How much in Australian dollars to get ahead of time - for three weeks in Australia

[Anonymous]

College aged DD is spending three weeks in Australia for a short term study abroad program. The group leader said that she could just get money there, as ATMs are plentiful. She has a Bank of America debit card and has informed her credit card company (USAA) that she will be traveling abroad.

Shouldn't she get some Australian dollars before she goes? If so, how much would you recommend? Apparently she can order the money from our local Bank of America branch and have in with a couple of days.

Do many places take American cash, or only Australian currency? I know she will be visiting: Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef, and other places.

Thanks for any tips here!

[Anonymous]

Why would she take money with her? She can use the ATM in the airport and take out what she needs at ATMs across the country.

A few extremely touristy places may take American cash but why would places use a foreign currency?

Trust the group leader who has done this multiple times. This sounds like this is your and her first trip out of the country. the group leader knows what she should do.

[Anonymous]

Just get the cash upon arrival at the airport. ATMs everywhere. You should have no problems using ATM cards / credit cards as long as banks are notified in advance.

The ATM fees you might have to pay will be less than the losses you take in getting Australian dollars in advance.

I haven't used travellers checks or gotten cash in advance in about 15 years now. And I make 5-6 international trips a year.

[Anonymous]

PP here.

Just be aware that Australia is VERY expensive. Budget accordingly.

[Anonymous]

My son studied there for 5 months a few years ago. He didn't bring any cash, just a debit card to withdraw money from Australian ATMs and a credit card for other expenses.

[Anonymous]

Just bring a couple hundred in US cash to exchange in case there's a hiccup or delay with the ATM. But no, don't try to actually pay for anything with US dollars.

[Anonymous]

She will not be able to use US dollars. (Can you imagine walking into a CVS in DC and handing over Australian dollars?)

She will be able to easily withdraw money with an ATM card. She will be able to use a credit card.