Nauru uses the Australian dollar (AUD) as its official currency. Understanding the local payment landscape is essential — Nauru is still largely a cash-based economy, and banking services are limited.
Currency
The Australian dollar (AUD, symbol $) is the sole legal tender in Nauru. Notes are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, and coins in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2.
Foreign currency (US dollars, euros, etc.) is not accepted for everyday transactions. You will need to exchange your currency to AUD before arrival or at limited exchange points on the island.
Nauru no longer mints its own coinage — Australian coins and banknotes are used exclusively.
Cash is King
Cash (Australian dollars) is the primary payment method on Nauru. Most businesses — shops, market stalls, taxis, and smaller accommodations — only accept cash. It's essential to bring sufficient AUD cash for your entire stay.
ATMs are extremely limited. There is one Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) branch in Yaren with an ATM, but the machine can be unreliable and sometimes runs out of cash. Do not rely on being able to withdraw cash on the island.
Recommended approach: bring all the Australian dollars you expect to need for your trip. It's better to have too much than too little — leftover AUD can always be spent at the duty-free shop at the airport.
Cards & Digital Payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted at a very limited number of locations: - Menen Hotel (Visa/Mastercard, subject to surcharge) - Some government offices (for visa/payment fees) - The CBA branch may process card transactions
American Express and other cards are virtually never accepted. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are not in common use.
There is no local mobile payment system (no equivalent of M-Pesa, etc.).
For practical purposes: assume you will need cash for everything except your hotel bill.
Banking
The Bank of Nauru provides basic banking services including savings accounts, deposits, and transfers — but these are primarily for residents. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has a branch in Yaren offering limited services including: - Foreign exchange (subject to availability) - Cash advances on Visa/Mastercard - Account services for CBA customers
Banking hours are typically Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
International money transfers can be arranged but may take several days.
Tipping & Bargaining
Tipping is not customary in Nauru. Service charges are not included in bills — if you receive exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but never expected.
Bargaining is not a common practice in shops or hotels. Prices are generally fixed. At local markets or for large purchases of handicrafts, polite negotiation may be possible but should be approached with sensitivity.
Quick Tips
- Bring all your AUD cash before arrival
- Notify your bank before travelling (though card use is limited)
- Keep small denominations for everyday purchases
- Do not rely on ATMs — they may be empty or out of service