Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Tuvalu with the Australian dollar.
What's in this Tuvalu currency guide?
The official currency of Tuvalu (country code: TV) is the Australian dollar, with symbol A$ and currency code AUD.
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
Loading rates...
|
|
Here are some key facts about the Australian Dollar (AUD) that are particularly useful for travelers, expats, and business owners:
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official Australian government website. (australia.com)
For more AUD information check out our selection of Australian dollar news and guides.
The domestic currency in Tuvalu is the Australian dollar.
The three letter currency code for the Australian dollar is AUD — symbol is A$.
Here is an example Australian dollar banknote:
It is the domestic currency in Australia, Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Norfolk Island and Tuvalu.
No, the Australian dollar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to AUD (US dollar to Australian dollar)*.
*Converted at the current USDAUD interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Using Wise for Australian dollar travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Australian dollar otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Australian dollar cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the AUD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Traveling to Tuvalu requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Tuvalu is one of the world’s most remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. This tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean lies just south of the Equator, west of the International Date Line, and two hours by air north of Fiji. A member of the Commonwealth, Tuvalu consists of nine islands and atolls, with Funafuti being the main atoll and home to the country’s only airstrip. Visitors are welcomed with a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, and there’s no departure tax.
Tuvalu uses the Australian dollar (AUD), supplemented by unique Tuvaluan coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II and local marine life. There are no ATMs, and credit cards are not accepted, even at hotels and guesthouses, so bring plenty of cash.
Most Tuvaluans speak English, and signs are in English, but locals may be shy about using it. Learning a few words of Tuvaluan can help break the ice:
Tuvalu’s isolation and simplicity make it a truly unique destination, perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful escape and authentic cultural experiences.
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Tuvalu? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
When planning a week-long mid-range stay in Tuvalu, travelers should budget approximately AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,500 (approximately 850 to 1,000 AUD for the hotel, meals, and activities, plus some cash for additional expenses). For daily expenses, here's a breakdown in the local currency, the Australian Dollar (AUD):
Overall, Tuvalu is considered a moderately expensive destination, especially when compared to the United States and the UK, where travelers might find costs more favorable. Expect to pay nearly 20-30% higher in Tuvalu for similar experiences, particularly dining and accommodation. However, the uniqueness of Tuvalu's culture and stunning landscapes make the investment worthwhile for many.
For expats moving to Tuvalu, typical monthly living costs could range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,500, varying based on lifestyle preferences. Major expenses include rent, utilities, food, and leisure activities, with the local grocery stores often featuring higher prices for imported goods. When it comes to banking, it is advisable to maintain an account with a local bank to simplify your transactions. Credit and debit card usage is growing, but cash transactions remain prevalent, especially in local markets.
When dealing with money transfers, using local exchange services can lead to higher fees due to unfavorable rates. Instead, opting for online transfer services like Wise or OFX typically provides better conversion rates and lower transaction fees. Consider exchanging a small amount of cash for immediate needs while relying predominately on these online services for larger sums to ensure you get the best deal possible. As with any destination, doing thorough currency research and planning ahead will undoubtedly save you money in the long run.
The below interactive chart displays the USD/AUD change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
1. RBA Monetary Policy Decisions
- The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left interest rates unchanged in its latest meeting, signaling a cautious approach amid global economic uncertainties. RBA
2. Commodity Prices Fluctuation
- Recent declines in key commodity prices, particularly iron ore and coal, have impacted Australian export revenues, leading to downward pressure on the AUD. Bloomberg
3. China's Economic Data
- Weaker-than-expected economic data from China, Australia’s largest trading partner, has raised concerns about future demand for Australian goods, negatively affecting the AUD. Reuters
4. Global Risk Appetite
- Increased geopolitical tensions and rising global inflation have led to a flight to safety, causing the AUD to weaken as investors prefer safe-haven currencies like the USD. Financial Times
5. Australian Employment Figures
- A surprising decline in employment numbers last month may prompt concerns over economic growth, affecting market sentiment toward the AUD. The Sydney Morning Herald
Stay tuned for continuous updates as these factors evolve and impact the currency market.
For more AUD information read our News and guides to the Australian dollar.
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Tuvalu you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
When sending money to Tuvalu it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Australian dollar deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!