AUSTRALIA TRIP PLANNING
Global Opulence travel to Australia website is a one-stop shop for planning the ultimate Australian holiday package! Where do you want to go? What is the best way to get there? What’s good, what’s not so good?
Here is some important and practical information that needs to be considered;
Insurance
Travel insurance, with comprehensive health coverage, is strongly recommended. Comprehensive insurance should be taken out before departure.
Tax Free/Duty Free
Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of $A400 per person or $A200 per person under 18 is available. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.
Currency
Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Prices are rounded to the nearest 5c. Currency exchange – Exchange facilities are available at international airports. Changing foreign currency or traveller’s checks can be done at most banks.
Credit cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards are MasterCard, Bankcard, American Express, Diners Club, Visa and JCB. Banks and various locations have ATMs (Automated Teller Machines). Credit cards may need to be enabled for international access so contact your credit card provider.
Taxes
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. Prices in Australia are shown as inclusive of GST. International and domestic flights purchased overseas, by non-residents, are GST free. Continuous domestic legs of international journeys are also GST free. GST is payable on tourism services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, ground transport (including coach, rail and cruise), translators and meals.
Climate & Weather
With the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or an amazing 70 per cent of the total possible hours. Grab a hat and sunscreen and enjoy our delightful climate!
Remember Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere so!
Spring is September – November
Summer is December – February
Fall is March – May
Winter is June – August
For up-to-date Australian weather reports, check out the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s website.
Time Zones
There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) – Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.
Communications & Electricity
Australia offers modern and reliable telecommunication services. Telephone, post, email and Internet services are all readily available to visitors. The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from some other countries so you may need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, you may need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Australia; however tipping is gaining a foothold, particularly in cafes and restaurants in the bigger cities where a 10-15% tip is usual. However, you won’t cause offense if you don’t tip. Taxi drivers are always grateful if you leave the change.
Driving in Australia
Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km/h (35 mph) and on country roads and highways, 100 km/h (62mph) to 110km/h (68 mph) unless signs indicate otherwise. Strict drink-driving laws apply. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times. A bona-fide tourist may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s license for the same class of vehicle. Licenses must be carried when driving.
Distances
Australia is a vast continent full of amazing sights. If you’re here on a short trip, you may prefer to travel by air. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, then hit the road. Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads and highways with some of the most beautiful road touring in the world.
