Australia is easy to navigate without carrying large amounts of cash, but one important payment rule is changing. From 1 October 2026, card-network rules remove surcharging for eftpos, Mastercard, Visa and American Express transactions covered by the change. Until 30 September, the existing surcharge rules continue to apply. Tipping remains optional, GST is normally built into consumer prices, and shop opening hours still vary by state and territory.
The change is especially relevant to travellers because an old guide that says “Australian merchants may add a card surcharge” becomes incomplete after 1 October. The ACCC and Reserve Bank of Australia both publish current guidance, so the payment method and date now matter when interpreting a fee at the terminal.
The quick guide
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Cards | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; other networks vary |
| Cash | Useful as a backup rather than a primary requirement |
| Card surcharge | Major card-network no-surcharge rules take effect from 1 October 2026 |
| Tipping | Optional; generally not expected in most venues |
| GST | 10% GST is included in Australian prices |
Can you travel Australia mostly by card?
Tourism Australia says major credit cards are accepted broadly. Visa and Mastercard are particularly widely usable, while American Express and some other networks have less universal acceptance outside major retailers and tourist destinations.
Its practical advice is to carry multiple cards and a little cash. That approach protects against a lost card, bank block or terminal outage without requiring you to travel with a large amount of money.
What changes on 1 October 2026?
The ACCC says changes to card-payment surcharging start on 1 October 2026 as Visa, Mastercard, American Express and eftpos introduce no-surcharge rules. The Reserve Bank of Australia separately concluded that surcharging should end for the designated eftpos, Mastercard and Visa networks from that date.
Until 30 September, the existing rule remains relevant: a business that applies a card surcharge cannot charge more than the cost of accepting that payment type. From 1 October, travellers should expect the new no-surcharge network rules to change how these common card transactions are priced.
Does that remove every possible payment fee?
No. The reform should not be read as a promise that every payment method, foreign-card transaction or unrelated service fee becomes free. Your own bank can still charge foreign transaction or currency-conversion fees under your account terms, and other payment products may have different rules.
That is why visitors should distinguish between a merchant card surcharge in Australia and a fee charged later by their overseas card issuer. They appear in different places and are governed by different arrangements.
Cash still has a role
Cash is less central to normal urban spending than it once was, but it remains a useful fallback. Small markets, temporary card outages and some low-value situations can make cash convenient.
Tourism Australia’s advice to carry “a little cash” is more practical than withdrawing a large amount at the start of a trip.
Is tipping expected?
Tourism Australia says hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to the bill and tipping is always the customer’s choice. In most venues it is not expected.
In higher-end restaurants, a tip of around 10% for good service is described as common, but it remains discretionary rather than a fixed rule.
GST is already built into the displayed price
Australia has a 10% Goods and Services Tax. For normal consumer purchases, the displayed retail price generally includes the tax rather than adding it at the register as happens in some countries.
Tourist Refund Scheme
Eligible travellers may be able to claim a refund of GST on qualifying goods bought before departure, subject to the current Tourist Refund Scheme conditions. Tourism Australia notes a spending threshold and time window, but these rules should be checked before relying on the refund because eligibility details can change.
Shopping hours are not the same everywhere
Tourism Australia highlights major state differences. Large supermarkets in New South Wales, Victoria, the Northern Territory, the ACT and Tasmania commonly keep long hours across the week. South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland can have more restricted Sunday patterns.
Public holidays can change hours nationally and locally, so a state-specific check is more reliable than a generic “Australian opening hours” rule.
Bank hours
Banks are typically open on weekdays and most branches close at weekends, although some Saturday-morning openings exist. Visitors should not depend on branch banking outside business hours.
Before using a foreign card
- check whether your issuer charges a foreign transaction fee;
- confirm ATM withdrawal costs;
- carry a second card separately;
- check whether your card network is accepted broadly;
- watch the terminal for any merchant surcharge before confirming.
What if a terminal offers your home currency?
If a terminal offers currency conversion, compare the rate and fees carefully before accepting it. Paying in Australian dollars normally leaves your own card issuer to perform the conversion according to its terms.
Restaurants and cafés
Do not assume a mandatory gratuity will appear just because you are in a tourist district. Check the final bill for any disclosed surcharge, especially weekends or public holidays, and treat any additional tip separately.
Bottom line
Australia remains highly card-friendly, but the rules are entering a new phase on 1 October 2026. Major card-network surcharges covered by the reform are being removed, while foreign-card fees from your own bank can still apply. Carry a backup payment method, remember that tipping is optional, and check local opening hours when Sunday or a public holiday matters to your plans.
For the regulatory change, use the ACCC's card-surcharge guidance and the RBA's 1 October 2026 FAQ. Tourism Australia maintains broader guidance on business hours, cards and tipping.
More Australia-focused practical guides are available in Life.
