Australia Facts and General Information for Visitors to Australia:

Australia facts.....

On this page you'll find a great deal of useful information, from the time zones in Australia and the difference between them to the international dialing codes you'll need to phone home from Australia, from Australian banking hours to details about the Australian electricity supply, this is a page that's designed to give you, as a visitor to OZ as many practical Australia facts as you will need to know to make your time here as easy as possible, have fun.

If you're looking for a more light-hearted version of our Australia facts page, then our fun facts about Australia page is where you'll find what you're looking for.

Australia Facts: Time Difference:

East of Australia: Greenwich Mean Time + 10 hours

Central Australia: Greenwich Mean Time + 9.5 hours

West Australia: Greenwich Mean Time + 8 hours

This changes in some states during summer for "daylight saving".

Australia Facts: Telephone :

Emergency Services 000

Emergency Services (from Mobile Phone) 000 / 112

Directory Enquiries (Australia) 1223

Directory Enquiries (International) 1225

INTERSTATE DIALING CODES WITHIN AUSTRALIA:

Australian Capital Territory 02

New South Wales 02

Northern Territory 08

Queensland 07

South Australia 08

Tasmania 03

Victoria 03

Western Australia 08

Phoning from Australia can be expensive, although there are cheap ways. Calls from a domestic line are cheaper than from a payphone, however you can buy international phone cards from most newsagents giving discounted calls. Many Internet cafes also offer cheap international calls from their telephone booths.

If you are making calls within Australia then remember that telephone numbers beginning with 1800 are free, and numbers beginning with 13 are charged at the local rate (which is generally 40c).

Another option is to buy a mobile phone, which if you buy a Pre Paid phone are generally quite cheap, although calls are quite expensive.

There are 3 main mobile phone networks in Australia, Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone. They all offer Pre Paid mobile phone packages, which can be a good idea if travelling around. Most areas in Australia do have mobile phone coverage however there are some places in the outback and between towns and cities where your mobile phone won’t work.

To make outgoing telephone calls from Australia: 00 11 44 + area code without the first 0

Australia Facts: For International Dialling Codes See below...

Australia Facts: Prohibited Items:

On arriving in Australia it is prohibited to carry the usual items such as weapons, firearms and non-prescribed drugs. For customs you will need to declare any animal or plant objects as well as fresh food or you will face heavy fines and in some cases imprisonment. The main purpose of this is to stop unwanted disease entering the country.

The Duty Free limit per person is as follows:

1125ml of alcohol

250 cigarettes

Goods up to the value of $400

Australia Facts: Vaccinations:

No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Australia, however, a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required if travelling from an infected area. If you are planning any stopovers on route it is advisable to check with your General Practitioner well in advance.

If you are a resident of Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden or the UK, you can claim free or reduced fee medical treatment. This is relevant in public hospitals and private doctors, although you may have to claim the money back at a later date. This is through the Medicare system. To get your Medicare card or for further information about the system call Medicare Ph: 13 2011.

Australia Facts: Currency:

Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents

Australian coins include: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2

Australian notes include $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Although prices are marked to the cent, the total purchase will be rounded to the nearest 5c.

The import or export of A$5000 or more must be reported to customs at entry or departure.

All major credit cards and traveller's cheques, in any international currency, are widely accepted.

Australia Facts: Emergency Money:

MONEYGRAM: 0011 800 66639472

WESTERN UNION: 1 800 649 565

Australia Facts: Emergency Credit Card Numbers:

AMEX:+44 1273696933

DINERS CLUB: (61) (3)8054444

MASTERCARD: 1 800 120 113

VISA: 1 800 125 161

Australia Facts: Emergency Traveller Cheque Numbers:

AMEX: (02) 886 0689 (in Sydney)

1 800 251 902 (outside Sydney)

Thomas Cook: 1 800 127 495

VISA: 1 800 127 477

Australia Facts: Banking Hours:

0930-1600 Monday to Thursday, 0930-1700 Friday. These hours vary throughout the country.

You can exchange travelers cheques or money notes at most of the major banks around Australia, and also withdraw money from any ATM. The major banks include ANZ, Commonwealth, National, St George and Westpac. Be aware, however, if you are travelling away from the main towns and cities that banks and ATM's are few and far between so take your money with you.

