Among a raft of measures taking effect on 1 January 2026, Australia has introduced a national regulation compelling large retailers that sell essential goods—specifically groceries and fuel—to accept cash for in-person transactions up to A$500 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. The mandate follows complaints from regional visitors and older travellers who found themselves stranded when ‘‘card-only’’ petrol stations refused banknotes.
For global-mobility coordinators the rule change removes a frequent pain-point on road trips between assignment sites. International assignees driving hire cars in remote Western Australia or the Northern Territory, where EFTPOS outages are still common, will now have statutory backing when insisting on paying with cash.
VisaHQ’s Australia specialists can also streamline the other side of the travel equation—obtaining the correct visas and permits—so that your team spends less time wrestling with paperwork and more time focusing on the job at hand. Start an application or get tailored advice in minutes at https://www.visahq.com/australia/.
![New cash-acceptance law offers payment certainty for visiting travellers]()
Retail industry groups had lobbied against the measure, arguing that it adds security risks and counting costs. The federal Treasury estimates compliance expenses at A$160 million a year, but says the benefit—uninterrupted access to essentials during network failures—outweighs the burden. The law includes a review clause after 12 months.
Travellers should note that the mandate does not cover accommodation, restaurants or duty-free outlets, and the A$500 ceiling applies per transaction, not per day. Businesses failing to comply face fines of up to A$55,000 for repeat offences.
Practical tip: mobility managers preparing ‘‘on-arrival’’ briefing packs may wish to re-insert advice on carrying modest amounts of cash for regional travel while also reminding staff to keep receipts to simplify expense claims.
For global-mobility coordinators the rule change removes a frequent pain-point on road trips between assignment sites. International assignees driving hire cars in remote Western Australia or the Northern Territory, where EFTPOS outages are still common, will now have statutory backing when insisting on paying with cash.
VisaHQ’s Australia specialists can also streamline the other side of the travel equation—obtaining the correct visas and permits—so that your team spends less time wrestling with paperwork and more time focusing on the job at hand. Start an application or get tailored advice in minutes at https://www.visahq.com/australia/.
Retail industry groups had lobbied against the measure, arguing that it adds security risks and counting costs. The federal Treasury estimates compliance expenses at A$160 million a year, but says the benefit—uninterrupted access to essentials during network failures—outweighs the burden. The law includes a review clause after 12 months.
Travellers should note that the mandate does not cover accommodation, restaurants or duty-free outlets, and the A$500 ceiling applies per transaction, not per day. Businesses failing to comply face fines of up to A$55,000 for repeat offences.
Practical tip: mobility managers preparing ‘‘on-arrival’’ briefing packs may wish to re-insert advice on carrying modest amounts of cash for regional travel while also reminding staff to keep receipts to simplify expense claims.
