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

Time Differences

The east coast of Australia is 15 hours ahead of the east coast of the US, and 18 hours ahead of the west coast of the US.

Both countries operate daylight savings time during their summer months, from April to October eastern Australia is 14 hours ahead of the east coast of the US, and 17 hours ahead of the west cost of the US.

From October to March, Australia is 16 hours ahead of the east coast of the US, and 19 hours ahead of the west coast of the US.

Not all Australian states observe daylight saving, so times in the country can vary by one hour.

Currency & Banking

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.

Credit Cards

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

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available at international airports. Changing foreign currency or travelers checks can be done at most banks. Cash withdrawals can be made from most Australia ATM’s.

Taxes

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. Other conditions apply.
 

Tipping is optional

Restaurants: 10% for good service is standard

Porters: $A1-2 per bag

Tour Guides: optional

Electricity

230/240 volts, 50 Hz, 3 pin plugs. The power supply is 220/240 volts AC. Sockets accept three-flat-pin plugs so an adaptor is needed. 110v appliances will need a voltage converter

Health & Safety

Insurance

Before your visit you should arrange sufficient medical and travel insurance. Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home. We offer comprehensive travel insurance policies to cover every eventuality – ask your Aspire Down Under consultant for more details.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia.

Water

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

Sun Safety

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.

Beach Safety

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.

Stinger Season

From late October to early May, venomous box jellyfish, also known as ‘stingers’, appear in the coastal waters of Northern Australia. These jellyfish do not exist in the waters surrounding most of the Islands in Queensland and are very rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef, allowing visitors to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef year-round.

In the Northern Territory, stingers are present at all beaches, whilst in Western Australia, they affect the Kimberley coastline. Where beaches are affected by stingers there are clearly marked warning signs for visitors

Many beaches affected by stingers have protective enclosures, and visitors should restrict their swimming to these areas during Stinger season.

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.

Visitors may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s license for the same class of vehicle. Licenses must be carried when driving.

If the driver's license is not in the English language, the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An International Drivers Permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid drivers permit.

Petrol (Gasoline) in Australia comes in super leaded, unleaded regular and premium unleaded grades and is sold by the liter. Petrol costs between $A1.50 and $A1.75 a liter, with unleaded petrol two cents less per liter than leaded petrol. Prices are usually higher in country areas. Petrol stations are plentiful. Trading hours vary although many service stations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most accept international credit cards.