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General information for
travellers The following information
can help with your travel plans:
Australia in Brief
(brief look at the features of Australia)
Business people
Climate information
Communications equipment
Currency (money matters)
Currency exchange
Customs Service
Disabled visitors
Driving laws
Emergency situations
Health information
Health insurance
Immigration - visas
Media visits
Quarantine
Shopping in Australia
Taxation
Tourism
Visa/immigration
Visa/taxation
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
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). Email
[email protected].
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.
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,
phone + 61 2 6216 1111, or contact your local Australian Embassy,
High Commission or Consulate.
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