Where do you cash US $ for Aussie dollar?
 

I hear that they dont take US $ bills in Australian stores. Should I ask my son to get Aussie dollar at the airport currency shop or wait till he gets there and then he can go to a local bank to get the conversion done? Is there any hidden cost associated to any of these optons? please advise.

Here's the thing, sumplanner: We'll take US currency when US stores accept AUD, Euro, Dong, Baht, Rupiah, Yen and any other country's currency.

In the meantime, your son can change some USD for AUD at the airport, just to pay for taxi, bus, first day expenses etc. His best option is to use his debit card at ATMs to withdraw cash as he needs it. There are myriad threads on this board about the various bank costs associated with this. Some US banks have a reciprocal agreement with some of the Australian Banks; ask yours if they can arrange a fee free debit card for your son.
He can, of course, use his credit card, which will convert the Australian charges to USD.

Just a reminder on cash ... it is illegal to bring more than AUD 10,000 into Australia.

You "hear they don't take US currency in Australian stores"? Wow. Just..wow.

Yes Bokhara2. Thanks much. Thats what my son did. He got some AUD at the airport for first few days.I guess I didnt make myself clear in the question. The airport was charging him 10 cent per dollar for the conversion. That was my concern. But for some small amount its okay - I guess. As I said in my other post, Credit Union Debit Visa card doesnt charge any ATM Transac. fee when using it abroad. They only charge 1% conversion fee which is a good deal I assume.

I think my favourite this year is
"I hear that they dont take US $ bills in Australian stores."

Sorry - wrong thread

ROFL, whoops.