Special purchases include excellent local wines; wool, clothing, leather and sheepskin products; opal and other precious or semi-precious stones; and modern art sculpture and paintings. Exhibitions of bark paintings, boomerangs and other tribal objects are on view and for sale in Darwin, Alice Springs and the State capitals; many depict stories from the Dreamtime. Many cities and towns have small shops devoted to the sale of 'Australiana', where Australian souvenirs, ranging from T-shirts to boomerangs, can be bought.
Shopping hours
Opening hours for most stores in the cities are Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1700. Late-night shopping is available Friday to 2100 in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin. Late-night shopping is available Thursday at the same times in Sydney, Canberra and Perth. Major stores in some states are open 1000-1600 Sunday. Corner stores, restaurants and snack bars are open in most cities until well into the night.
Currency Information:
Currency
Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of A$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of A$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Currency exchange
Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. International-class hotels will exchange major currencies for guests. It is recommended that visitors change money at the airport or at city banks.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Use may be restricted in small towns and outback areas. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travelers cheques
These are accepted in major currencies at banks or large hotels. However, some banks may charge a fee for cashing travelers cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in a major currency.
Currency restrictions
Export and import of coins/notes in Australian or foreign currency above A$10,000 must be declared to customs at the port of entry or departure. Export of local currency above A$2000 must have reserve bank approval.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Australian Dollar against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Banking hours
Mon-Thurs 0930-1600, Fri 0930-1700. These hours may vary slightly throughout the country.