If you want to open an account it is best to do so within 6 weeks of arriving as any longer than this and you will need more identification.

Australia Facts: Cost of Living:

Comparatively cheap in some ways compared to the UK and USA, although groceries and other shopping expenses tend to be similar. (Other than meat products which are quite a bit cheaper).

Like most cities worldwide, Australian cities can also be very expensive for eating out, accommodation and activities however most transport tends to be fairy reasonable.

Australia Facts: GST:

GST stands for Goods and Service Tax, and is similar to the British system of VAT. There are several GST free shopping agents, available for both international travellers and Australians who will be leaving the country. If you are shopping in an average store, then make sure you keep your receipts, as you can claim GST back (10%) at the airport before leaving through the TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme). This 'GST back' can be calculated by dividing the purchase amount by 11.

There are a few conditions which apply to this:

The Purchase must have been over $300 (this can be made up of several purchases as long as they are on the same tax invoice).

You must be leaving the country within 30 days.

Products must be carried in hand luggage (and be of a suitable size).

You must carry a tax invoice for the product purchased.

GST must have been paid on the goods to claim it back.

Beer and Spirit products are not accepted.

Consumables wholly or partly consumed in Australia are not acceptable.

Goods must not be prohibited goods.

You can also claim back WET (Wine Equalisation Tax), which works out as 14.5% of the price paid.

You can get more information about how GST and the TRS work by phoning 1300 363 263.

Australia Facts: Fair Trading:

If you would like help or advice about issues of fair trading and consumer rights then contact:

The Traveller Consumer Helpline Ph: 1300 552 001

Australia Facts: Language:

English and many minority languages.

Australia Facts:Climate:

Australia offers extreme variations in climate, from tropical to temperate.

November to March is generally hot everywhere, with temperatures, and humidity, rising the further north you are.

November to March is Wet Season in the north of Australia, with cyclones common from January.

April to September has occasional rain in the South which can be particularly heavy.

June to August is the winter skiing season in the southern parts of Australia.

September to November is when you will see the Australian wildflowers in Central and Western Australia.

Australia Facts: Religion:

Mainly Protestant, Roman Catholic and many minorities.

Australia Facts: Electricity:

240/250 Volts AC 50Hz. 3 pin plugs are used although an adapter is required.

Australia Facts: Postage:

50c for postage of a standard letter around Australia, with delivery generally within two days, 7-10 days postage time to the rest of the world.

Australia Facts: Safety:

Tourists should take care, as in all major cities, and you should be especially cautious when using ATMs. Australia is relatively safe for women travellers, although in the outback there still remains a patriarchal culture. When travelling into the outback and interior regions of Australia, specific precautions should be taken. You should take adequate supplies, and always leave information of your whereabouts. Consult the local police before you leave, they will always be willing to help or give advice.

Special care and respect of natural habitats is recommended.

Always ask permission before taking photographs of aborigines.

Australia Facts: Transport:

The vast size of Australia makes flying the most convenient method of intercity travel. If you’re driving in the outback a full set of spares should be carried, with water, food and petrol. You will need an international drivers license, valid for 3 months, and it must be carried whilst driving.

If driving around Australia there are a few rules and regulations you should be aware of. These include:

Drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Always carry a valid driving license and a translation if the license isn't in English.

Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt or child restraint.

Do not speed (the average speed limit in built up areas is 60km).

Do not drive whilst using a mobile phone. Do not drink and drive (many pubs now offer free soft drinks for the driver).

Australia is a wonderful place to visit so take sensible precautions and, as always, enjoy….

Australia Facts: Some International Dialing Codes:

