AUDAustralian DollarAustralian Dollar (AUD)
The Australian dollar is the official currency of Australia and is also used by several Pacific territories. The Reserve Bank of Australia issues banknotes, while the Royal Australian Mint produces coins. AUD is the ISO code used to distinguish the currency from the many other dollars in circulation. One Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents.
- ISO code
- AUD
- Symbol
- AUD
- Region
- Oceania
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The Reserve Bank of Australia issues banknotes and operates monetary policy under a floating exchange-rate system.
- Last reviewed
Convert this currency
AUD converter
AUDRate date:
Quick facts
AUD at a glance
Currency profile
How AUD works
The Australian dollar is the official currency of Australia and is also used by several Pacific territories. The Reserve Bank of Australia issues banknotes, while the Royal Australian Mint produces coins. AUD is the ISO code used to distinguish the currency from the many other dollars in circulation. One Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents.
AUD conversions are useful for travel, education, online commerce, payroll and trade across the Asia-Pacific region. The displayed reference rate provides a calculation based on the provider's stated date; it does not include the pricing choices of a bank, card network or remittance service. Using AUD alongside the currency name and flag is especially important when a page also includes CAD, NZD, SGD or USD amounts.
- AUD replaced the Australian pound in the 1966 decimal changeover and is divided into 100 cents.
- Australia introduced the first complete polymer banknote series during the 1990s.
Context
Why this currency matters
AUD is a major traded currency and a widely used regional benchmark. Australia's commodity exports and commercial links with Asia make Australian-dollar pairs relevant to businesses and travelers well beyond Australia. It also serves as the circulating currency in several external territories, so country context can matter when researching where it is used. For planning, the published rate date should be recorded separately from the later date on which a provider processes payment. This keeps an estimate distinct from the final settled amount.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The Reserve Bank of Australia issues banknotes and operates monetary policy under a floating exchange-rate system.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for AUD
Australian dollar introduced
Australia changed from pounds, shillings and pence to a dollar divided into 100 cents.
Reserve Bank of Australia - decimal currencyAustralian dollar floated
Australia moved the dollar to a floating exchange-rate system.
Reserve Bank of Australia - financial reform timelineFirst polymer banknote
A commemorative polymer ten-dollar note introduced the technology that led to the full polymer series.
Reserve Bank of Australia - banknote historyFirst polymer series completed
The progressive issue of Australia's first full polymer banknote series was completed.
Reserve Bank of Australia - banknote history
Usage and economy
How AUD is used
- Domestic payments, payroll and accounts in Australia.
- Pacific travel, education, trade and reserve reporting.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
AUD currency units
The Reserve Bank of Australia documents the country's polymer banknote series.
Australia's decimal currency documentation records the coin units used with the Australian dollar.
One Australian Dollar unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Cent as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
Currency topics
FAQ
AUD questions
When was the Australian dollar introduced?
The Australian dollar entered circulation on February 14, 1966, replacing the pound-based system.
When did AUD begin floating?
Australia floated the Australian dollar in December 1983.
Why are Australian banknotes made from polymer?
Australia developed polymer banknotes to improve security and durability and completed its first full polymer series in the 1990s.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.