When applying for a job, is it appropriate to be asked by the new company what your salary currently is?

Yes, it is now a common practise for a potential employer to ask your current salary. I think the best way to get around this, if your not willing to lie about it, is to either answer the question without answering the question (ex.: I make enough to get by) or anwer it with a question. (ex.: Why? How much does this position make?) That may not be the best way to say it, but something along those lines should do.