Travel Information

Banking and Business Hours

Banks generally open from 9.30 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9.30 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. on Fridays. In some states banking facilities are available on Saturday mornings. General office hours are 9 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Shopping:

Shops are generally open 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. on Saturday with late night shopping on either Thursday or Friday until 8.00 or 9.00 p.m. Sunday trading is common in main cities and tourist areas. Good buys include quality Australian opals and other semi precious stones, sheepskins and leather goods, Australian fashion, aboriginal artifacts and paintings. Duty Free shops are located in city centres and International airports. While in Australia you are covered by Australian consumer protection laws. This means if you buy something and it doesn't work as advertised you have the right to a refund or to have the goods replaced or repaired.

Currency:

Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = one dollar). Notes come in $100, $50,$20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.

Currency Exchange:

Facilities are available for all in going and out going flights at all International Airports. Most banks will exchange currency and traveler's cheques.

Credit Cards:

The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Use may be restricted in smaller towns and country areas.

Electronic Banking/Automatic Teller Machines:

Most banks have ATMs located outside the branch or in the foyer that can be accessed 24 hours a day by card holders with a PIN if their cards have been enabled for International access. Contact your bank at home for information on availability and service charges.

Tipping:

Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. Porters at airports, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped although you may do so if you wish. Porters have set charges at railway terminals, but not at hotels. In top restaurants it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10% of the bill for good service however at any time tipping is your choice.

Tourist Information Centres:

Even in the smallest towns you will find an outlet distributing local tourist information and advise free of charge. Look for the international 'i' sign on a blue background.

Electricity:

Current emerges at 240/250 volts AC from Australian sockets from a 3 pin type plug. You will need to bring an adapter for appliances if different to this. Most shaver points are of the universal type.

Telephones:

Australia has a modern telephone system, which enables you to make local calls, long distance within Australia and International Direct Dialing. Local calls from Telstra public phones are untimed and cost 40c. Public pay phones accept all Australian coins and Telstra Smart Phone cards which can be purchased from News agents and retail outlets. Creditphones accept most participating credit card including Visa and can be found at airports, central city locations and many hotels. Country Direct is a service which lets you speak directly with an operator in your home country or you can use an automated service.

Time Zones:

There are 3 time zones in Australia. Eastern standard time (EST) operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. Central standard time (CST) operates in South Australia and Northern Territory and Western standard time (WST) in Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST and WST is 2 hours behind EST. Except for the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland there is daylight saving during the summer. Daylight Saving runs from late August until the end of March.

Climate:

Australia's seasons are the opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Due to its size, geographical location and lack of extensive high mountains ranges Australia has a wide range of climates but generally no extremes. The average temperature ranges from 23-26°C above the Tropic of Capricorn with the Southern areas more temperate although subject to variations. This and the fact that Australia is the driest continent on earth makes Australia a great all- round destination

Seasons to Visit:

During the summer, December-February, it is hot in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. At the Great Barrier Reef, most rain falls in January and February. The ski season occurs from June to October in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.

Clothing:

In the Tropics lightweight clothing in natural fibres is most suitable year round. In the Southern areas summers are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime although evenings will be cooler and a water proof coat is advisable. Southern winters will require sweaters and a warm jacket. Australians are generally casual dressers but for special occasions such as business meetings, theatres or dining at good restaurants, men may need a jacket and tie and women more formal dress. Ensure you bring a hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion and for foot protection on the coral reefs, a pair of light sandshoes is advisable.

Driving:

Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum speed limits are shown on signs-generally 60km/h (35mph) in cities and towns, 100-110 km/h (62-86 mph) on country roads and motorways. Strict drink driving laws apply. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers at all times and children must travel in approved carseats. Tourists to Australia may drive with a valid overseas license, which must be carried with them when driving. An International Drivers permit must also be accompanied by a valid drivers license from your home country.

Visas:

Everyone except holders of Australian or New Zealand passports requires a visa to enter Australia. The Australian Visitor Visa can be obtained from your nearest Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is becoming progressively available through travel agents. For further information see Australia Immigration Service.

Departure Tax:

Departure tax is the equivalent of $A30 and is prepaid with your airline ticket, with payment noted on your ticket. Children under 12 are exempt.

Customs:

There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. The penalties for breaking these are severe. All fresh and packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, plants and items made from plants or wood must be declared on entry. Amnesty bins are available for unwanted items when you leave the aircraft on arrival in Australia. For further information see Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service. There is no limit on the amount of Australian or foreign cash that can be bought into or taken out of Australia, however amounts of more than $A10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on arrival and departure. This includes notes and coins but does not include traveler's cheques or other monetary instruments e.g. Credit cards.

Health:

Australia enjoys a high standard of hygiene and health care. Doctors and Dentists are highly trained and hospitals modern and well equipped. Overseas visitors are recommended to take out health insurance to cover the duration of their stay. Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within 6 days of arrival. You do not need any other health certificates to enter Australia. Ensure that you wear a broad brimmed hat and sunscreen between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in particular if partaking in any outdoor activities. Australia's clear bright skies mean strong ultraviolet rays and the risk of sunburn is high. For further information see Australia Health Department.

Medications:

Visitors are permitted to bring in reasonable quantities of prescribed (non-narcotic) medications. All should be clearly labeled and identifiable. For large quantities it is advisable to bring a doctors certificate to produce to customs is necessary. All medication must be carried in personal hand luggage. Local pharmacies, called 'chemists' can fill most prescriptions which must be written by an Australian registered Doctor.

Emergencies:

For serious ambulance, fire or police emergencies, dial 000.

Australia Travel Accommodation Queensland Locations Gold Coast New South Wales Victoria Northern Territory Western South Australia Canberra Tasmania Campervans Australia Rental Cars Adelaide camper Alice Springs Locations camper Brisbane camper Cairns cars Gold Coast Melbourne camper Perth camper Sydney cars camper Australia rental Apollo Motorhomes Avis Hertz Thrifty KeaCampers Maui Rentals camper hire Vacation Specials Operators Links Index Guide Guest New Zealand Guestaustralia.com Aboutus Guestnewzealand.com Guest Personalised Travel Services