Currency Exchange In Cairns
Cairns, a tropical city in North Queensland, is not only a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but is also a popular holiday destination for travellers from around the world. On average, over 3 million people visit Cairns every year, with both domestic and international tourists coming to enjoy the warm climate and explore the incredibly diverse natural surroundings the region is famous for.
With the rise of digital payment options and international currency accounts, there is a debate that the use of physical currency is on the way out. While it may be true that cash payments are becoming less common, we still get frequently asked where the nearest money exchange is located in Cairns.
Keep reading to find the nearest money exchange in Cairns near you.
Where To Exchange Money In Cairns?
Travelex
Travelex is a global money exchange company offering a wide range of services including currency exchange, travel money cards and international money transfers. There are two Travelex locations to exchange money in Cairns. One, in Cairns Central Shopping Centre and the other located at Cairns Airport.
Travelex Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Address: Shop 73, Cairns Central Shopping Centre Spence St and, McLeod St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Phone: (07) 4041 6043
Open Hours
- Mon: Fri - 9:00am - 5:15pm
- Thu: 9:00am - 6:45pm
- Sat: 9:00am - 3:30pm
- Sun: Closed
Travelex Cairns Airport
Address: 2 Airport Ave, Cairns City QLD 4870
Phone: (07) 4035 9307
Open Hours
- Mon: 4:15am - 12:15pm | 4:00pm - 8:00pm
- Tue: 4:15am - 12:15pm
- Wed: 4:15am - 12:15pm
- Thu: 4:15am - 12:15pm
- Fri: 4:15am - 12:15pm | 4:00pm - 7:00pm
- Sat: 4:15am - 12:15pm
- Sun: 4:15am - 12:15pm | 4:00pm - 7:00pm
*Opening hours subject to changes.
Crown Currency Exchange
Crown Currency Exchange is 100% Australian owned and operated with a store situated in the heart of Cairns City. They offer over 80 currencies, competitive exchange rates, no commission fees and multiple locations with 60 stores around Australia.
Crown Currency Exchange
Address: The Bolands Centre, Shop 18 / 14 Spence Street, Cairns City QLD 4870
Phone: (07) 4041 0070
Open Hours
- Mon: Fri: 9:00am - 5:30pm
- Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
*Opening hours subject to changes.
Do you need cash in Cairns?
Majority of places in Cairns accept card and mobile phone payments. Some goods and services providers only take card, while others will have a sign asking for cash only to avoid transaction fees from eftpos providers. Having access to both methods of Aussie dollars is recommended. There are plenty of ATMs around Cairns should you need to withdraw cash, but be aware, they may charge a higher conversion rate if using an overseas card instead of a multi-currency card such as Wise, that already has Australian currency loaded onto it.
Which cards are accepted in Cairns?
VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted in Cairns, while cards like American Express and Diners Club are mostly only accepted at major supermarkets and department stores. It's a good idea to carry a few different credit cards, travel currency cards and a handful of cash, as some merchants may impose surcharges on certain card transactions if they do accept them.
Can you pay for optional extras with a card onboard a reef tour?
Most Great Barrier Reef tour boat operators accept card payments for add-on activities like scuba diving, guided snorkel tours, underwater photos and purchases at the bar. But since you are travelling so far off the mainland, sometimes the card machines lose reception. So if you’re wanting to make additional purchases out on the reef, it’s handy to carry some Australian cash with you. Just confirm with the specific tour operator you're travelling with to ensure they accept cash onboard.
Is there anywhere in Cairns that only takes cash?
Some market vendors, particularly at Rusty's Markets and local craft and farmers markets, may still be cash only. Monthly markets like The Tanks Markets in the Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove Markets often have portable ATM machines on site to cater for those cash only vendors. If you plan on using the public bus system, you will need cash. Small notes like $5 and $10 and coins. The bus driver may turn you away if you try to pay with a $50 or sometimes even a $20, depending on how many people you are paying for, which zone you are travelling to and how much your fare costs.
