💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Melbourne: card acceptance by neighborhood, where to find ATMs, how to pay for trams and taxis, and what to carry for day trips. For ATM fee policies, card surcharges, currency basics, and tipping norms:
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Order AUD → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Melbourne?
Barely. Melbourne is one of the most cashless cities in the world. Tap-to-pay via contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay is the default at cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, and public transport. Many Melbourne businesses have gone entirely cashless since 2020. You could spend a full week here without touching a banknote. The one exception is Queen Victoria Market, where some outdoor stall vendors still prefer cash. Otherwise, a card with no foreign transaction fees is all you need.
Where You Will Need Cash
Queen Victoria Market outdoor stalls for clothing, souvenirs, and some produce vendors. Some food trucks at events and night markets (though most now accept card). Street buskers and performers at Bourke Street Mall and Southbank. Small independent shops in outer suburbs. Parking meters in some older areas (most now accept app or card). Tipping if you choose to leave cash at a restaurant (not expected but appreciated).
Where Cards Work Fine
Every cafe, restaurant, and bar in the CBD, Fitzroy, Collingwood, South Yarra, St Kilda, and inner suburbs. All supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi). Public transport via Myki card or mobile tap. All major attractions including Melbourne Museum, NGV, Melbourne Zoo, and the Eureka Skydeck. Ride-hailing (Uber, Didi) is entirely cashless. If your day involves cafes, galleries, and restaurants, you will not need cash at all.
Paying by Card in Melbourne
Melbourne runs on contactless tap. Almost every business has a card terminal and most Melburnians pay with their phone or watch. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. Amex works at larger chains but many independent cafes and restaurants do not accept it. One thing to know: Australian businesses are allowed to add a card surcharge (typically 1–2% on credit, 0.5% on debit). This is legal and common. See the Australia guide for full details on surcharges.
CBD / Hoddle Grid
Melbourne's city center is fully card-friendly. The laneways (Degraves Street, Centre Place, Hardware Lane) are lined with cafes and restaurants that all accept tap. Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central, Emporium, and QV shopping centers take cards everywhere. Even the tiny espresso windows tucked into laneways accept contactless.
Southbank / South Wharf
The waterfront restaurant strip along the Yarra River is entirely card-friendly. Crown Casino, the Melbourne Convention Centre, and the Arts Centre precinct all accept cards. The South Melbourne Market is more card-friendly than Queen Victoria Market, with most stalls accepting tap-to-pay.
Fitzroy / Collingwood
Melbourne's hipster heartland along Brunswick Street and Smith Street is almost entirely cashless. Specialty coffee roasters, vintage shops, cocktail bars, and restaurants all accept contactless. Some record shops and second-hand stores technically accept cash only, but these are increasingly rare. Gertrude Street's gallery and dining scene is fully card-friendly.
South Yarra / Prahran
Chapel Street's boutiques, brunch spots, and bars all accept cards. Prahran Market is card-friendly (more so than Queen Victoria Market). The Como Centre, Jam Factory, and surrounding dining precincts take contactless everywhere. Toorak Road's upscale restaurants and shops are fully card-friendly.
St Kilda
The beachside suburb's restaurants along Acland Street and Fitzroy Street all accept cards. Luna Park takes cards for entry and rides. The Sunday Esplanade Market vendors mostly accept tap-to-pay now. Cake shops on Acland Street accept cards. The only cash you might need is for the occasional street performer along the foreshore.
Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne's most famous market is the one place where cash still matters. The deli hall, meat hall, and most food vendors accept cards and tap. But the outdoor general merchandise sheds (clothing, leather goods, souvenirs) are split. Many stall holders prefer cash and may offer small discounts for it. Bring A$50–100 if you plan to browse the outdoor stalls.
Richmond
Victoria Street's Vietnamese restaurants (sometimes called "Little Saigon") almost all accept cards now. Bridge Road and Swan Street's cafes, pubs, and shops are fully card-friendly. The MCG and surrounding sports precinct accept cards and contactless at gates, food stands, and merchandise shops.
Carlton / Lygon Street
Melbourne's "Little Italy" strip on Lygon Street is fully card-friendly. Italian restaurants, gelato shops, and cafes all accept contactless. The University of Melbourne precinct, Melbourne Museum, and Royal Exhibition Building area all take cards. Carlton Gardens food vendors accept tap-to-pay.
Paying at Melbourne's Markets
Melbourne is a market city, and each one has a different cash situation. Understanding which markets need cash saves you from hunting for ATMs mid-browse.
Queen Victoria Market
The indoor food halls (deli, dairy, meat, organics) are mostly card-friendly. The outdoor sheds for clothing, souvenirs, and general goods are where cash still has an edge. Some vendors offer 5–10% discounts for cash, and a few smaller stalls do not have card machines at all. The Night Market (summer Wednesday evenings) vendors mostly accept cards, but bring A$40–60 cash just in case.
