Australia • New Zealand • Fiji • Tahiti

Australia Survival Kit

Flying times to Australia

Los Angeles 14 5hrs. to Sydney
Los Angeles 15 hrs. to Melbourne
Honolulu 10 hrs.
Vancouver 17 hrs.

International Gateways

Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Cairns (from Auckland)

Climate

Australia’s seasons are opposite of the Northern Hemisphere’s:
Spring-September to November
Summer -December to February
Autumn - March to May
Winter - June to August

This doesn’t mean very much when a winter’s day in Alice Springs can be very warm, or an alpine temperature on the same day can be somewhere near freezing. Nevertheless you need a guide. November to March is warm to hot everywhere, humid with tropical rain in the north, warm to hot with mild nights in the south. April to September is beautiful in northern and Central Australia – clear warm days, cool refreshing nights. At the same time in the south – cool and occasional rain but still plenty of sun.

Please check the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for more up-to-date and detailed weather information. Weather details are indicative only.
http://www.bom.gov.au/

Time Difference

www.timeanddate.com

What to pack?

During the summer months (December to February) pack lightweight clothes for the day and keep a sweater for the evenings when it may be cooler. During winter (June to August), warmer clothes like jeans, sweater, jacket or light coat are recommended. Dressing in layers is the key. In the tropical areas, lightweight clothing is suitable all year round. Always remember to pack a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you from the sun, year round. For special occasions, business meetings, theatres and formal dining, men will require a jacket and perhaps a tie or suit. Women will want a more formal dress.

Population

Australia is the only island to also be a continent. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It is approximately the size of the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe. Australia has one of the lowest population density’s in the world with just over 5 people per square mile.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry into Australia. In addition, visitors also require a visa. Down Under Endeavours will assist with your visa requirements for Australia and you will need a copy of your passport to complete this process. Please refer to the following for complete entry requirements.
www.austemb.org

Language

English

Customs

There are regulations and concessions covering personal effects, prohibited goods, alcohol, tobacco, sporting equipment and other goods brought into Australia. Please be advised that Australia imposes severe penalties on those found carrying narcotics and other controlled substances.http://travel.state.gov/Australia.html

Vaccinations

If you are traveling from the United States or Canada directly into Australia, no vaccinations are required. If you plan to make a stopover enroute to Australia, please check the requirements with the nearest Australian Consulate or Embassy, which can be located at:
http://www.austemb.org

Currency/Banks/ATM

Currency:Australian Dollar
Notes are: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100
Coins are: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2

Banking hours generally are from 9:00am – 5:30pm Monday through to Friday.   
Major banks are open Saturday morning from 09.00am to 12.00pm.
ATM’s are widely available and accept all major debit cards. If you are unsure you can use your debit card overseas, please contact your bank.

Religion

Predominantly Christian, although services for most of the world’s religions are catered for.

Tipping

Tipping is NOT a general custom in Australia. Rule of thumb should always be; round your Taxi fare up to the nearest dollar, tip exceptional service 5-10% and tip bell boys. Tips are not expected ELSEWHERE and are considered a sign of extraordinary service if done so. If you have a private guide, tip at your discretion.

Voltage

The electrical current in Australia is 220 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three?]pin power outlet is different from some other countries so you may need an adaptor. If you are traveling from North America (where appliances are 110V), you will need a voltage converter and an adaptor. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels (hairdryers are generally provided; please consult with your agent).

Food

In Australia you can drink the tap water safely, and you enjoy all cuisines without hesitation. Australian health regulations are stringent. In the major cities you can find restaurants with globally inspired cuisines but we hope you will also try traditional Australian dishes. Food is fresh and abundant. Local specialties include a wide variety of seafood as well as beef and lamb. Both red and white Australian wines are exceptional as are the many varieties of domestic beers.

Pharmacies

Pharmacists, better known as Chemists in Australia, dispense medicine ordered through doctor’s prescriptions. These chemists can be relied upon, as they are fully qualified professionals. Many of those favorite brands of cosmetics, toiletries and general medications are also available. In the larger cities some pharmacies are open 24 hours. It’s worth noting that a pharmacist is unable to fill a prescription supplied by a doctor practicing outside Australia. If you need one of your prescriptions filled during your visit, have an Australian doctor endorse it before you take it to a pharmacy.

Health Services

Doctor’s dentists and hospitals have modern equipment, highly trained staff and extensive facilities. Visitor’s health care costs are not covered by the Australian Health Scheme. For this reason insurance is strongly recommended (please consulate with your travel agent).

Departure Tax

Before departing from Australia, every person over the age of 12 must pay a departure tax. This is usually included in the cost of the air ticket; nothing further is required to be done.

Goods and Services Tax

There is a 10% tax on all items & services in Australia. In most cases it’s included in the price you pay and will be stated clearly on your purchase receipt. Reclaim services are available at the airport prior to departure, please refer to www.australia.com taxation section.

Telephone information

Country Code (61)

If you are traveling from USA or Canada and use AT&T, you are able to call 1800 881 011 toll free while in Australia to call home. This international toll free call number is available from any telephone in Australia.

Helpful telephone numbers you may need in Australia:

Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)000

Internet and email access is readily available at Internet cafes, hotels and there are stations located in some airport lounges. Australia uses RJ-45 telephone plugs and Telstra EXI-160 four-pin plugs. If you do not have these connections you will need to obtain this connection before departure from a Best Buy or similar.