roughly 0.9 to 1.3 dollars a litre, far lower than in Australia. Motels cost 80 to 160 dollars a night, a chain hotel 120 to 220.
Driving rules
Americans drive on the right, which requires concentration for the first day or two. Many roads have speed limits in miles per hour: 65 means 105 kilometres per hour. Turning right at a red light is allowed in most states after a stop. Four-way stops are managed by courtesy. Seat belts and child seats are compulsory. Your Australian licence is valid for short visits, and an international permit is recommended in some states.
National park passes
The national parks charge by vehicle, usually 30 to 35 dollars for seven days. An annual pass for all federal sites costs 80 dollars, which pays off after three visits. At the invented rate, 80 dollars is about 119 Australian dollars. Book campsites and lodges inside the parks far ahead, since the most popular fill up six months in advance.
Food, American style
Portions and prices
Portions in the United States are large. A burger with fries costs 14 to 20 dollars, a steak dinner 35 to 60, a breakfast of eggs and pancakes 12 to 18. Free refills of coffee and soft drinks are common. Many Australians share dishes. Ordering water means tap water with ice, free. A drink at a bar costs 8 to 16 dollars, a beer 6 to 9.
Coffee and brunch
American coffee is weaker and larger than Australian, though specialty cafes in big cities serve flat whites. A cafe latte costs 5 to 6.5 dollars. Brunch is a social ritual on weekends, with queues at popular places. If you are in a hurry, ask about the wait before putting your name down.
Grocery shopping
Supermarkets are enormous and prices lower than in Australia for many items, such as milk, eggs and chicken. A weekly shop for two costs 120 to 200 dollars. Many motels have a microwave and fridge, and picnics are common in parks. Sales tax on groceries varies by state; some states exempt food.
A fortnight, with figures
An example
Suppose two travellers spend fourteen days on a road trip across the American west. Thirteen nights at 130 dollars are 1,690. A rental car for fourteen days at 70, with insurance, is 980, fuel 450. Food at 90 a day for two is 1,260. National park fees cost 80, attractions and tours 500, and tips and extras 300. The total is 5,260 American dollars, which at the invented rate is 7,851 Australian dollars, not counting the flights. Convert AUD to USD for each line and see where the money goes.
Where to save
Motels outside popular towns cost less, as do rooms with kitchens. Supermarket lunches and picnics replace restaurant meals. Park passes and city passes bundle entries. Travel in shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, when prices fall and crowds thin.
Health, safety and insurance
The cost of care
Healthcare in the United States is the most expensive in the world, and Australia's Medicare does not cover it. A visit to an urgent-care clinic costs 150 to 300 dollars, an emergency room visit often 1,000 to 3,000, and a hospital stay tens of thousands. A broken leg can cost more than a car. Travel insurance with high medical cover, 1 million dollars or more, is not optional. Read the policy for exclusions, such as adventure sports and pre-existing conditions, and carry a card with the emergency number.
Staying safe
Most tourist areas are safe, but caution is wise in any big city at night. Do not leave valuables in a rental car, lock doors in parking lots and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Wildlife in national parks, including bears and bison, is dangerous; keep your distance and follow ranger instructions. Heat in the desert in summer can exceed forty-five degrees, so carry water and avoid hiking in the middle of the day.
Emergency numbers
The emergency number is 911 for police, fire and ambulance. Mobile coverage is poor in remote parks, so download offline maps and tell someone your route. A paper map and a spare water bottle are inexpensive insurance.
Phones, power and etiquette
Staying connected
Roaming from an Australian plan costs 5 to 10 dollars a day; a local prepaid SIM or an eSIM with data costs 20 to 50 American dollars for a month. Hotels and cafes usually offer wireless networks. The United States uses a 120-volt supply and a flat two-pin plug, so Australian chargers need an adapter, and some devices need a converter.
Manners
Americans are friendly and talkative with strangers. A cheerful greeting, eye contact and small talk are normal in queues and shops. Personal space is larger than in some countries, and loud conversation in public is not unusual. Tipping is part of the service, and refusing to tip is considered rude. Remember to tip tour guides, hotel porters and valet attendants.
Public holidays
Public holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day on 4 July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hotels rise sharply in price, roads clog and shops close or run short hours. Plan ahead for the long weekends.
Planning around the calendar
The American calendar shapes prices. Summer, from late May to early September, and the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas are the most expensive, while late April, early May and October are quieter and cheaper in many parks and cities. Spring break in March fills beach towns in Florida and California. Ski resorts in Colorado and Utah peak from December to March. For an Australian escaping the southern winter, the northern summer is the natural choice, though the heat in the desert is intense. Book flights and park lodges early, and keep some days free for weather.
Finally, remember that distances in America are measured in miles and driving times in hours, and a map is the best way to avoid planning too much. A realistic pace is four to six hours of driving a day, with stops. Convert AUD to USD for fuel, lodging and park fees for each leg, and the picture of the trip will sharpen.
Other conversions
If the trip goes on
Travellers who continue to Canada can use Convert AUD to CAD, those who cross to Britain Convert AUD to GBP, and those who go on to Europe Convert AUD to EUR.
A habit worth keeping
Write down the rate and the date each time you pay a large bill, and compare the note with your statement when you are home.
Mistakes to avoid
Forgetting tax and tip
Prices without tax mislead, so Convert AUD to USD only after adding the tax and the tip.
The shelf price in the United States leaves out tax and tip. Add them before you Convert AUD to USD for a menu or a hotel.
Accepting a conversion at the terminal
A terminal that offers to charge you in Australian dollars uses its own rate. Pay in American dollars.
Confusing the dollars
Australia, Canada and the United States have dollars of different values. Check the currency code before comparing prices.
In short
The only thing fetched from the network is the table of daily rates; your amount stays in the browser and no account is needed. From a diner in Los Angeles to a viewpoint at the Grand Canyon, one habit pays: Convert AUD to USD, read the date and weigh every offer against the figure on this page.