As we wrap up 2025, the Australian Dollar isn’t just ending the year on a high; it’s throwing a wild NYE party! If you’ve been holding out for the right moment to book that dream vacay, your patience is about to pay off in a big way.
Three of our most-loved travel destinations, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States, are currently seeing some of their best exchange rates against the AUD in recent history.
So, grab your passport and our hand, cause’ we can make the bad rates good for a weekend…yes, we had to slip some TayTay in (sorry, not sorry). Anyway, here’s everything you need to know about the three trending currencies making waves in the last week of 2025!
Australian Dollar to Indonesian Rupiah (AUD to IDR)
The first cab off the rank! AUD to IDR hit a massive milestone this month – the best exchange rate in over two decades. Let’s repeat that…over 20 years! That truly is a record-breaking moment.
As of December 30, the market rate for Indonesian Rupiah is 11,239 IDR for every 1 AUD.
For example, if you exchanged $2,000 AUD today, you’d get an extra 1,478,000 IDR compared to the 2025 average of approximately 10,500 IDR. That’s more than $131 AUD in extra spending power!
And, to take a trip down memory lane:
- AUD to IDR 5 years ago (2020): The average was approximately 9,414 IDR. By exchanging now, you’d get an extra 3,650,000 IDR. That’s roughly $324 AUD in extra spending power!
- AUD to IDR 10 years ago (2015): The average was approximately 9,939 IDR. Today’s rate gives you an extra 2,600,000 IDR, or about $231 AUD more than a decade ago.
The cliff note is, your $2,000 is working significantly harder now than it would have at almost any point in the last 20 years. That’s a lot of extra poolside massages!
Buy IDR Here
Australian Dollar to Japanese Yen (AUD to JPY)
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Japan remains the ultimate playground for Aussie travellers. From the endless experiences in Tokyo to snowy adventures in Hokkaido, Japan has officially become our home away from home.
Did you know? More than a million Australians visited Japan in the last year alone. And with the exchange rate hitting record-highs, it has only become more affordable and a value-for-money destination.
The Australian Dollar to Japanese Yen has continued to soar since July 2024. As of December 30, the market rate for Japanese Yen is 104.697 JPY for every 1 AUD.
Let’s break that down again! If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, for example, you’d get an extra 15,394 JPY compared to the 2025 average of approximately 97 JPY. That’s more than $147 AUD in extra dosh to spend on ramen, matcha lattes, and claw machines.
Buy JPY Here
Australian Dollar to United States Dollar (AUD to USD)
The United States remains a hot destination for Australian travellers, from the glowing lights of New York City to the breathtaking landscapes of Route 66. And, because the AUD is currently flexing against the USD, travellers are getting more bang for their buck.
As of December 30, the market rate for the United States Dollar is 0.6703 USD for every 1 AUD, climbing to the best rate we've seen since October 2024!
To put that into perspective, if you exchanged $2,000 AUD today, you’d get an extra $60 USD compared to the 2025 average of approximately 0.64 USD. That’s nearly $90 AUD in extra dollar-dos – perfect for those oversized pretzels, a Broadway ticket, or a few extra “I 🖤 NY” t-shirts to take home.
Buy USD Here
Got these trending destinations on your bucket list? Now is the time to act while rates are in your favour! Just pop into a Travel Money Oz store, order online with same-day delivery, or get foreign currency via click & collect. We’ve got you covered.
Even if your trip is a while away, you can lock in today’s rate with Rate Move Protection. If the rate improves within 7 days, we’ll give you the difference*.
Disclaimer:
*It's important to note that when discussing these exchange rates, we've used the market rate, which is the perceived value between two economies, and is different from the retail rate available to travellers. Like the market rate, the retail exchange rate fluctuates every half hour, so it's vital to check with your foreign exchange consultant before swapping your currency.
*Rates and calculations using the mid-market rate from XE at 1PM 30 December 2025 - subject to change. The rates used in the calculations are based on market rate for consistency across historical data, not retail rates available to the public. Retail rates are subject to change, and online rates are not available in store. This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.
*Terms and conditions apply to Rate Move Protection; please see full disclaimers here.