AUD to USD Exchange Rate

What affects the Australian dollar to US dollar exchange rate?

The AUD to USD rate moves as demand changes across global currency markets.

The Reserve Bank of Australia explains that supply and demand decide the value of the Australian dollar. Several factors can change that demand.

• Interest rate decisions by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the US Federal Reserve can affect returns on each currency.
• Inflation, employment, wages and consumer spending can change expectations for each economy.
• Commodity prices can affect the Australian dollar because Australia exports resources such as iron ore and coal.
• Economic activity in China can affect demand for Australian exports and, as a result, demand for AUD.
• The US dollar is a major reserve currency held by governments and central banks. It can also attract safe haven demand during periods of market stress.

No single update decides the rate on its own, and broad US dollar strength can move the AUD to USD rate even when nothing has changed in Australia. Check the latest rate and recent chart as your departure date gets closer.

A brief history of the AUD to USD rate

The Australian dollar, the official currency of Australia, is often called the Aussie in currency markets. Australia floated the dollar on 12 December 1983, which allowed market demand to set its value.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s historical data records several notable periods.

• In April 2001, the Australian dollar fell to just under US$0.48.
• In 2010, the Australian dollar moved above parity with the US dollar.
• On 27 July 2011, the Australian dollar reached about US$1.10.
• Recent rates have remained below parity. RBA data placed the rate close to US$0.70 in late July 2026.

These are market reference rates rather than Travelex customer rates. Check our online Currency Converter for the amount available through Travelex today.

Ways to get US dollars for your trip

You can order US dollar cash online, exchange Australian dollars in person or load funds onto a prepaid card. Carrying some cash and a card gives you more payment options across the USA.

Travelex has more than 80 stores across Australia, including at major airports, shopping centres, CBDs and suburban locations. Use our store locator to check opening hours and available services near you.

Order US dollars online

Order US dollars online and lock in the displayed rate at checkout. You can collect free from a Travelex store or choose one of around 3,000 participating Australia Post locations.

Australia Post cash orders must be between AU$350 and AU$5,000. An AU$15 collection fee applies to orders below AU$2,000.

Orders confirmed before 2.30 pm AEST from Monday to Friday can be delivered in three business days. Later weekday orders take four business days, while public holidays may add extra time.

Exchange Australian dollars for US dollars in person

Need US dollars sooner or prefer to speak with someone? Visit your nearest Travelex store and exchange Australian dollars for USD at the current in-store rate.

This rate may differ from our online rate. Check the store’s opening hours and confirm that USD is available, especially if you need a larger amount.

Load AUD onto a Travelex Money Card and pay in USD

Prefer to carry less cash? Load Australian dollars onto a travel money card such as the Travelex Money Card for the USA, then move the funds to USD online or in the Travelex Money App before you spend. Load USD before you travel to lock in the rate for your initial load. Subsequent reloads use the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

You can use the card wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted. No commission or hidden fees apply when you buy the Travelex Money Card online, though other fees and limits may apply depending on how you load and use it.

Travelex does not charge an international ATM withdrawal fee. However, an ATM operator may charge its own fee or set a lower limit.

The card received Mozo's Best Prepaid Travel Card award from 2022 to 2024. Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia arranges the card, and EML Payment Solutions issues it.

What currency does the USA use?

The US dollar is the official currency of the United States. Its currency code is USD, its currency symbol is $, and one dollar equals 100 cents.

Federal Reserve notes circulate in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. The $2 note remains legal tender, although you may see it less often in everyday change.

Smaller notes can help with tips, taxis and small purchases. See the current denominations on the U.S. Currency Education Program website.

Is it better to use cash or card in the USA?

Taking both gives you more payment options. Cash can help with tips, small vendors and places with limited card facilities, while cards often suit hotels, larger retailers and online bookings.

The Travelex Money Card has Mastercard Zero Liability protection for eligible transactions. You can also freeze and unfreeze the card through the Travelex Money App if it is lost or stolen.

Check your hotel or car hire provider’s payment and deposit rules before booking, as they can vary. 

Taking US dollars into the USA

There is no legal limit on the amount of currency or other monetary instruments you can carry into or out of the USA. However, you must report a combined total of more than US$10,000, including the foreign currency equivalent.

The threshold applies to individuals and groups travelling together, including families. Travellers entering the USA must declare the amount during the US Customs and Border Protection arrival process and file FinCEN Form 105.

This is a declaration requirement, not a limit. Check the latest US Customs and Border Protection currency guidance before you travel.

^{¹Payment surcharges may apply depending on the payment method. Other card fees and limits may apply. Some ATM operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits.
^^Based on Travelex Online AUD to FX and mid-market exchange rates as of the date of the relevant social media post and/or email communication.
**The information contained in this article has been compiled by Travelex from different external sources. 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. Travelex does not ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information shown. Nothing in this article is to be considered financial advice. Travelex Limited does not accept any liability for any loss or damage derived from any reliance on the information in this article. 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.}