The UK has so much to offer – for history buffs, there are medieval castles dotting the Scottish highlands, as well as of course, Stone Henge. For the Royalists, there’s of course a rich history of the monarchy in England, the crown jewels, and Buckingham Palace. More of a nature lover? The UK has that too – from the fairy isles of Scotland, to the Forest of Dean, to Dover Heights. And for the pop culture fanatics, from Beatlemania to Harry Potter, there’s a lot to explore in the UK.

If you’re lucky enough to visit the enchanting United Kingdom, here is a budget breakdown of how much money you’ll need to take…

What currency do I need for the UK?

Great British Pound (GBP), also known as Pound Sterling.
You’ll need to exchange AUD to GBP for your trip to the UK!

Where is the GBP used?

The pound sterling is the official United Kingdom currency, used in all four of the countries that form the UK:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Important note: If your holiday includes a detour into the Republic of Ireland, you’ll also need some Euros (they won’t accept pounds here, no matter how charming you are).

You’ll also want to exchange your Australian dollars to pounds if you’re packing bags for:

• The British Antarctic Territory
• Falkland Islands
• Gibraltar
• Guernsey
• The Isle of Man (not as sexy as it sounds)
• Jersey
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (not as edible as they sound)
• Tristan da Cunha

UK Daily Costs

Coffee: £3 (about $5.60 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: £1.10 (about $2.05 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: £4.30 (about $8 AUD) – for a pint in a pub
Food: £15 (about $28 AUD) –  fish ‘n’ chips
Fine Dining: £60 (about $112 AUD) – to dine like the Queen
Local Transport: £2.50 (about $4.70 AUD) – London Tube of course!

UK Daily Budget

Budget: Around £40-50 GBP ($80-$100 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, train ticket.
Moderate: Around £75-100 GBP ($150-$200 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, train ticket, entry to the London Eye.
Luxury: Around £100-200 GBP ($200-$396 AUD) per day
EG: 3x restaurant meals, double decker bus, Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Cash or Card in the UK?

The UK is very card friendly, but you’ll still want some cash on hand for parking, taxis, small purchases etc. We recommend loading up a Currency Pass prepaid travel card with pound sterling (GBP) to use for everyday without incurring exorbitant credit card fees. Then, have some cash on hand too for other day-to-day purchases!

ATMs are easy to find as well – from shops to subway stations.

Tipping in the UK

Very rare, unless  you want to tip your top hat.

Safety in the UK

The UK is quite a safe place for you and your travel money. Just be wary of small roads with fast cars. and the cunning Artful Dodger.

UK Travel Money Tips

Some helpful advice for your UK getaway...

• Scoring a train pass early will save you heaps
• Careful, as some restaurants include a service fee
• Pennies melt at 1,085°C (it’s just illegal to try)
• Don’t use too many coins at once
• A Travel Money Oz Currency Pass can swipe you onto London tubes!

Want more help figuring out your UK travel budget?

Read this blog for how much money you need to travel the United Kingdom.

Did you know Switzerland is home to four languages? The Swiss speak German, French, Italian, and Romansh, thanks to the neighbouring countries of Germany, France, and Italy! Making this picturesque alpine country a perfect addition to your European travels.

If you’re planning on a summer hike through alpine meadows and powder-blue water, or instead go skiing through the alps in winter, here’s the travel money you’ll need for Switzerland…

What currency do I need for Switzerland?

A frequently asked question we get is “can I use Euros in Switzerland?”
However, despite having Euro-using neighbours, the answer is no.
While yes some establishments may take the Euro, the exchange rate will likely be terrible and you’d be better off using the local currency.

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Swiss Francs (CHF) for your trip to Switzerland!

Switzerland Daily Costs

Coffee: 4.80CHF (about $8 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: 3.85CHF (about $6.20 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 7CHF(about $11.60 AUD) – for a pint in a pub
Food: 25CHF (about $41.45 AUD) –  raclette or rosti in Zurich
Fine Dining: 100CHF (about $166 AUD) – three-course fondue in the alps
Local Transport: 3.50CHF (about $5.80 AUD) – taking tram trips in Geneva

Switzerland Daily Budget

Budget: Around 60CHF ($100 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, supermarket snacks, tram ticket.
Moderate: Around 120CHF ($200 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, and a cruise in Lucerne.
Luxury: Around 200CHF ($330 AUD) per day.
EG: 1x restaurant meal, and a cable-car ride through Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Cash or Card in Switzerland?