South Melbourne Market
More card-friendly than Queen Vic. Nearly all food stalls, cafes, and specialty shops accept contactless. The famous dim sim stands take cards. You can do your entire visit cashless here.
Prahran Market
A premium food market that is essentially cashless. Butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, and specialty food vendors all accept tap-to-pay. No cash needed.
ATMs in Melbourne
For Big Four bank fee policies, withdrawal limits, and how the Global ATM Alliance works, see the Australia guide. This section covers where to find machines in Melbourne.
Look for these logos on the street. All Big Four bank ATMs are fee-free for any cardholder (including foreign cards).
CommBank
Westpac
ANZ
NAB
CBD and Surrounds
Big Four bank branches with ATMs line Collins Street, Bourke Street, and Elizabeth Street. Melbourne Central station has CommBank and ANZ machines inside. Flinders Street Station has ATMs in the main concourse. Southern Cross Station has multiple ATMs near the main entrance. You are never more than a five-minute walk from a fee-free ATM in the CBD.
Inner Suburbs
Brunswick Street in Fitzroy has ANZ and CommBank branches. Chapel Street in South Yarra has Westpac and NAB. Acland Street in St Kilda has CommBank. Lygon Street in Carlton has several bank branches. Most Woolworths and Coles supermarkets also offer cashback at the checkout if you need smaller amounts.
At Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
Big Four ATMs are in the international arrivals hall. Skip the Travelex exchange counters in the terminal (poor rates). Withdraw from a CommBank or ANZ ATM instead. If you are arriving on a budget airline at Terminal 4, ATMs are near the baggage claim area. You honestly do not need much cash for Melbourne, so a small withdrawal (A$100–200) is plenty to start.
Avoid Independent ATMs
Cash machines in pubs, convenience stores, and nightclubs (often branded "Banktech" or "Next Payments") charge A$2–3.50 per withdrawal. These are the only ATMs in Australia that still charge operator fees. Stick to the Big Four bank machines, which are free.
Paying for Trams, Trains & Taxis in Melbourne
Myki Card
Melbourne's public transport runs on the Myki system, covering all trams, trains, and buses. Buy a Myki card at any train station, 7-Eleven, or the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square (A$6 for the card, then load credit). Tap on when you board and tap off when you exit (trams in the Free Tram Zone do not require tapping). A two-hour fare is A$5.30 and the daily cap is A$10.60 across all zones. You can also tap on with a contactless Visa or Mastercard (or Apple Pay/Google Pay linked to one), though fares may be slightly higher than Myki rates.
Free Tram Zone
Trams within the CBD and Docklands are completely free. The Free Tram Zone covers the Hoddle Grid, Docklands, Queen Victoria Market, and the Flinders Street/Federation Square area. You do not need to touch on with Myki. Look for the green "Free Tram Zone" signs at stops. This covers most of the tourist attractions in central Melbourne, making it easy to get around without spending anything on transport.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Uber and Didi are widely used and entirely cashless (charged to your app). Traditional taxis accept cards via in-car terminals. A taxi from the airport to the CBD costs around A$55–75 depending on traffic and time of day. The SkyBus airport shuttle (A$19.75 one way) is cheaper and accepts cards online or at the counter. A card surcharge of 5% applies to taxi card payments, which is why many locals use Uber instead.
Airport Transfers
From Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine): the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station takes 30–50 minutes (A$19.75, buy online or tap at the terminal). No train line connects the airport yet. Taxis cost A$55–75 to the CBD. Uber runs A$40–65 depending on surge. From Avalon Airport (used by Jetstar): the SkyBus shuttle runs to Southern Cross (A$25, timed to flights). All options accept cards.
Tipping in Melbourne
The Australia guide covers the full picture: tipping is not expected in Australia because hospitality workers earn a living wage. Melbourne follows the same norm. You will not offend anyone by not tipping. Some upscale restaurants in the CBD and South Yarra add a 10–15% surcharge on public holidays (this is different from a tip and is disclosed on the menu). If you want to leave a tip for exceptional service, 5–10% is generous. Tap-to-pay terminals sometimes prompt for a tip, but pressing "no tip" is perfectly normal.
