COUNTRY FACTS
AUSTRALIA
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of
the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two
people per square kilometer.
Currency
Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). Notes
come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c
denominations. Prices are rounded to the nearest 5c.
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is
different from that in some countries so you will need an adaptor.
Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and
restaurants. Porters at airports, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped although you may
do so if you wish. Porters have set charges at railway terminals, but not at hotels. In better-class
restaurants, it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill for good service.
Driving
In Australia vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road with distances and speed limits shown in
kilometers. You may use your license from your own country when driving in Australia and you must
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carry it with you when you are driving.
Climate
Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but the fact is, Australia's seasons
are the opposite of the northern hemisphere - summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in
June and spring in September. Due to its size, geographical location and the lack of extensive high
mountain ranges Australia has a wide range of climates but generally no extremes. The average
temperature ranges from 23-26°C above the Tropic of Capricorn with the southern areas more temperate
although subject to variations. This and the fact that Australia is the driest continent on earth makes it a
great all-year destination.
Sun Protection
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world caused by exposure to the sun. Make
sure you use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15+ and apply it often, especially
after you have been in the water. If you intend to be in the sun for more than half an hour or so, wear a
hat, a shirt and sunglasses when you are not in the water. Safe swimming areas are marked by a pair of
flags, half red half yellow, on either side of the safety zone. Stay between the flags and keep an eye on the
lifeguard.
Clothing
Check the temperature chart and the weather maps carefully. In the tropics lightweight clothing (natural
fibers) is suitable all year round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (December February) are
warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime, but keep a jacket or sweater handy as nights
may be cool. For the southern winters (June August), sweaters, a jacket or light coat and generally
warmer clothes are advisable. Australians are informal dressers, but for special occasions, such as
business meetings, theatres and dining at good restaurants, men may need a jacket and tie or suit and
women a more formal dress. Most of the time, just keep clothing light and comfortable. Bring a sunhat,
sunglasses and suntan lotion if you expect hot weather. For foot protection in the coral pools of the Great
Barrier Reef, pack your sandshoes (sneakers).
Banking and Business Hours
Banks generally open from 9.30am - 4pm Monday Thursday and from 9.30am - 5pm Friday.
In some states, selected banking facilities are available on Saturday morning. General office hours are 9am
5pm, Monday to Friday. Post offices open from 9am 5pm Monday Friday. Stamps are often available at
front desks of hotels and motels and at selected retail outlets.
Electronic Banking/Automatic Teller Machines
Banks have ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) located outside the branch or in the foyer, that can be
accessed 24 hours a day. Cards can be used in Australia at both ATMs and at most retail locations, as long
as they have been enabled for international access. Please contact your bank for information on
availability and service charges.
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.
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Duty Free Allowances
As of November 1, 2014, travelers to Australia will only be able to bring with them or purchase at duty
free no more than 50 cigarettes without paying duty. Allowances for alcohol are as follows:
4.5 liters of wine or 4.5 liters of beer.
Three bottles (or other containers) each containing not more than 1,125ml of spirits, liqueur, or
other spirituous beverages.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or
zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia.
Passport and Visa
A valid passport is required of all people wishing to travel to and enter Australia. Your passport must be
valid for at least 3 months following your planned departure from Australia. Everyone, except holders of
Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia. All passport holders must hold a
visa before travelling to Australia.
Credit Cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard,
Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Use may be restricted in smaller towns and country areas and small retail
shops.
Shopping
Big department stores, arcades, malls, gift shops, fashion boutiques and specialty stores abound in
Australia. Good buys include quality Australian opals and other precious or semi-precious stones,
sheepskins and leather goods, Australian fashion, Aboriginal artifacts and paintings. Duty free shops are
located in city centers and at international airports. Shops attached to galleries, museums and many other
tourist attractions are stocked with an excellent range of interesting souvenirs.
Medical/Health
Medical and hospital services are of a very high standard. However, visitors are not covered by any
Australian health insurance plan. A medical insurance policy is strongly recommended. Visitors may
bring up to 4 weeks supply of prescription medicine. It is wise to carry your doctor’s prescription, in case
you need further supplies. Chemists (drugstores) are open during normal shopping hours. Please ensure
you have an ample supply of any medicine you may need.
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