Switzerland is very card-friendly, but it’s also wise to have some cash on hand – from self-serve cheese kiosks on the roadside, to transport, to parking, to cafes, to even some toilets charging 1CHF to use the bathroom, having Swiss Francs in cash is a wise move.

Plus, while many historical and scenic sites are free to enter, sometimes they have around a 10CHF entry fee – so it’s good to have on hand.

ATMs are easy to find as well – however don’t withdraw frequently (or with your credit card) as you’ll be hit with some intense fees. 

If you do want to use a card while travelling Switzerland, consider getting a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass prepaid travel card, and load in Australian Dollars (AUD). That way, you won't be double paying the exchange rate - just always select 'Local Currency' when paying!

Tipping in Switzerland

There’s no obligation to tip in Switzerland as all service charges are included in published prices by law. However, rounding up is accepted – in this case leave it in cash on the table.

Safety in Switzerland

Switzerland is generally a pretty safe country to travel, but as always, exercise caution and be wary of pickpockets and keep your belongings close.

Switzerland Travel Money Tips

Switzerland can be on the pricier side for travellers, but here are some tips if you’re visiting Switzerland on a budget!

• Go veggie – meat is expensive in Switzerland, so opting for veggie meals helps save your wallet. Switzerland makes this easy with all the delicious cheese and chocolate!
• Look into the Swiss Travel Pass and city tourism cards – many cities have a city pass for discounted or free admission for museums and sightseeing, and sometimes even transport!
• The water in Switzerland is safe to drink (just look at the stunning glacial lakes!), so take a reusable water bottle and fill up.

Ready to head to Switzerland?

Exchange AUD to Swiss Franc (CHF) at Travel Money Oz today!

Whether you’re in Norway for the rich Viking history, the mythic Stave churches, adventurous hikes to see the breathtaking fjords, or to watch the Aurora Borealis streak flashes of unimaginable colour across the sky, Norway is a magical place to explore.

If you’re planning on a trip to Norway, here’s a breakdown of the currencies and budget you’ll need for your Norwegian escape…

What currency do I need for Norway?

The currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Norwegian Krone (NOK) for your trip to Norway.

Norway Daily Costs

Coffee: 44.75NOK (about $6.10 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: 27.45NOK (about $3.70 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 98NOK(about $13.30 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 200NOK (about $28 AUD) –  Vafler and Trollkrem (waffles and lingonberry cream)
Fine Dining: 1000NOK (about $136 AUD) – a three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 40NOK (about $5.80 AUD) – in one of the prettiest places on earth.

Norway Daily Budget

Budget: Around 740NOK ($100 AUD) per day
EG: Free hostel brekky, 1x cheap meal, Viking Ship Museum tickets.
Moderate: Around 1300NOK ($177 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals and kayak through glaciers in the Arctic Circle.
Luxury: Around 1500NOK ($203 AUD) per day.
EG: Arora Safari Camp in Tromsø.

Cash or Card in Norway?

Cash will come in handy for more remote areas which might not accept card, as well as for parking, smaller vendors, etc.

Card is also widely accepted in Norway, but if you use a personal card be wary of the fees – especially if you need to withdraw cash! 

We recommend taking a blend of NOK in cash and a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass loaded in AUD – if you run out of cash and need to use card, it will just convert it at the best rate available at the time.

ATMs are easy to find as well – however don’t withdraw frequently (or with your credit card) as you’ll be hit with some intense fees.

Tipping in Norway

Tipping isn’t common in Norway, but for bars and restaurants tips between 5-15% are accepted if you so choose! But tipping is entirely up to you and there is no obligation.

Safety in Norway

Norway is generally considered a very safe country to travel, and the most common form of crime is bicycle theft – but it’s still wise to exercise caution on every trip.

Norway Travel Money Tips

Norway tends to be more on the premium side of a European holiday, but there are plenty of ways you can save some of your Norwegian travel budget!

