Travelers'
Information
Business
If you are a business person
planning to visit Australia, you can obtain valuable business information
from the Australia Open
for Business website.
Climate
For information on Australian
weather, contact the Bureau of
Meteorology website.
Communications equipment
Before you arrive in Australia,
you are advised to check if your communications equipment (for example,
mobile and cordless phone, fax machine, wireless microphone, laptop
computer) is safe to operate in Australia.
Technical differences in power
voltage or radio frequencies can endanger health and safety and cause
interference problems. Power voltage is 240 volts/50Hz.
Information: Australian
Communications Authority website.
Currency
Australian currency is decimal.
Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins come in 5c,
10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.
Currency exchange
Exchange facilities are available
for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in
Australia. Foreign currency or traveller's cheques can be changed at most
banks. To calculate your funds in Australian dollars, see the Currency Converter.
Customs
Information is available from
Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, or you can call
Customs on + 61 2 6275 6666 or (inside Australia) 1300 363 263.
Information is also available from the ACS website.
Dangerous goods
Fireworks, flammable liquids,
corrosives and gas cylinders are not permitted on aircraft. For
information, contact your airline.
Disabled visitors
Hotels, airlines, attractions and
major transport carriers usually provide access for people with
disabilities. It is advisable to check with all service provider prior to
your visit to ensure they can meet your needs.
Driving laws
Australians drive on the left
side of the road. Strict drink-driving laws apply. Seat belts must be worn
by drivers and passengers.
Emergency
Calls to Ambulance, Fire and
Police, dial 000 (Digital mobiles, call
000 or 112).
Health Insurance
The cost of medical and hospital
care in Australia can be very expensive; it is highly advisable that all
overseas visitors take out some form of health insurance cover, including
ambulance cover.
While Australia holds reciprocal
health care agreements with the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, the
Netherlands, Italy, Malta, New Zealand and Ireland, these agreements do
not cover all health services, and time restrictions apply in some
cases.
Visitors from these countries are
therefore advised to take out some form of health insurance
cover.
Internet information is available
from the Department
of Health and Aged Care and Health Insurance
Commission.
Media
Intending media visitors to
Australia can access the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's International Media
Centre The Australian Tourist Commission also has a media site which provides
up-to-the-minute information, images and background on
Australia.
Quarantine
Information is available from Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service (AQIS) by phone + 61 2 9364 7222 or
fax+ 61 2 9364 7340
Shopping in Australia
Australia has a wide range of
goods for sale in a variety of shops and duty-free stores. You should shop
around because prices are competitive. In Australia, you are covered by
consumer protection laws. If you have a consumer problem, contact Consumer
Affairs at Treasury for advice - phone
+ 61 2 6263 3997 or see the Treasury website
Taxation
Sales tax applies to the purchase
of goods in Australia until 30 June 2000. A 10% tax on the purchase of
goods and services (GST) applies in Australia from 1 July 2000.
Taxation/Refunds for visitors
From 1 July 2000, you may be able
to get a refund of the GST on the goods you have bought in Australia and
are taking out with you. Conditions apply. Look for the information
brochures when you arrive or contact the Australian Customs Service on
phone + 61 2 6275 6666 (from outside Australia) or
1300 363 263 (within Australia). Email information@customs.gov.au.
Tourism
For detailed travel advice on
tourism in Australia, contact the Australian Tourist Commission by phone
+ 61 2 9360 1111, fax
+ 61 2 9331 6469, or at the ATC website. The ATC also has a tourism industry website which includes
news, statistics, co-operative marketing activities, contacts and
links.
Visa/immigration
Visa information is available
from Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, and from
travel agents. Inside Australia, phone 131 881. Internet information
is available from the DIMA website.
Inquiries on
Olympic/Paralympic
Games matters - phone + 61 2 6264 4444 or fax
+ 61 2 6264 2000.
Visa/taxation
If your visa entitles you to seek
employment or commerce business in Australia, and you intend to do so,
then you must register for taxation purposes. Information: Australian
Taxation Office website (http://www.ato.gov.au/), phone + 61 2 6216 1111, or contact your
local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
