Australia - Travel Facts / FAQs

What is the UK Time Zone?
GMT/UTC +10 (Eastern Standard Time), GMT/UTC +9.5 (Central Time), GMT/UTC +8 (Western Time)

What is the Daililing Code?
61

What is the unit of measurement?
Metric

What Drivers Licence will I need?
If you’re a visitor and hold a valid driver’s licence (in English) from your own country, fine, you’re allowed to drive throughout all of Australia. (But an international driver's licence, if you have one, does not by itself give you the right to drive in Australia.) If your driver's licence is not in English, a translation may be necessary and you may also need to have an international driver's licence. If you come from a country where motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road, there’s not much more to know, and you should easily adjust to driving in Australia by following local driving customs and laws.

What road rules apply?
Road rules are consistent right across Australia, but some rules vary to suit local conditions. For example, in the Northern Territory there are a lot of out back roads that have no speed limit. In Melbourne, vehicles must do a “hook turn” by pulling to the left and not queuing across tram tracks when turning right. This enables trams to continue on smoothly and not be stuck behind vehicles wishing to turn right. You are also not allowed to overtake trams on the right and must stop behind a trams when it is stationary if there are no “passenger isles.
Here are a few important points to note:
1) In Australia motorists drive on the left hand side of the road. As such, pedestrians should always look to their right first before crossing a road (and use a pedestrian crossing where possible) .
2) The law states that seat belts and/or child restraints must be worn by all vehicle occupants (fines and demerit points apply if this is not complied with).
3) You must always carry your driver’s licence (or a copy) when driving.
4) Take care when driving after drinking alcohol. For full licence holders the maximum legal blood alcohol level is 0.05. P-Platers may not drive after any alcohol consumption. Of course, the safest course of action is not to drive after any consumption.
5) Australia is a big country so, unfortunately ,fatigue causes many crashes. When driving long distances, make sure you stop and rest every 2 hours.
6) All traffic must follow a clockwise direction in a roundabout and a vehicle already on a roundabout has the right of way over any entering vehicles.
For more information on road rules, and the differences between States and Territories, contact the National Road Transport Commission

What are the speed limits?
In most States the maximum speed limit on freeways and major highways is 100 kph (approx 55 mph) and local urban limits range from 50 - 80 kph (approx 30 - 45 mph). In the Northern Territory there are highways that are free of any limits. All speed limits are clearly marked and all States operate sophisticated speed detection equipment including mobile and static speed cameras along with Red light cameras. Any fine incurred in Australia is the responsibility of the driver and should they be a foreign national the fine will be mailed to their home country address.

Will I need vehicle insurance?
Compulsory third party (bodily injury) cover is compulsory in Australia if you own a car but additional motor vehicle covers can prove invaluable if you are involved in an accident.
There are four basic cover options available:
Compulsory Third Party (injury) – insures you for costs arising out of the use of your car in claims made against you for personal injuries. Commonly referred to as CTP, you must obtain this insurance to register your car (included in the registration costs in some states).
Third Party Property Damage – insures you against liability claims for damages to another vehicle or to the property of others (such as a telephone pole, fence or building). It covers both the cost of the damage and your legal defence. It does NOT include repair costs for your own vehicle. This type of cover is the cheapest available and it is our recommendation that, as a minimum, this cover is purchased before venturing onto the road.
Third Party, Fire & Theft - insures you for the same third party property damage cover show above, as well as fire and theft cover to your own vehicle. It also covers your liability for damage caused while the car is stolen.
Comprehensive – insures against third party property damage claims as well as damage caused to your own car in the event of an accident. If you have finance on your car it will usually be a requirement of the financier that you take out comprehensive insurance.

How much does petrol (gasoline) cost?
$144.3 per litre

What travel documents will I need?
Valid passport, possibly a visa. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers traveling for tourist or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents.
Americans: US nationals must have a valid passport for intended period of stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required.
UK nationals: UK nationals must have a passport valid for intended period of stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas) if residing in Hong Kong. Other British passport holders are not eligible for an ETA and require a visa.
Canadians: Canadian nationals require a passport valid for intended period of stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required.
South Africans: South African nationals must have a passport valid for the duration of the stay. A visa is required.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the intended period of stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a valid passport on entry to Australia. Although a visa is not a requirement, New Zealanders have to apply for a Special Category Visa on arrival by completing a passenger card.

What´s the climate like?
Summer (December to February) can get uncomfortably hot just about anywhere, even in Tasmania. If you're in the southern states during these months it's great beach weather and great melanoma weather. Up north, this is the wet season, and it's very, very humid (you'll need to check for jellyfish before jumping into the water). On the upside, the Top End is beautifully green and free of tourists at this time. From June until August things in the north have cooled down a little and dried up a lot. This is a good time to visit Queensland or the outback. If you're here for the skiing, now's the time to head for the snowfields of NSW and Victoria. Overall, spring and autumn are probably the safest bets - the weather is reasonably mild wherever you are, and spring brings out the wildflowers in the outback, while autumn is particularly beautiful around Canberra and in the Victorian Alps.