• Dine out occasionally, but cook for yourself if budgets are tight – food in Norway can get expensive!
• The water in Norway is safe to drink (just look at the stunning glacial lakes!), so take a reusable water bottle and fill up.
• Look into Norway’s Travel Pass and city tourism cards – many cities have a city pass for discounted or free admission for museums and sightseeing, and sometimes even transport!
• Book your transport in advance – you can save up to 50% if you book in early enough.

Ready to head to Norway?

Exchange AUD to Norwegian Krone (NOK) at Travel Money Oz today!

Iceland is a bucket-list destination for good reason – from surreal colours of Blue Lagoon, to the glistening icebergs washed up on black-sand Diamond Beach, to the dramatic waterfalls, active volcanos, Aurora Borealis, puffins, and even villages that look straight out of Tolkien’s Hobbiton – this little island is packed with adventure!

What currency do I need for Iceland?

The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Icelandic Króna (ISK) for your trip to Iceland.

Iceland Daily Costs

Coffee: 630 ISK (about $6.75 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino
Water: 287 ISK (about $3 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 1300 ISK (about $13.90 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 2560 ISK (about $28 AUD) –  Vafler and Trollkrem (waffles and lingonberry cream)
Fine Dining: 15,000 ISK (about $160 AUD) – a three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 500 ISK (about $5.40 AUD) – in one of the prettiest places on earth.

Iceland Daily Budget

Budget: Around 9300 ISK (about $100 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meal, and transport to free hikes.
Moderate: Around 14,000 ISK (about $150 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals and a Kerid Crater full-day tour.
Luxury: Around 20,000ISK (about $215 AUD) per day
EG: Visit to the Blue Lagoon and a delicious meal afterwards.

Cash or Card in Iceland?

Iceland is a very card-centric country – but if you use a personal card be wary of the fees – especially if you need to withdraw cash!  

We recommend taking a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass loaded in AUD to avoid credit card fees and cash advance fees – our Currency Pass will just convert it your AUD to ISK at the best rate available at the time. It’s also a chip-based card, which is handy as swipe cards can sometimes be troublesome in Iceland.

If you prefer cash, you can always take Icelandic Króna (ISK) in cash and most places will accept this as well! Plus it will come in handy if you need to pay entrance to hotsprings, bathrooms, or want to tip your tour guide.

Tipping in Iceland

There’s no need to tip in Iceland, except for pay-as-you-feel tips for free walking tours.

Safety in Iceland

Iceland has a low crime rate, and is generally considered a very safe country to travel, but always be mindful of theft – especially when late at night around bars etc. The usual.

Iceland Travel Money Tips

Like the rest of the Nordic countries, Iceland can be a bit on the pricey side when it comes to travel. However, there are a few ways to travel Iceland on a budget!

• Take a free walking tour – you’ll learn so much!
• Cut down on accommodation costs by camping instead of staying in hotels! If you’re here for the rugged natural scenery, there’s no better way to immerse yourself.
• Ask the locals – there are free and cheaper hot springs than the Blue Lagoon (like Reykjadalur), so ask the locals for recommendations!
• BYO Towels. Seriously. There are premiums for towels in many hotels and hot springs, so taking your own will save you money..

Ready to head to Iceland?

Exchange AUD to Icelandic Króna (ISK) at Travel Money Oz today!

Fun Fact! Both Denmark and Greenland use the Danish Krone (DKK).

So, whether you’re going to Copenhagen in Denmark or Nuuk in Greenland, make sure to take Danish Krone (DKK) for your trip!

Denmark & Greenland Daily Costs

Coffee: 42.58 DKK (about $9.30 AUD) – for a regular cappuccino.
Water: 9.96 DKK (about $2.17 AUD) –  for a standard water bottle.
Beer: 48.91 DKK (about $10.68 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 33 DKK (about $7.20 AUD) –  Pølse I Svob (Danish Hot Dog).
Fine Dining: 800 DKK (about $174.65 AUD) – a three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 24 DKK (about $5.24 AUD) – One-way ticket in local transport.

Denmark & Greenland Daily Budget

Budget: Around 228 DKK (about $50 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meal, and transport to free hikes.
Moderate: Around 380 DKK (about $83 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meals and a 1-hour canal tour from Ved Standen or Nyhavn.
Luxury: Around 1,511 DKK (about $329.86 AUD) per day.
EG: Meal for 2 people (three course) and a tour Across the Øresund Bridge to Lund and Malmö.

