| Telephones |
| Public Phones Australia has an extensive network of Public Phones throughout the country. They are easilly recognized by the orange and blue Telstra emblem. The cost of local calls is 40 cents (AUD) with most phones accepting coins and prepaid telephone cards. Long distance call charges vary depending on time of day and distance. Sundays are an excellent day to make interstate or international calls due to all day discount rates. The rates for Pre Paid Telephone Cards are $2 , $5, $10, $20 and $50 and may be purchased at most Newsagencies and Post Offices Contacting Australia from Overseas To contact Australia, first dial the country code prefix (61) then the area code without the first zero for instance Sydney would be 2 instead of 02, then dial the required number . |
| Currency and Banking |
| 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. Banking/Business Hours/ATM Card Use Banks are generally open 8:30 am - 4 pm Mon-Thu; 9:30 am - 5 pm Fri. In some states selected banking facilities are available on Saturday morning. General office hours including Post Offices are 9 am - 5 pm, Mon-Fri. Stamps are often available at front desks of hotels and motels and at selected retail outlets. ATM cards can be used in Australia at both ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) and at participating retail locations, so long as they have been enabled for international access. Your ATM card must carry either the CIRRUS, PLUS or STAR international ATM mark or the Interlink or Maestro POS mark. Travelers should contact their bank at home for information on availability and service charges. Credit Cards The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates. Use may be restricted in smaller towns and country areas and small retail shops. Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). Currency Exchange Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia Changing foreign currency or traveler's checks can be done quickly and efficiently at most banks. For the current Australian exchange rate please use the Currency Converter Travelers Checks Visitors should cash travelers checks at banks or larger hotels as it may be difficult elsewhere. Some banks may charge a small fee for cashing travelers checks. Banks will cash most travelers checks in every currency. Most widely accepted are American Express, Thomas Cook, Barclays, Bank of America, Visa and MasterCard. Australian Banks • Advance Bank 131346 • ANZ Bank 1800 033 285 • Bankwest 1800 651 888 • Citibank 132484 • Colonial State Bank 131818 • Commonwealth Bank 132221 • Maquarie Bank 1800 806 301 • Metway Bank 132515 • National Bank 132265 • St George Bank 1800 224 584 • Westpac Bank 132032 |
| Climate and Time Zones |
| Climate The climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperatures. Broadly there are two climatic zones. In the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, about 40 per cent of Australia is in the tropical zone. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone. However, because of Australia's vast size, there are variations within these zones. The temperate regions have all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have two (summer "wet" and winter "dry"). Australia's seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. Spring : September-November , Summer : December-February , Fall : March-May Winter : June-August Time Zones There are three time zones in Australia - Eastern Standard Time (WEST) which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland; Central Standard Time (CYST) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WAST) in Western Australia. CYST is one half hour behind WEST, while WAST is two hours behind WEST. Australian States except Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months. Clothing In the tropics lightweight (natural fibers) clothing is suitable all year round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (Dec-Deb) are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime, but keep a jacket or sweater handle as nights may be cool. For the southern winters (Jun-Aug) sweaters and warmer clothes are advisable. Most of the time just keep it light and comfortable. |
| Customs and Quarantine |
| Customs Strict laws prohibit or restrict the entry of drugs, steroids, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, food stuffs, plants and plant products must be declared. There is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts over A$5,000, or equivalent must be reported. Travelers 18-years and over may bring 1 liter of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco duty free. There is a duty free allowance of A$400 per person 18-years and over, or A$200 per person under 18-years. Short-term visitors may bring most articles into the country duty free, provided Customs is satisfied that they are for their own personal use. Quarantine Importation of fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs and egg products, vegetables, seeds, cultures, plants and plant products is strictly controlled. There is up to 6-months quarantine for pets and other domestic animals. Anyone carrying any of these items on arrival in Australia, must tick the appropriate box on the Customs, Quarantine and Wildlife statement. This is handed to you before arrival and must be presented with your passport upon arrival. |
| Driving and Petrol |
| Driving Laws Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km/h (35mph) and on country roads and highways, 100km/h (62mph) - 110 km/h (68 mph) unless signs indicate otherwise. Strict drink-driving laws apply. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers at all times. Driving Licenses Tourists may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers license for the same class of vehicle. Licenses must be carried when driving, in addition to a valid passport. An International Drivers Permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid drivers permit. Gasoline (Petrol) Leaded and unleaded grades are sold by the litre. Gas (petrol) costs between A$0.85 - A$1.10 per litre. Prices are often higher in country areas. Petrol stations are plentiful; trading hours vary. Most accept international credit cards. |
| Medical and Vaccinations |
| Medical Visitors can bring reasonable quantities of prescribed medications. All should be clearly labeled and identifiable. For large quantities, bring a doctor's certificate to produce to Customs if necessary. Chemists can fill most prescriptions but some may need to be re-issued by an Australian-registered doctor. In the event of illness, your hotel can call a doctor or refer you to one, or you can call your country's High Commission, Embassy or Consulate General for a list of doctors. U.S. and Canadian visitors are not covered by Australia's national health insurance scheme. It is recommended that you travel with adequate travel insurance. Vaccinations Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within 6 days prior to arrival. For related vaccination information (in the U.S.) call the Center for Disease Control - PH: (404) 6393311. No other health certificates are needed to enter Australia. |
| Languages |
| The language spoken in Australia is primarily English, but due to the multicultural flavor of our country, it is also common to find many regions, especially in Sydney and Melbourne where no one understands English. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Taxation |
| Since 1 July 2000, a 10% tax on the purchase of goods and services (GST) has been applied in Australia. |
| Taxation/Refunds for visitors |
| Since 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). |
| Australia Map | Sydney Map | Melbourne Map | Brisbane Map |
| Cairns Map | Gold Coast Map | Adelaide Map | |
| Perth Map | |||
| Hotels in New South Wales | Blue Mountains Hotels | Canberra Hotels | Sydney Hotels |
| near Sydney Airport Hotels | |||
| Hotels in Victoria | Melbourne Hotels | ||
| Hotels in Queensland | Brisbane Hotels | Cairns Hotels | Gold Coast Hotels |
| Port Douglas Hotels | Hayman Island | ||
| Hotels in South Australia | Adelaide Hotels | ||
| Hotels in Tasmania | Hobart Hotels | Launceston Hotels | |
| Hotels in Northern Territory | Alice Springs Hotels | Ayers Rock Hotels | Darwin Hotels |
| Hotels in Western Australia | Perth Hotels | ||
| Australia
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