Local Tip
Travelex (Level Q) and Travel Money Oz (Level E) both trade inside Uptown, 91 Queen Street, so you can compare two quotes in minutes. Getting around is cheap: Translink buses, trains, ferries and trams cost 50 cents a journey.
Where to change money in Brisbane
Brisbane's two big travel-money chains share a roof: Uptown, the shopping centre at 91 Queen Street on Queen Street Mall, lists both Travelex and Travel Money Oz. Finder's guide, updated in September 2026, names several other bureaux around the CBD.
- Travelex, Uptown (Queen Street Mall) - Shop 149F, Level Q, 91 Queen Street. Travelex and the centre publish different opening hours (the centre says closed on Sundays), so check first.
- Travel Money Oz, Uptown (Queen Street Mall) - Shop 302, 91 Queen Street (Level E in the centre's directory). It exchanges cash, reloads travel money cards and hands over notes ordered online.
Changing money at the airport
Prosegur Change is the currency service Brisbane Airport lists, with four counters open daily from 4am to 1am. In the International Terminal they are on Level 2 by the car rental desks (before security) and in the baggage claim hall on Level 2 (after security); in the Domestic Terminal, on Level 4 before security and Level 3 after it. Both terminals have ATMs on each side of security. Finder warns that airport kiosks tend to give poor rates, so you may prefer to change most of your money in town.
ATMs and cards in Brisbane
Visit Brisbane says the city's cash machines take Maestro, Cirrus, Visa and Mastercard. According to Finder, the big four banks' free withdrawals cover Australian cards, independent machines charge at least A$2 or A$3, and the fee shows on screen before any cash comes out, so a card from home may well be charged. If a Brisbane card reader or ATM offers the total in pounds, stay with Australian dollars, as that conversion is often dearer than your own card's. From 1 October 2026, eftpos, Mastercard and Visa rules stop businesses in Australia surcharging payments on those networks, and American Express drops surcharges from the same date.
Paying for transport in Brisbane
Translink charges 50 cents for any bus, train, tram or ferry journey in South East Queensland, however far you go and however you pay. Tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, a phone or a go card when you board and again when you get off, or you risk a default fare, and keep to the same one when you change services. The Airtrain is extra: Translink lists fares from A$23.30 to or from Brisbane City stations (effective 27 April 2026), payable by tapping a Visa or Mastercard or by go card. Fares can change.
Good to know
- Tipping is optional; Visit Brisbane says diners at upmarket restaurants commonly leave up to 10% for good service.
- Most prices include the 10% GST. Spend A$300 or more (GST included) on goods from one business, counted by ABN, within 60 days of leaving Australia and you can reclaim the tax through the Tourist Refund Scheme at the airport, at least 30 minutes before departure.
Key Areas in Brisbane
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Brisbane travel money FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money in Brisbane?
Start at Uptown, 91 Queen Street, where Travelex and Travel Money Oz trade in the same centre, so comparing their offers takes minutes. Finder lists other CBD bureaux too. Judge each by the Australian dollars you receive after all fees, not the advertised rate.
Can I get Australian dollars as soon as I land at Brisbane Airport?
Yes. Prosegur Change has two International Terminal counters on Level 2, one in the baggage claim and one near the car rental desks, both open 4am to 1am, and ATMs are on hand before and after security.
Will Brisbane shops add a surcharge when I pay by card?
Not on eftpos, Mastercard or Visa payments from 1 October 2026, the date those networks' no-surcharge rules take effect, and American Express drops surcharges from the same day. Shops may still offer a discount for paying a particular way, so ask.
Checked September 2026. Fees, fares and opening times change, so check locally before relying on them. Sources: Brisbane Airport · Uptown Brisbane · Travelex Australia · Travel Money Oz · Translink · Reserve Bank of Australia
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