AUD / ZAR

The Australian dollar is the official currency of Australia and its external territories, including Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Norfolk Island. It is also used in several Pacific island nations such as Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu through formal agreements.

Issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia, the dollar is divided into 100 cents and is commonly denoted by the symbol A$ to distinguish it from other dollar currencies. The Australian dollar is one of the world’s most traded currencies and is known for its relatively high interest rates and a reputation as a “commodity currency” due to Australia’s large export of natural resources.

The Australian dollar was introduced on 14 February 1966, replacing the Australian pound at a conversion rate of two dollars to one pound as part of a decimalisation reform. Since then, the banknotes have featured prominent Australian figures and native wildlife, reflecting the country’s cultural and natural heritage.