AUSTRALIA

English is the common language of Australia. However, as Australia is a multicultural society, you may hear other languages spoken.

Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations.Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations.

Don’t bring medicines or medical devices into Australia for anyone other than yourself or an immediate family member.For prescription medicines, bring the prescription with you or have a letter from your doctor that outlines what you are taking and how much you are bringing with you.

Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere * Spring is September – November * Summer is December – February * Fall is March – May
* Winter is June – August.Australia’s climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperature. Broadly, there are two climatic zones in Australia.About 40% of Australia is in the Tropical Zone – that is north, above the Tropic of Capricorn. The cities of Cairns and Darwin lie in this zone. The remaining areas of Australia lie in the Temperate Zone, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth.Due to Australia’s vast size, there are variations within these two zones. The Temperate Zone has all four seasons, while those in the Tropical Zone have two – summer is ‘wet’ and winter is ‘dry’

It is safe to drink tap water anywhere in Australia. Bottled mineral water is available throughout the country.

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%. Prices in Australia are shown as inclusive of GST. Departing travelers may be able to claim a refund for GST paid on goods purchased in Australia. The goods must have been purchased no earlier than 30 days before leaving Australia. Refunds can only be made on purchases totaling A$300 or more from each store. Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) facilities are located at international airports and cruise-liner terminals. To claim, travelers must show their passport, international boarding pass, retailer’s tax invoice and the goods.

Popular beaches are patrolled by volunteer Surf Life Saving Association members from October to April. Always swim between the red and yellow flags that mark the safest area.

The sun in Australia is extremely strong, especially in summer (December – February). Wear a hat to protect your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes and a minimum SPF15+ to prevent sunburn.

The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and JCB

Whilst exchange facilities are available at international airports and changing travellers checks can be done at most banks we recommend cash withdrawals be made from bank ATM’s. Nearly all Australian ATMs accept US bank cards, the rate of exchange is very competitive and the transaction is small (the fee will vary from bank to bank).