What sort of clothing should I take?
As you will see from the Australian Climate section, the temperature in Australia is quite temperate. It can get quite hot in summer but it doesn’t get as cold as a lot of countries in the northern hemisphere. We recommend you pack sensibly and bring with you what you think you will really need clothes wise. Jeans, t-shirts and comfy shoes are a must! We don’t want to list each item of clothing you should bring as we think that it is a bit personal! Bring the essentials with you and whatever you didn’t bring and need, you can always go shopping! Remember, shopping in Australia is great and affordable, so if you need to buy any clothes you can easily buy them within your budget.

What currency is used?
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of A$5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Banks and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Travelers cheques are also welcome everywhere, but banks take a small commission and it is better to take cheques in major currencies (e.g. US dollars or Euros) to avoid additional charges. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

What are the standard opening hours?
Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday.

Is there a goods and services tax?
Yes 10% GST is charged on all purchases

When is the best time to travel?
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere and hence the winter lasts from May to August while November to March are summer months. The general climate is dry and pleasant and visitors flock to Australia round the year. Europeans and visitors from western countries prefer to spend their winter holidays i.e. a vacation over Christmas and New Year at Australia. The warm sun kissed beaches are just right for getting the perfect tan. However a variation in climatic conditions makes various times of the year suitable for visiting specific regions within Australia.

What kind of electricity outlets are used? Do I need an adapter?
Electrical current is 240/250 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.

What medical and emergency facilities are there?
Medical services are excellent, but can be expensive so travelers should ensure that they have adequate insurance. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, in emergencies only, which allows residents from the UK free hospital treatment. Passport or proof of UK residence, such as an NHS medical card or a UK driving license, must be shown. Prescribed medicines, ambulances and treatment at some doctors’ surgeries must be paid for. Personal insurance for illness and accidents is highly recommended for all visitors. Those wishing to benefit from the agreement should enrol at a Medicare office; this can be done after treatment.
Health risks: sunburn (Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Monitor your exposure to direct sunlight closely. UV exposure is greatest between 10am and 4pm so avoid skin exposure during these times. Always use 30+ sunscreen, apply 30 minutes before going into the sun and repeat regularly to minimise damage), heat exhaustion (Heat exhaustion occurs when fluid intake dows not keep up with fluid loss. Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, nausea or vomiting and pale, clammy skin. Rest in a cool, shady area and fluid replacement with water or diluted sports drinks will usually correct the problem. Heatstroke is a severe form of heat illness that occurs after fluid depletion or extreme exertion in high heat. This is a true medical emergency, with heating of the brain leading to disorientation, hallucinations and seizures. Prevention is by maintaining an adequate fluid intake to ensure the continued passage of clear and copious urine, especially during physical exertion)

What about tipping, local customs & language differences?
While Australia does not have a strong tipping culture, it's become increasingly common (but by no means obligatory) to tip in restaurants and upmarket cafes if the service warrants it - a gratuity of between 10% and 15% of the bill is the norm. Taxi drivers are always grateful if you leave the change. Generally an informal attitude, in dress and behavior, prevails in most social and business situations. Sport, particularly rugby and cricket, is almost a religion. English is the official language.

Is there a Departure Tax?
No tax is to be paid upon your departure from Australia since it has been prepaid with your airline ticket.

What customs and quarantine restrictions are there?
The serious part of international travel is clearing customs. This is a very strict process and nearly all bags are X rayed and many searched. Trained dogs will run around all the bags by the luggage carousel and you may be asked questions even before you reach the customs desk. Do not be alarmed, quarantine is a very serious issue in Australia and every step is taken. It is simple, do not bring any food of any description into Australia. If you have by mistake brought something in there are bins to dispose of food items as you come off the plane. To attempt to smuggle food or flowers or other items on the list into the country is a very serious offence with heavy fines or imprisonment. If you wish to bring food into Australia you must declare it. The importation of drugs is as in most countries a very serious crime and you will be caught due to the extensive screening of incoming passengers into Australia. The duty-free concessions available to travellers are for A$900 worth of goods (A$450 for people under 18 and both air and sea crew members ) including gifts (given to you or intended for others), souvenirs, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, jewellery, watches and sporting equipment. Alcohol and tobacco products cannot be included in this concession. These goods can be obtained overseas; purchased in Australia duty or tax free before departure; goods for which a tax refund has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme or purchased from an inwards duty free shop on arrival. You are allowed to bring 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages for each passenger aged 18 years or over. And for tobacco 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products for each passenger aged 18 years or over. One opened packet containing 25 cigarettes or less is also allowed. Learn exactly what you’ll need to do and what shouldn’t travel by visiting the Australian Customs Service website.

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