Cash or Card in Denmark &Greenland?

Denmark and Greenland are very card-centric countries – but if you use a personal card be wary of the fees – especially if you need to withdraw cash! 

We recommend taking a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass loaded in AUD to avoid credit card fees and cash advance fees – our Currency Pass will just convert it your AUD to DKK at the best rate available at the time. It’s also a chip-based card, which is handy as swipe cards can sometimes be troublesome in Denmark or Greenland.

If you prefer cash, you can always take Danish Krone (DKK) in cash and most places will accept this as well!

Tipping in Denmark & Greenland

Tipping is not expected in Denmark or Greenland; however, it’s not frowned upon if you do.

Safety in Denmark & Greenland

Denmark and Greenland both have a low crime rate, and is generally considered very safe to travel, but always be mindful of theft – so keep your personal belongings, passports, and travel documents secure.

Denmark & Greenland Travel Tips

Here are some tips for travelling in Denmark on a budget, as we know these Scandinavian countries can get a bit expensive!

• Take a free walking tour – you’ll learn so much!
• Always bring a small amount of cash with you.
• Book train and bus tickets in advance, you can save up to 50%.
• Stay with a local, accommodation can be quite expensive in Denmark and Greenland, why not take up the most authentic experience by living like a local and saving at the same time?

Ready to grab your Travel Money for Greenland & Denmark?

Exchange AUD to Danish Krone (DKK) at Travel Money Oz today!

Also known as Czechia or Bohemia. Guide Coming Soon.

Whether you’re looking to party at the festivals and ruin bars of Budapest, go wine-tasting in the UNESCO Heritage Listed Tokaj vineyards, wander through dramatic caves, or just soak up the history and soak in the thermal springs, Hungary has a lot to offer the traveller.

Read on for travel expenses in Hungary!

What currency do I need for Hungary?

If we had a Hungarian Forint every time we were asked the question “Can I use Euros in Budapest?” then we’d probably… not really have that much money – the most commonly used note is 1000, which may seem a big number, but actually equals to around $5AUD!'

The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
You’ll need to exchange Australian Dollars (AUD) to Hungarian Forint (HUF) for your trip to Hungary.

Hungary Daily Costs

Coffee: 682 Hungarian Forint (about $3 AUD) –  – espresso is loved here, or alternatively, order a bécsi kávé (coffee with ice cream, chocolate, foamed milk and whipped cream!) for a few extra forint.
Water: 355 Hungarian Forint (about $1.50 AUD) – for a bottle.
Beer: 700 Hungarian Forint (about $3.50 AUD) – for a beer in Budapest. Or alternative, try some of Hungary’s famous Tokaji Aszú dessert wine!
Food: 3,000 Hungarian Forint (about $13 AUD) –  for a hearty Hungarian meal.
Fine Dining: 15,000 Hungarian Forint (about $65 AUD) – a decadent three-course meal for two.
Local Transport: 370 Hungarian Forint (about $1.60 AUD) – for a one-way ticket on the yellow Budapest metro.

Hungary Daily Budget

Budget: Around 22,820 HUF (about $100 AUD) per day.
EG: 2x cheap meal, a free walking tour around Budapest, and a soak at the famous thermal Széchenyi Baths.
Moderate: Around 34,230 HUF (about $150 AUD) per day
EG: 2x cheap meals, a day exploring museums, and a night partying in the Ruin Bars.
Luxury: Around 45,635 HUF (about $200 AUD) per day.
EG: Take a winetasting tour of Hungarian vineyards, or a river cruise along the Danube!

Cash or Card in Hungary?

Cards are widely accepted, but you’ll definitely want to have some cash on you during your visit – many smaller businesses only accept cash or have a minimum spend for card. If you are opting to take a card, we recommend loading a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass with AUD – remember to always opt for Local Currency when using your travel card overseas!

ATMs are widely available in Hungary, and we’ve been told the ATMs in front of banks tend to have better rates.

Tipping in Hungary

It's standard to tip around 10-15% of the bill, but many establishments include a 12.5% service charge so check your bill when it arrives so you’re not double-tipping.

