Travel Money Blog

Where to travel while the AUD is hot

22nd January 2026
Where to travel while the AUD is hot

The Australian Dollar (AUD) is off to a flying start in 2026! Our humble Aussie Dollar is peaking against some of the world’s most popular currencies, including the Japanese Yen (JPY), Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), the Euro (EUR), Great British Pound (GBP), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and the United States Dollar (USD)…just to name a handful. 

So, if you’ve got a trip on the horizon, now is a great time to exchange your pennies if you want more buying power abroad (who doesn’t?!). To help put all this exchange rate yapping into perspective, we’ve worked out roughly how far your Aussie Dollar goes compared to 6 months ago (based on mid-market data akin to Google Finance).

Keep scrolling to take a peek! 

Japan (AUD to JPY)

Oh Japan, how we love you so! And turns out, millions of other travellers do too. From temples galore to kawaii experiences to slurp-worthy ramen, there’s just about everything in Japan for any traveller. And it’s even better when your precious dollars can stretch even further.

As of January 22, the market rate of Japanese Yen (JPY) hit 107.4807 JPY per 1 AUD.

For example, if you exchanged $2,000 AUD worth of JPY, you’d get around 10,000–12,000 extra Yen now than roughly 6 months ago. That’s equivalent to about $93–$112 AUD

That means more sushi, more matcha, and more entrance fees covered…don’t mind if we do! 

BUY YEN HERE! 

Indonesia (AUD to IDR)

If value for money and plenty of culture are what you’re chasing, Indonesia continues to tick the boxes. From beach clubs in Bali to cultural hotspots in Yogyakarta, Indonesia offers incredible experiences without the hefty price tag, especially when the AUD is flexing.

As of January 22, the market rate of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) hit 11,509 IDR per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d receive around 1,200,000 extra Rupiah compared to around 6 months ago. That equals about $104 AUD. 

Perfect for extra massages, day trips, or sunset dinners…where do we sign up?

BUY RUPIAH HERE! 

United States (AUD to USD)

From postcard-ready landmarks to experiences straight out of the movies, the USA always delivers variety. Better yet, a peaking Aussie Dollar helps soften the cost of food, shopping, and experiences.

As of January 22, the market rate of US Dollars (USD) hit 0.6791 USD per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d receive around $38 USD extra compared to 6 months ago, which equals roughly $56 AUD back in your pocket. That’s definitely nothing to sneeze at! 

BUY USD HERE! 

 

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New Zealand (AUD to NZD)

Visiting our pals across the pond never goes out of style! Think Lord of the Rings landscapes, hearty food and wine regions, and hair-raising adventure sports.

As of January 22, the market rate of New Zealand Dollars (NZD) hit 1.1614 NZD per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d get back around $130 NZD more than 6 months ago. That’s equivalent to about $112 AUD, ideal for activities, tours, or winery visits.

BUY NZD HERE!

Singapore (AUD to SGD)

A rising tourist hotspot for sure! Known for its sprawling cityscape, cultural experiences, and yummy food, Singapore is a hit. But a stronger AUD makes everyday spending feel a little lighter. 

As of January 22, the market rate of Singapore Dollars (SGD) hit 0.8724 SGD per 1 AUD.

Exchanging $2,000 AUD now would give you around $25 SGD extra compared to 6 months ago. That works out to roughly $29 AUD – small gains that add up fast in Singapore.

BUY SGD HERE!

Europe (AUD to EUR)

Whether it’s cafés in Paris, pasta in Rome, or cat-spotting in Greece, Europe is packed with bucket-list experiences. And a hot AUD helps make them more affordable – that’s what we like to hear!  

As of January 22, the market rate of Euros (EUR) hit 0.5811 EUR per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d get around €22 extra compared to roughly 6 months ago. That’s equivalent to about $38 AUD

That’s enough for a few coffees, museum tickets, or gelato stops! 

BUY EUROS HERE!

Fiji (AUD to FJD)

Moana vibes, barefoot wandering, and living on island time (goodbye Teams!), Fiji is a favourite for good reason. And when the AUD lifts some weights, your holiday budget gets even stronger. 

As of January 22, the market rate of Fijian Dollars (FJD) hit 1.5307 FJD per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d get around $60 FJD extra compared to 6 months ago. That’s equivalent to about $39 AUD

Let’s add some extra think cocktails, snorkelling, or spa time to the itinerary, please. 

BUY FJD HERE!

 

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Thailand (AUD to THB)

Thailand is a classic for Aussie travellers, and after White Lotus, who could resist? And a favourable AUD only sweetens the deal. From street food to island hopping, value is everywhere.

As of January 22, the market rate of Thai Baht (THB) hit 21.2797 THB per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d receive around 2,560 extra baht compared to 6 months ago. That equals roughly $120 AUD – plenty for meals, massages, and market shopping.

BUY BAHT HERE!

United Kingdom (AUD to GBP)

The UK has long been considered one of the pricier destinations for Australians (*insert tantrum here*), but a hotter AUD makes exploring Britain far more appealing and less devastating on the wallet (and your soul).

As of January 22, the market rate of British Pounds (GBP) hit 0.5059 GBP per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d get around £42 extra than roughly 6 months ago. That’s equivalent to about $83 AUD – ideal for theatre tickets, tours, or rounds at the pub. 

BUY GBP HERE!

Canada (AUD to CAD)

From dramatic mountain scenery, skiing adventures, and vibrant cities, Canada offers a little bit of everything. And you guessed it…a favourable AUD helps with everyday travel costs.

As of January 22, the market rate of Canadian Dollars (CAD) reached approximately 0.93 CAD per 1 AUD.

If you exchanged $2,000 AUD, you’d receive around $40 CAD extra compared to 6 months ago. That’s equivalent to about $43 AUD – perfect for stocking up on Canadian maple syrup, fuel, or park entry fees.

BUY CAD HERE!

 

It’s no secret that a strong Aussie Dollar can make a big difference once you’re overseas, turning small rate changes into extra meals, experiences, and memories along the way. 

If travel is on the cards in 2026, now is a prime time to take advantage of the AUD’s strength and lock in your currency while rates are working in your favour. Visit us in store, or order online with same-day delivery or click and collect in-store. 

Even if your trip is a little way off, 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 mid-market rate from Google Finance at 12PM AEST 22 JANUARY 2026 - 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


 

About the Author

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Amber Dorman

When she's not channelling whimsigoth vibes in Prague and Edinburgh, she's living her best Kawaii core life and Shiba-Inu spotting in Tokyo.

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