AUSTRALIA TRAVEL INFORMATION
AUSTRALIA VISAS
A valid passport or similar acceptable travel document is required of all people wishing to travel to and enter Australia. Everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia. All other passport holders must hold a visa before travelling to Australia. For emigration to Australia, entry cceptance is based on a points system, dependant on qualifications, age etc. Working holiday visas are also available.AUSTRALIA CLIMATE
Australia's climate is generally pleasant, without extremes. Broadly there are two climatic zones: tropical in the north and temperate below the Tropic of Capricorn. Australia is an all-year-round destination.AUSTRALIAN CURRENCY
Australian currency is decimal. Notes come in 0, , , and denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, and 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.AUSTRALIA CUSTOMS
There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants and plant products are subject to quarantine control, and must be declared on arrival. The penalties for breaking these laws are severe. If you are uncertain about anything in your baggage, declare it and bring it to the attention of a customs officer. 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 of more than $A10,000, or equivalent in foreign currency, must be reported on arrival and departure. Every traveller over 18 years of age may bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. Duty/tax-free allowances of $A400 per person aged 18 or over and $A200 per person under 18 are granted for other goods intended as gifts.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 providers prior to your visit to ensure they can meet your needs.DRIVING IN AUSTRALIA
Australians drive on the left side of the road. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers. There are strict drinking and driving regulations and it therefore probably safer to not drink and drive. These laws are strictly enforced.EMERGENCY
Calls to Ambulance, Fire and Police, dial 000 (Digital mobiles, call 000 or 112).AUSTRALIA 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. Australia does hold reciprocal health care agreements with some counties. The United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, Malta, New Zealand and Ireland being some of them. It is worthwhile to check whether your country does or not. However, 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 too.MEDICATIONS
Visitors are permitted to bring reasonable quantities of prescribed (non-narcotic) medications. All should be clearly labelled and identifiable. For large quantities, it is advisable to bring a doctor's certificate to produce to Customs if necessary, and to an Australian doctor if required. All medication must be carried in personal hand luggage. Local pharmacies, called 'chemists' can fill most prescriptions - which must be written by an Australian-registered doctor.AUSTRALIA QUARANTINE
Australia is a beautiful country, free from many pests and diseases found elsewhere in the world. It's vital you declare anything that could harm wildlife, agricultural industries and plants, including fresh and packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, plants and items made from plants or wood. Amnesty bins are available for unwanted items as you leave your aircraft on arrival in Australia. Quarantine officers use detector dog teams, X-ray machines and random baggage checks to detect undeclared quarantine items. If you conceal items or quarantine concern, you may receive an on-the-spot fine or you could be prosecuted.AUSTRALIAN GST
Since 1 July 2000, a 10% tax on the purchase of goods and services (GST) has been applied in Australia.AUSTRALIA TAX REFUNDS
Departing travellers may be able to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that they paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund on goods, costing $A300 or more, only applies to items carried as hand luggage. Tourist Refund Scheme booths are located in the departure areas of international terminals behind passport control, where travellers must show their passport, international boarding pass, tax invoice from the retailer and the goods. Customs officers process cash refunds and assist in completing non-cash payment options.USEFUL TIPS FOR SOCIALISING AND RELAXING IN AUSTRALIA:
The following are some handy hints to help you make the most of your visit: Tickets to opera, ballet and big time shows are sometimes hard to come by. Make sure you reserve your ticket before travel. Contact your travel agent for detailsPerformance starting times are taken literally. Latecomers are not admitted, until a suitable break in the performance.
Australians are informal dressers. However for a night at the theatre or a casino, men wear a tie and a jacket and women semi-formal clothing. Dress regulation usually applies at clubs and casinos and this means that people wearing blue jeans or sandshoes (sneakers) will not be admitted. Men are required to wear a shirt with a collar and tie, preferably worn with a jacket
For late-night harbour or river cruises take a shawl or light jacket along as winds can be chilly even in summer.
Restaurants with a BYO (Bring Your Own) licence allow you to bring your own drink and thereby save on cost. A small corkage charge applies.
Happy hour is a time in pubs and clubs when alcohol is sold at a reduced price. It's usually early evening until 7-7.30pm.