Safety in Hungary

Hungary is generally considered a very safe country to – but it’s still wise to exercise caution on every trip.

Hungary Travel Money Tips

• Take free walking tours around the historic capital city of Budapest.
• Look into buying The Budapest Card – a discount travel pass for free public transport and tourist spots including the Lukács Thermal Baths and entry to several museums!
• Tap water is safe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and the environment!

Ready to head to Hungary?

Exchange AUD to Hungarian Forint (HUF) at Travel Money Oz today!

Poland Guide Coming Soon.
In the meantime, read this blog on Poland!

From the dazzling Pamukkale natural hot springs, ancient ruins of Ephesus, fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia, to the vibrant and mysterious streets of Istanbul, Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey) is a dream destination for anyone who loves beauty, history, culture, and spirituality.

This captivating country is a melting pot of Islamic and Mediterranean cultures, with the architecture reflecting its rich history from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Turkish periods! Curious about how much money you should take to Türkiye? Let’s delve in…

What currency do I need for Türkiye?

The currency of Türkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
You’ll need to exchange AUD to Turkish Lira (TRY) for your trip to Türkiye.

PS: Although Turkish Lira notes are similar in face value (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and also 200 notes), they are over dozen times cheaper then Aussie Dollars - 100TRY is worth a lucky $7AUD!

Türkiye Daily Costs

Coffee: 48 Turkish Liras (about $2.75 AUD) – a traditional Turkish brew… it’s UNESCO heritage-listed after all!
Water: 7.55 Turkish Liras (about 50c AUD) –  for a standard water bottle
Beer: 50 Turkish Liras (about $2.90 AUD) – for a pint.
Food: 110 Turkish Liras (about $6.50 AUD) –  Gözleme and Lokum (Turkish Delight), of course.
Fine Dining: 500 Turkish Liras (about $30 AUD) – a three-course meal to dine like a Sultan.
Local Transport: 10 Turkish Liras (about 60c AUD) – for a one-way ticket in Istanbul.

Türkiye Daily Budget

Budget: Around 1800 Turkish Liras (about $100 AUD) per day
EG: 3x cheap meal, a tour of the Blue Mosque, and some light shopping in the Grand Bazaar.
Moderate: Around 2600 Turkish Liras (about $150 AUD) per day
EG: 3x cheap meals and a trip to the Pamukkale Thermal Pools (700 Liras for entry).
Luxury: Around 3500 Turkish Liras (about $200+ AUD) per day.
EG: A decadent breakfast and trip to the Hamam (Turkish Baths), or for a truly decadent Turkish holiday, budget an extra 3000TRY for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.

Cash or Card in Türkiye?

Cash is preferred in Türkiye so be sure to have plenty of notes on hand – especially if you’re planning to do some bartering in the Grand Bazaar. With this in mind, you can still use a card in bigger shops, hotels and restaurants. There aren't many, if any, travel cards that hold the Turkish Lira. If you are opting to take a card, we recommend loading a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass with AUD – remember to always opt for Local Currency when using your travel card overseas!

ATMs are widely available in Türkiye, especially in Istanbul and other major cities. It’s recommended to use the ATMs in front of banks to be on the safe side, and in tourist areas.

Tipping in Türkiye

Tipping is expected though not mandatory. 10% is standard for excellent service.

Safety in Türkiye

Türkiye is listed on the SmartTraveller.gov.au website as “Exercise a High Degree of Caution.” Avoid certain areas, and always obey the local laws (for example, it’s illegal to Insult the Turkish Flag, President, founder, or government). For women, it’s often recommended to wear a wedding ring to avoid unwanted attention. Read up on safety in Turkey at the Smart Traveller website.

Türkiye Travel Money Tips

• Depending on their age, both the 5 and 50 lira notes look the same. Make sure you check before paying.
• Avoid drinking the tap water.
• Dress modestly in sacred places and mosques.
• Bartering is common practice in most market stalls, so figure out what you are willing to pay, smile and stand your ground.
• Learn some basic Turkish phrases. Not only will the locals appreciate the effort, but it will help in areas where there is limited English.

For more Türkiye travel tips and advice, read our Turkey Travel Hacks blog!

Ready to head to Türkiye?

Exchange AUD to Turkish Lira (TRY) at Travel Money Oz today!