What you need to know
Passports and Visas
You need a passport to travel to Australia - valid for longer than the period of your stay. Visas are required by all visitors, except Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
Language
English is predominant in Australia. Australian English has an array of unique words and phrases, spoken in a distinctive accent that often varies from region to region. As the most culturally diverse nation on earth, Australia is bound to speak your language. Multilingual personnel are usually available at international airports and major hotels. A free telephone interpreting service operates 24 hours a day within Australia, offering communication assistance in over 100 languages. Phone 131 450.
Currency
Australian currency is decimal. The dollar is the basic unit – 100 cents (100c) = one dollar ($1). Notes - $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins – 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Traveller's cheques and all major credit cards are widely accepted. Currency exchange facilities – most foreign currencies - are available at Queensland's three international airports and City banks exchange money during business hours.
Passenger Movement Charge
Departing international flight passengers pay a Passenger Movement Charge.
Ex-Brisbane – AUD30 over the age of 12
ex-Cairns – AUD46 per adult and AUD8 per child under 12
ex-Sydney –AUD33.40 per adult and AUD3.40 per child under 12.
The charge is generally incorporated in your airline ticket price. Please confirm prior to departure.
Customs Regulations
You may bring your own personal effects into Australia without paying duty. Over 18 years of age, you may also include 1.25 litres of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco – these must be carried with you. Dutiable goods up to the value of AUD400 included in personal baggage are exempt. Duty and sales tax are payable on dutiable good in excess of this amount. Strict regulations apply to all narcotics and controlled substances.
Quarantine
The Australian continent is a land like no other with unique animals, plants and landscapes. Quarantine restrictions help keep it that way. Australia has among the strongest quarantine measure anywhere in the world and protection from unwanted pests and diseases is essential for its continued preservation. Failure to declare food, plant and animals material could result in serious fines. If you have any doubts when you arrive, please ask the uniformed Quarantine staff in the Customs Hall. For further information visit www.aquis.gov.au
Climate and Clothing
Australia's seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere with summer officially starting in December and winter in June. For up-to-date and detailed information on Queensland's weather check the Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au The summer months (December to February) are warm to hot everywhere so bring lightweight, casual clothes but keep a jacket or a sweater handy as nights may be cool. For the winter months (June to August), warmer medium weight clothes plus sweater, jumpers, a jacket or light coat are advisable. Northern Australia has warm to hot days, mild coastal evenings, but inland nights can be cold. In tropical areas, lightweight clothing (natural fibres) is suitable all year round. Depending on your destination, keep clothing light, layered and comfortable to cater for whatever you want to do. Protect yourself against the sun – don't forget to pack a sunhat, sunglasses and SPF30+ sunscreen lotion. For special occasions like business meetings, theatres, and formal dining, men may need a jacket and tie or suit and women a more formal dress.
Time
Queensland follows 'Eastern Standard Time' throughout the year. Unlike Australia's southern states, Queensland does not have daylight saving during summer. Be careful to check the time if travelling to or from another state.
Calling Queensland
Queensland's area code is 07 but the zero is left off when calling from outside Australia. To call Queensland direct from you country, dial:
- Your country's international access code.
- Australia's country code: 61
- The Queensland area code: 7
- The individual Queensland number.
For example, to call the Queensland number (07) 3456 7890 from your country dial: (Your country's international access code) – 61 – 7 3456 7890.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory or expected. However, it is customary to tip a hotel porter for his efforts, a restaurant for exceptional service (10% of the bill is typical) and a taxi driver for luggage assistance.
Electricity
Australian voltage is 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. You need an adaptor plug for the standard Australian 3-pin socket. You may need a voltage converter. Most hotels have universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers. Most hotels have universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers.
Disabled Visitors
Major facilities throughout Queensland provide easy access and use for disabled visitors. The Brisbane City Mall was the site of Australia's first 'Braille Trail' – a tactile guide for blind pedestrians. Many taxis are specially modified for wheelchairs. For more information, contact the Office of Disability at the Department of Family Services.
Phone: +61(07) 3224 8031
Fax: +61(07) 3224 8037
Religion
All major religions are represented and you will find places of worship throughout Queensland.
Alcohol Laws
In Australia liquor licensing laws do not allow alcohol to be purchased on behalf of, or served to young people under 18 years or to someone who may be intoxicated. Identification may be asked for before being admitted to licensed venues.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in many places in Queensland, including all airports, government offices, health clinics and workplaces. Smoking in restaurants, clubs, pubs and shopping centres is also banned.
Mobile Phones
Australia's mobile phone network operates on the 900 and 1800 bands for GSM and 800 for CDMA. Contact your telecommunications carrier for activating international roaming while you are visiting Australia.
Sun Protection
The Australian sun can be very intense so while enjoying outdoor activities in Australia's beautiful weather, minimize your exposure to the sun especially during the middle of the day when it is the hottest. Wear sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat, cover up and apply frequently water-resistant sunscreen SPF30+ to exposed areas. Be aware of the danger of heat exhaustion and sunstroke and remember to drink plenty of water on hot days.
Time Zones
Australia spans three times zones from east to west.
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
NSW,ACT,VIC,TAS,QLD
Central Standard Time (CST)
SA, NT
Western Standard Time (WST)
WA
CST is half an hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.
Daylight Saving – clocks put forward one hour.
Some Australian states and territories have daylight savings during the summer months. In New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia daylight savings runs from the end of October through to the end of March while in Tasmania, it is from the beginning of October through to the end of March. Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland do not have daylight saving.
