Please feel free to visit the Australian Tourist Commission's web site here.

Australian Currency

The Australian Dollar ($AUD) is a decimal currency with units in dollars and cents.

Notes: Denominations $100, $50, $20, $10, $5
Coins: Denominations $2, $1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢

Voltage

The Australian electricity supply operates on 240 volts AC at 50 Hertz. All 110V require transformers. Most hotels have 110V AC sockets.

Visas

Visas are required from many countries. Please check with your travel agent. Application can be made via Australian Government representatives in major cities around the world.

Duty Free

Arrival passengers are allowed $400 per adult ($200 per child) of duty free items, plus one litre of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or tobacco equivalent. Group allowances may be combined.

Banking

Banking hours are usually 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:30am to 5:00pm Friday. A few are open Saturday mornings. Most international banks or their agents can be found in Melbourne. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are open 24 hours. Most branches are not open Sundays or Public Holidays.

Time Zone

Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours.

Credit/Charge Cards

MasterCard, VISA, American Express, ITB, Diners Club and Bankcard are widely accepted.

Mobile Phones

Australia's mobile phone network operates on GSM. Coverage is available in all cities and most regional areas.

Tipping & Gratuities

Not required or expected in Australia. This includes taxis. However, if you feel you have been given superior service, a gratuity would be welcome.

Goods & Services Tax (GST)

A GST of 10% applies across Australia.

Car Rental

Rental cars are available across Australia with pick-up points at all domestic and international terminals. You may wish to visit the following major car rental companies.

• Avis
• Budget
• Hertz
• Thrifty