Prices in Melbourne
Melbourne is cheaper than Sydney for dining and accommodation, though the gap has narrowed. Coffee culture here is world-class and surprisingly affordable compared to other global cities. All prices below are approximate 2026 ranges.
| Item | Price (AUD) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Flat white coffee | A$4.50–6 | $2.90–3.90 |
| Brunch (avocado toast, eggs) | A$22–30 | $14–19.50 |
| Pub meal (parma and pint) | A$25–35 | $16–23 |
| Dinner for two (mid-range) | A$100–160 | $65–104 |
| Pint of craft beer | A$12–16 | $7.80–10.40 |
| Myki tram/train (2-hour) | A$5.30 | $3.45 |
| Uber (CBD to St Kilda) | A$15–25 | $9.75–16 |
| Melbourne Museum entry | A$15 | $9.75 |
| Eureka Skydeck | A$28 | $18 |
| Melbourne Zoo | A$44 | $28.60 |
| Great Ocean Road tour | A$120–180 | $78–117 |
| Hotel (3-star, per night) | A$140–220 | $91–143 |
USD estimates based on approximately A$1 = US$0.65. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Melbourne
Great Ocean Road (2–4 hours drive)
The most popular day trip from Melbourne. Organized tours (A$120–180) accept card payment online. If you self-drive, toll roads accept electronic tags or cards. Towns along the route (Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell) are small but card-friendly. Cafes, restaurants, and petrol stations all accept tap-to-pay. National park entry to the Twelve Apostles and surrounding areas is free. Bring A$20–40 cash for the occasional roadside ice cream or farm stand.
Yarra Valley (1–1.5 hours drive)
Wine country northeast of Melbourne. Wineries, cellar doors, and restaurants all accept cards. Healesville Sanctuary (A$44) takes cards. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is card-friendly. Tour operators accept card payment. This is an entirely cashless day trip.
Phillip Island (2 hours drive)
Famous for the Penguin Parade (A$30–78 depending on viewing level). All tickets are purchased online by card. The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Koala Conservation Centre, and restaurants in Cowes all accept cards. No cash needed for this day trip.
Mornington Peninsula (1–1.5 hours drive)
Hot springs, wineries, and beaches south of Melbourne. Peninsula Hot Springs (A$45–95) is booked and paid online. Wineries accept cards at cellar doors. The seaside towns of Sorrento and Portsea have card-friendly restaurants and shops. Entirely cashless-friendly.
Melbourne Quick Reference
A quick reference for how to load your pockets depending on where you are heading.
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD laneways & cafes | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Fully cashless, tap-to-pay default |
| Queen Victoria Market (food) | ✅ Most stalls | A$20–40 | Indoor halls are card-friendly |
| Queen Victoria Market (outdoor) | ❌ Some stalls | A$50–100 | Cash discounts and cash-only vendors |
| Fitzroy / Brunswick St | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Cafes, bars, shops all accept tap |
| St Kilda beach area | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Restaurants and Luna Park take cards |
| South Melbourne Market | ✅ Nearly all | Not needed | More cashless than Queen Vic |
| MCG / Sports events | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Food, drinks, merchandise all card |
| Great Ocean Road day trip | ✅ Towns | A$20–40 | Small farm stands may be cash |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne more card-friendly than Sydney?
They are roughly equal. Both cities are among the most cashless in the world. Melbourne's laneway cafes and bar scene lean slightly more toward card and contactless payments. The main exception is Queen Victoria Market, where some outdoor stall vendors still prefer cash. Overall you can go days without touching banknotes in either city. See our Sydney city guide for a side-by-side comparison.
Do I need cash for Queen Victoria Market?
Bring some. The deli hall, meat hall, and most food vendors inside the market accept cards and tap-to-pay. However, many of the outdoor clothing, souvenir, and general merchandise stalls still prefer cash, and you may get a small discount for paying with it. A$50–100 in cash is enough for a morning of browsing and eating.
What is a card surcharge in Melbourne?
Australian businesses are legally allowed to pass on the cost of processing card payments, and many do. Expect surcharges of 1–2% on credit card transactions at cafes, restaurants, and small shops. Some add 0.5% even for debit tap. This is normal in Australia and not a scam. Using a debit card or paying cash avoids or reduces these surcharges. See the Australia guide for more details.
Can I use Apple Pay and Google Pay everywhere in Melbourne?
Almost. Contactless tap-to-pay is the default in Melbourne. Most cafes, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and even market stalls with card readers accept contactless. You can also tap your phone or watch on Myki readers at train stations, tram stops, and buses. The only places you cannot tap are cash-only market stalls and a handful of older businesses.
How much cash should I carry in Melbourne?
Very little. A$50–100 is enough for most days unless you plan to spend time at Queen Victoria Market's outdoor stalls or tip buskers. Many visitors go an entire week in Melbourne without using cash. Keep a small amount for the occasional cash-preferred vendor or to avoid card surcharges on small purchases.
Do Melbourne trams cost money?
Trams within the Free Tram Zone (covering the CBD and Docklands) are completely free. You do not need to touch on with Myki. Outside the Free Tram Zone, you need a valid Myki card or mobile tap. A two-hour fare is A$5.30 and a daily cap is A$10.60 (2026 prices). The free zone covers most tourist attractions in the city center.
Tap to Pay Across Melbourne
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