Australia travel info

General information for the traveller new to Australia.

Visas
All foreign nationals (except New Zealanders) wishing to enter Australia require visas. The Australian visitor's visa can be obtained from your nearest Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.

Customs
There is no limit on the amount of local or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia.
Visitors may take the following into Australia duty free:

Alcohol - 1 litre of alcoholic beverages
Tobacco - 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products

Australia is free from many pests and diseases which harm plants/animals and serious efforts are made to protect the local agriculture and wildlife. On arrival, all fresh and packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, plants and items made from plants or wood must be declared and deposited in amnesty bins.

Time
Australia has three time zones:

Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT +10
New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria - daylight saving runs from the end of October through to the end of March (GMT +11)
Tasmania - daylight saving runs from the beginning of October through to the end of March (GMT +11)
There is no daylight saving in Queensland.

2000 Olympics - Daylight saving will be extended for the Sydney Olympics from the end of August 2000 until the end of March 2001.

Central Standard Time (CST): GMT +9.5
South Australia - daylight saving runs from late October to late March (GMT +10.5)
Northern Territory does not have daylight saving

Western Standard time (WST): GMT +8
Western Australia does not have daylight saving

Currency
Australian Dollars (A$) - Check current exchange rates
100 cents = A$1
Notes issued: A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10, A$5
Coins issued: A$2, A$1, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents

Language
The official language is English

Tipping
Tipping is not widely practised in Australia and restaurants/hotels do not currently add a service charge. However, as of July 2000 a new Government Service Tax (GST) of 10% will be automatically added to bills for any services provided.

Porters and taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped but it is accepted and appreciated.

Banking Hours
Monday to Thursday 9.30 am to 4.00 pm
Friday 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
Certain banks in major cities may open on Saturday mornings

Telephone
The international dialling code for Australia is 61
When making international calls from Australia first dial 0011 + country code + area code + telephone number

Local Telephone Codes

Central East Region
(New South Wales and ACT) 02

Central & West Region
(S. Australia, Northern Territory & W. Australia) 08

North East Region
(Queensland) 07

South East Region
(Victoria & Tasmania) 03

Electricity
220-240 volts, AC 50Hz
3 pin round plugs

Water
Tap water is safe to drink and bottled water also is widely available.

Health
Australia has very high standards of health and hygiene but always make sure that you have good medical insurance. The Australian sun can be a health hazard as it is more intense than in other countries, so take extra care to protect your skin. Some of Australia's wildlife such as sharks, crocodiles, snakes, redback and funnel web spiders may seem quite threatening but bites and attacks are rare. Take local advice for each area you visit, particularly in the outback.

Usually there is no need for inoculations but it is always best to check the current situation and any current vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airports

Adelaide
Brisbane
Cairns
Darwin
Hobart
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney
Townsville

International Airport Departure Tax
A$25

Domestic Airports
There are numerous domestic airports and landing strips in Australia. In addition to the international airports mentioned above, here are a selection of the more popular destinations:

Alice Springs
Broome
Canberra
Coolangatta - serving Surfers Paradise
Connellan - serving Ayers Rock

Domestic Airport Departure Tax
None

Etiquette/Dress Code
Casual wear is generally okay for almost any occasion or situation in Australia, although some top-end clubs and restaurants have a more formal dress code.

Diplomatic Missions
Most countries have representative offices and consulates in Australia.

Useful Sources of Information
For further information on Australian culture and tourist attractions: