Prepare for your Australian trip with our practical tips.
Learn about our currency, how to call home, keep safe, shop responsibly
and travel with a disability. Then you’re ready to go.
Australia’s currency is Australian Dollars (AUD) and currency
exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. The
most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard,
Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Try this handy
currency converter.
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. You
may be able to claim a refund of the GST paid on goods bought here if
you have spent AUD$300 or more in one store, no more than 30 days before
departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in
the departure area of international terminals. For more detailed
information see Australian government information on the Tourist Refund Scheme.
You’ll find large department stores, arcades, malls, gift and souvenir shops
across Australia. Trading hours vary across the country but shops in
tourist and city areas are generally open until 6pm, with the exception
of late night shopping on either Thursdays or Fridays in different
states. In Australia you are covered by Australia's consumer protection laws which require businesses to treat you fairly.
Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill.
In up market restaurants, it is usual to tip waiters up to ten per cent
of the bill for good service. However, tipping is always your choice. It
is not custom to bargain in Australia.
The emergency number for police, ambulance and or fire brigade is 000.
Australia’s popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer
lifesavers from October to April and red and yellow flags mark the
safest area for swimming. For information about marine stingers and
crocodile safety read the Queensland Government website.
Australia’s official language is English. However, being a
multicultural nation with a significant migrant population, we also
enjoy a tremendous diversity of languages and cultures.
Our electrical current is 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz. The
Australian three-pin power outlet is different from some other
countries, so you may need an adaptor.
Australia’s country code is 61. Local calls from public pay
phones are untimed and charged at AUD$.050. Mobile, long distance and
overseas calls are usually timed.Mobile phone network coverage is
available across Australia, however coverage may be limited in some
remote areas. Internet access is widely available at internet cafes,
accommodation and libraries.
Post offices are usually open 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with
some city post offices open on Saturday morning. Travellers can arrange
to collect mail at post offices throughout Australia.
If you have a disability and are planning to explore Australia,
there is a host of services and special deals to meet your needs.
Thorough preparation is essential to a successful trip, so speak to your
travel agent about your specific requirements. For more information on
accessible tourism in Australia go to NICAN or the AustraliaForAll websites.
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