> Home    > Travel Tips    > Australia Helpful Information

> Passports and Visas
> Currency
> Credit Cards and Traveler's Checks
> Goods and Services Tax
> Electricity
> Tourist Refund Scheme
> Driving in Australia
> Shopping
> Fine Food & Wine
> Tipping
> What to Pack
> Be Sun Smart
> Accommodation
> Climate
> 2006 Public Holidays & Events

When you are planning your vacation to Australia and the South Pacific please remember that Australia is an island the size of the U.S.A. It is wider across than the distance from New York to Los Angeles, but has a population of only 19 million people.

Passports and Visas

A valid visa is required of all people wishing to travel to Australia. Visitors of all nationalities (except Australian and New Zealand passport holders) must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Electronic Visas are available from Qantas Vacations. Please ask your travel agent to call our reservations department for this service.

Get your Australian Visa here:

Click here to visit this fabulous site.

Currency

The Australian unit of currency is the Australian dollar.

Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks

Exchange facilities can be found at all international airports and foreign currency or traveler's checks can be exchanged at banks and large hotels. Normal banking hours are from 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:00am to 5:00pm on Friday. All major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, banks and most stores.

Goods and Services Tax

All goods and services purchased in Australia are subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is usually included in the displayed price. You may apply for a refund on the GST but only on goods costing A$300 (GST inclusive) or more, bought from the same store, no more than 30 days before you leave Australia and are to be taken with you as hand luggage or worn onto the aircraft upon your departure. Further information is available through Australian Customs upon arrival.

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 220/240 volt AC 50Hz. The Australian 3-pin power outlet is different so you will need an adaptor socket. Check your appliances to see if there is a 100-240v switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers are usually found in leading stores.

Tourist Refund Scheme

When in Australia you can claim a refund on the tax you pay on some good and services (except consumables). Refunds are available at major airports in Australia.

See www.customs.gov.au

Driving in Australia

A bonafide tourist may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers license. Remember, we drive on the left hand side though.

Shopping

Australia is a true shopping heaven. All major cities enjoy extensive shopping facilities with malls, arcades and specialty shops selling a wide range of home-products and international products. The last few years have seen Aboriginal art increasing in popularity. Duty-free shopping can be enjoyed in every capital city and international airports.

Fine Food and Wine

If you're passionate about fine food and wine, you'll fall in love with Australia. Fresh seafood is widely available while a new style of 'fusion' food combines the best flavors from Asian, European and Australian cuisine. Australian wines are renowned throughout the world.

Tipping

Australians do no depend on tips or gratuities for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, even in restaurants and pubs. However, tipping in appreciation is at your discretion.

What to Pack

Australian lifestyle is generally informal and the accepted norm is to dress for comfort. We recommend you pack lightweight, comfortable clothes and shoes while a sun hat, sun glasses and sunscreen are essential. If you're visiting during winter, leave space for a jacket or sweater; and if you're planning a special occasion, a more formal outfit may be required.

Be Sun Smart

Australia's sunny climate makes for great vacation weather but sunburn is best avoided. Wear a shady hat and cover up exposed skin with long sleeves or strong sunscreen. Wear factor 15+ and try to avoid exposure during the hottest part of the day - from 10am to 3pm.

Accommodation

To assist you with the selection of your accommodation, Qantas Vacations has devised its own rating system enabling you to compare each property. Ratings are provided solely for the guidance of our customers and have no equivalent in any other rating system. Properties are assigned a half rating if they are a little extra special in their category. This could be because of location or extra facilities offered. The ratings used apply to the overall quality of the property. Within selected properties, some room categories may vary from the overall property rating.

3 Star: A moderate level of accommodation, offering a reasonable range of room amenities and hotel service. Furnished to a comfortable standard, there is an emphasis on quality and comfort.

4 Star: Properties in this category offer a superior standard of accommodation with well-appointed bedrooms and public areas. They offer a wide range of facilities enhanced by a high standard of service.

5 Star: Deluxe establishments providing the highest international standards of accommodation and cuisine. With an excellent range of facilities and outstanding service, properties in this category are considered the best available in the country.

Check-in/Check-out Times: In most cases check-in time is 2:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am.

Run of House: Unless otherwise stated, all prices are based on “run of house” rooms. This policy entitles the hotel to allocate any room type available to guests.

Climate

Australia is largely a temperate island destination. The seasons are juxtaposed to the seasons in North America. Some areas of Northern Australia experience a tropical climate, so be prepared for pleasantly warmer weather.

2006 Events & Holidays

Please note while we take every care to ensure that this information is correct at the time of posting, we urge you to check with the relevant authorities, such as your travel agent or the Australia Tourism Commission to obtain the latest information prior to departure.