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Here is a quick snapshot of information relevant for international visitors, or
for more information you can visit an Internation Gateway sites l at http://www.tq.com.au/global/index.htm
Communications
Before arriving, check your communications equipment (fax, mobile) can operate
in Australia. Language assistance is available through Telstra's Foreign Language
Services in the White Pages directory. Public phones use coins or pre-paid
phone cards. Visit http://www.aca.gov.au
or http://www.telstra.com.au
for more information.
Customs and Quarantine
Goods brought into Australia may require payment of Customs Duty and sales
tax. However travellers are allowed to bring into Australia the following
goods as duty and sales tax free when goods accompany the passenger. Visit
http://www.customs.gov.au
for more information.
It is illegal to take out or send out of Australia items identified as important
to Australia's cultural heritage without a permit. These may include art,
stamps, coins, archaeological objects.
You must declare ALL food, plant and animal items on arrival in Australia.
Seemingly harmless plant, food, wood or seeds can introduce deadly pests or
disease into this country. Prohibited products may include foodstuffs, meat,
nuts, live plants, biological materials, packing materials, raw cotton, soil
and sand. Trade in endangered and threatened wildlife and native Australian
wildlife is strictly regulated. Products made from hard corals, giant clam
shells, reptiles and whales may be prohibited or restricted. Visit http://www.affa.gov.au
for more information.
Electricity
The power voltage is 240 volts/50Hz.
Emergency Services
The emergency number in Australia is 000 for police, fire or ambulance services.
Immunisations and Insurance
Medical standards are high in Australia. There are major public hospitals,
private hospitals and 24-hour clinics. Overseas visitors and temporary residents
to Australia generally do not have access to Australia's national public health
care system Medicare. It is highly recommended any visitor take out suitable
health and travel insurance. Australia has reciprocal health care agreements
with some countries. For information view http://www.health.gov.au
There are no compulsory immunisations required before arriving in Australia
UNLESS travellers have been in a yellow-fever infected country within six
days of arrival. Doctors and dentists are highly trained in Australia. Some
medicinal products require quarantine clearance. Do not carry illicit drugs,
there are heavy penalties. Bring a letter from your doctor advising of your
medical condition before bringing drugs into Australia.
Money Matters
Australia uses decimal currency where 100 cents equals an Australian dollar.
Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2. Notes: $5, $10, $15, $20, $50, $100. Major
credit cards are accepted ie Vias, Bankcard, MasterCard, American Express
and Diners Club. Exchange facilities are available at international airports.
Most banks and larger hotels will exchange traveller's cheques. There are
Bureau de Change and ATMs. Amounts of $A10,000 or more or equivalent in foreign
currency (notes, coins of legal tender) must be reported on arrival or departure.
Outside Australia telephone +61 2 9950 0055, Fax +61 2 9950 0071. Useful links:
http://www.immi.gov.au
and http://www.xe.net/ucc
(currency converter). Generally banks are open Monday to Friday. EFTPOS machines
widely available.
National Parks
Please protect national parks for generations to come. Do not litter, feed
native birds or wildlife, do not gather firewood, pick wildflowers, plants
or take rocks, do stay on designated pathways. For details visit http://www.epa.qld.gov.au.
Smoking
Tobacco laws introduced in 2002 mean smoking is banned from enclosed places
including dining facilities. For details, inquire at the venue.
Taxes
Since July 1, 2002 a 10% tax on the purchase of Goods and Services (GST) has
been applied in Australia. You may get a refund of the GST on goods purchased
in Australia you are taking out with you. For more information visit http://www.customs.gov.au.
Time
Queensland operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST). Daylight saving is not
observed in Queensland.
Tipping
Is not compulsory but is appreciated for exceptional service.
Visa Requirements
Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa/Electronic Travel
Authority. For details contact go to http://www.immi.gov.au.
For a list of Foreign Embassies in Australia view http://www.dfat.gov.au.
Welcoming Society
Australia is a multi-cultural community where freedom is highly prized. Federal
and State anti-discrimination laws are in place. Some basic elements of etiquette
you should observe include: avoid eating and drinking in stores and art galleries;
do not site on or in privately owned golf carts or cars; ask locals including
Aboriginal communities FIRST before taking photographs; if travelling independently,
you must seek special permission to enter Aboriginal and Islander sites and
land.
Have you been to Queensland and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
Add a Queensland highlight > >.
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