If you’re heading to Melbourne (or in Australia generally), here’s what to keep in mind when exchanging foreign currency — and how dogpay might give you an additional tool.
Key Facts & Tips
- The currency in Melbourne (and all Australia) is the Australian dollar (AUD).
- Always check the mid-market rate (the real market benchmark) before exchanging. Some “zero fee” adverts still hide poor exchange rates.
- Avoid exchanging large amounts at airports or hotels — these often come with much worse rates.
- Using an ATM may be a better option: choose machines connected to global networks, and when withdrawing abroad, opt to be charged in AUD rather than converting locally to your home currency to avoid hidden mark-ups.
Recommended Local Exchange Services in Melbourne
- United Currency Exchange — multiple branches in Melbourne’s CBD.
- Travelex — several locations in Melbourne; you can order online and pick up in-store.
- Crown Currency Exchange — known for having many currencies in stock and no extra commission in many cases.
How dogpay Can Fit In
While local physical exchange shops are useful, using dogpay can give you more flexibility, especially if your funds are held outside Australia or you prefer less reliance on cash:
- Use dogpay to transfer funds into AUD ahead of your trip so you don’t have to exchange large sums in-person on arrival.
- If you have non-AUD funds (e.g., USD, EUR) and want to convert to AUD without multiple mark-ups, dogpay can handle the conversion more transparently.
- For smaller or unexpected payments (e.g., deposits, last-minute expenses) you can send via dogpay rather than carrying large amounts of cash or relying solely on local exchange.
