GENERAL INFORMATION
Time Difference
East of Australia: GMT + 10 hours
Central Australia: GMT + 9.5 hours
West Australia: GMT + 8 hours
TELEPHONE CODES
In going from the UK: 00 61 + area code
Outgoing from Australia: 00 11 44 + area code without the first 0
Emergency Services 000
Emergency Services (from Mobile Phone) 000 / 112
Directory Enquiries 1223
Australian Captial Territory 02
New South Wales 02
Northern Territory 08
Queensland 07
South Australia 08
Tasmania 03
Victoria 03
Western Australia 08
Phoning from Australia can be expensive, although there are cheap ways. Although calls from a domestic line are cheaper than from a payphone, you can buy international phone cards giving discounted calls.
If you are making calls from within Australia then remember that telephone numbers beginning with 1800 are FREE, and numbers beginning with 13 are charged at the local rate (which is generally 50c).
Another option is to buy a mobile phone. If you buy a Pre-Paid Mobile Phone, the cost is generally quite cheap, although calls are more expensive than a 12 or 24 month mobile phone contract. There are 4 main mobile phone networks in Australia including Telstra, Optus, Vodaphone and the 3 Network. They all offer Pre-Paid Mobile Phone packages, which can be a good idea when travelling around. Although most areas in Australia do have coverage, some places in the outback between towns and cities aren't within the coverage.
ELECTRICITY
240/250 Volts AC 50Hz
3 pin plugs are used although an adapter may be required.
CLIMATE
Australia offers extreme variations in climate, from tropical to temperate.
November - March is generally hot everywhere, with temperates rising the further north you are.
November - March is wet season in the north of Australia, with cyclones common from January.
April - September has occasional rain in the south which can be particularly heavy.
June - August is the winter skiing season in the southern parts of Australia.
September - November is when you will see the Australian wildlflowers in Central and Western Australia.
TRANSPORT
If driving around Australia there are a few rules and regulations you should be aware of. These include:
- Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Always carry a valid driving license, and a translation if the license isn't in English.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt or child restraint.
- Do not speed (the average speed limit in built up areas is 60km).
- Do not drive whilst using a mobile phone.
- Do not drink and drive
PROHIBITED ITEMS
On arriving in Australia it is prohibited to carry the usal items such as weapons, firearms and non-prescribed drugs. You will need to declare any animal or plant objects as well as fresh food or face heavy fines and in some cases imprisonment. The main purpose of this is to stop unwanted disease entering the country.
The Duty Free limit per person is as follows:
- 1125ml of alcohol
- 250 cigarettes
- Goods up to the value of $400
CURRENCY
Australian Dollar (A$): 100 cents
Australian coins include: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2
Australian notes include: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Although prices are marked to the cent, the total purchase will be rounded to the nearest 5c.
The import or export of A$5000 must be reported to customs at entry or departure. All major credit cards and travellers cheques, in any international currency, are widely accepted.
BANKING HOURS
Monday to Thursday: 9.30am - 4pm*
Friday: 9.30 - 5pm*
*These hours vary throughout the country
You can exchange money at most of the major banks around Australia, and also withdraw money from any ATM. The major banks include ANZ, Commonwealth, National, St George and Westpac. However, if you are travelling away from the main towns and cities beware that banks and ATM's are few and far between so go prepared with money.
If you want to open an account it is vest to do so within 6 weeks of arriving, as any longer than this and you will need more identification.
GST
GST stands for Goods and Service Tax, and is similar to the British system of VAT. There are several GST free shopping agents, available for both International travellers and Australians who will be leaving the country. If you are shopping in an average store, than make sure you keep your receipts, as you can claim GST back (10%) at the airport before leaving through the TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme). This 'GST back' can be calculated by dividing the purchase amount by 11.
What does the TRS apply to?
The Tourist Refund Scheme applies to all goods costing more than $300 that were purchased in Australia, and taken overseas within 30 days of purchase. It does not apply to services in Australia, such as Hunter Valley Winery Tours. That is because tours are not considered to be exports if they are performed in Australia.
How do I claim back the GST?
You will need to present the following at the Customs TRS booth when you depart Australia:
- Yours goods (unless aviation security measures, effective from 31 March 2007, in regard to liquids, aerosols and gels prevent you from doing so) to prove you are taking them out of the country.
- The orginal tax invoice totalling $300 (GST inclusive) or more from the retailer (to provide information for Customs officers)
- Your passport and boarding pass
- Goods that cannot be taken on board as hand luggage due to liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions should be packed in your hold luggage. However, if those goods are oversized, for example a case of wine, they must be sighted prior to check-in at the Customs Client Services counter.
The person who purchases the goods must be the person who makes the claim for a refund of GST.
You can get more information about how GST and the TRS works by calling 1300 363 263.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Australia. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required if travelling from an infected area. If you are planning any stopovers on route it is advisable to check with your General Practitioner well in advance.
If you are a resident of Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden or the UK, you can claim free or reduced fee medical treatment. This is relevant in public hospitals and private doctors, although you may have to claim the money back at a later date. This is through the Medicard system. To get your Medicard or for further information about the system call Medicard Ph: 13 2011.
Safety
Tourists should take care in all major cities (as withi destinations all over the world). You should be especially cautious when using ATMs. Australia is relatively safe for women travellers, although in the outback there still remains a patriarchal culture. When travelling into the outback and interior regions of Australia, specific precautions should be taken. You should take adequate supplies, and always leave information of your whereabouts.
Special care and respect of natural habitats is recommened.
Always ask permission before taking photographs of aborigines (indigenous Australians).
