Currencies

Europe

The official currency in Europe is the Euro. However, not all the countries that are part of the EU have adopted the currency, so you will have to pay in the local currency in:

Bulgaria: Lev
Norway: Norwegian Krone
Poland: Zloti
Slovakia: Slovak Koruna
Sweden: Swedish Krona
Romania: Leu

Money

In most Western European countries you will find the standard of living is pretty much the same as in Australia. When going to Eastern Europe, especially to the countries that haven't adopted the Euro as their home currency, you will get excellent value for money holidays! In Romania for instance, you can enjoy a delicious local three-course dinner from approximately 10 Dollars!

Other

Credit cards:

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in towns. ATMs are available with many branches of the Post Office and 7-eleven stores having ones that accept foreign cards. Otherwise, only international banks accept foreign credit or debit cards, and these are hard to find outside of major cities. They are generally open Mon-Fri 0700-2300, Sat-Sun 0900-1900, though some only operate during normal banking hours and on Saturday mornings. Citibank machines are the most likely to have ATMs, and also to accept foreign credit cards (and are usually open 24 hours).
Note: Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However, travellers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.

Currency restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding ¥1,000,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Travellers cheques:

These can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty-free shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Japanese Yen or US Dollars.

USA: US Dollar

Canada: Canadian Dollar

New Zealand: NZ Dollar

The Exchange rate to Australian Dollar can be very different from one currency to another, we advise you to check the official conversion rates before leaving.