Albania 0011 +355

Algeria 0011~ +213

American Samoa 0011 +684

Andorra 0011 +376

Anguilla 0011 +1-264

Antarctica 0011 +672

Antigua 0011 +1-268

Argentina 0011 +54

Aruba 0011 +297

Australia 0011 +61

Australian External Territories 0011 +672

Austria 0011 +43

Bahamas 0011 +1-242

Bahrain 0011 +973

Barbados 0011 +1-246

Barbuda 0011 +1-268

Belarus 0011 8~10 +375

Belgium 0011 +32

Belize 0011 +501

Bermuda 0011 +1-441

Bolivia 0011 +591

Bosnia & Herzegovina 0011 +387

Brazil 0011 +55

British Virgin Islands - BVI 0011 +1-284

Bulgaria 0011 +359

Canada 0011 +1

Cape Verde Islands 0011 +238

Cayman Islands 0011 +1-345

Chile 0011 +56

Cook Islands 0011 +682

Costa Rica 0011 +506

Croatia 0011 +385

Cuba 0011 +53

Cyprus 0011 +357

Czech Republic 0011 +420

Denmark 0011 +45

Ecuador 0011 +593

Egypt 0011 +20

El Salvador 0011 +503

Equatorial Guinea 0011 +240

Estonia 0011 +372

Ethiopia 0011 +251

Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 0011 +500

Faroe Islands 0011 +298

Fiji Islands 0011 +679

Finland 0011 +358

France 0011 +33

French Polynesia 0011 +689

Germany 0011 +49

Ghana 0011 +233

Gibraltar 0011 +350

Greece 0011 +30

Grenada 0011 +1-473

Honduras 0011 +504

Hong Kong 0011 +852

Hungary 0011 +36

Iceland 0011 +354

India 0011 +91

Indonesia 0011 008 +62

Inmarsat SNAC 0011 +870

Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean - East) 0011 +871

Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) 0011 +872

Inmarsat (Indian Ocean) 0011 +873

Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean - West) 0011 +874

Iran 0011 +98

Iraq 0011 +964

Ireland 0011 +353

Iridium (Mobile Satellite service) 0011 +8816, +8817

Israel 0011 +972

Italy 0011 +39

Jamaica 0011 +1-876

Japan 0011 +81

Laos 0011 +856

Latvia 0011 +371

Lebanon 0011 +961

Lesotho 0011 +266

Liberia 0011 +231

Libya 0011 +218

Liechtenstein 0011 +423

Lithuania 0011 +370

Luxembourg 0011 +352

Macao 0011 +853

Macedonia 0011 +389

Madagascar 0011 +261

Malawi 0011 +265

Malaysia 0011 +60

Maldives 0011 +960

Mali Republic 0011 +223

Malta 0011 +356

Marshall Islands 0011 +692

Martinique 0011 +596

Mauritania 0011 +222

Mauritius 0011 +230

Mayotte Island 0011 +269

Mexico 0011 +52

Micronesia, (Federal States of) 0011 +691

Midway Island 0011 +1-808

Moldova 0011 +373

Monaco 0011 +377

Mongolia 0011 +976

Montserrat 0011 +1-664

Morocco 0011~ +212

Mozambique 0011 +258

Myanmar 0011 +95

Namibia 0011 +264

Nauru 0011 +674

Nepal 0011 +977

Netherlands 0011 +31

Netherlands Antilles 0011 +599

Nevis 0011 +1-869

New Caledonia 0011 +687

New Zealand 0011 +64

Nicaragua 0011 +505

Niger 0011 +227

Nigeria 0011 +234

Niue 0011 +683

Norfolk Island 0011 +672

Northern Marianas Islands 0011 +1-670

Norway 0011 +47

Oman 0011 +968

Pakistan 0011 +92

Palau 0011 +680

Palestinian Settlements 0011 +970

Panama 0011 +507

Papua New Guinea 0011 +675

Paraguay 0011 +595

Peru 0011 +51

Philippines 0011 +63

Poland 0110~0 +48

Portugal 0011 +351

Puerto Rico 0011 +1-787

Qatar 0011 +974

Réunion Island 0011 +262

Romania 0011 +40

Russia 0011 8~10 +7

Rwandese Republic 0011 +250

St. Vincent & Grenadines 0011 +1-784

San Marino 0011 +378

Saudi Arabia 0011 +966

Senegal 0011 +221

Serbia and Montenegro 0011 +381

Seychelles Republic 0011 +248

Sierra Leone 0011 +232

Singapore 0011 +65

Slovak Republic 0011 +421

Slovenia 0011 +386

Solomon Islands 0011 +677

South Africa 0011 +27

Spain 0011 +34

Sweden 0011 +46

Switzerland 0011 +41

Thailand 0011 +66

Tonga Islands 0011 +676

Trinidad & Tobago 0011 +1-868

Tunisia 0011 +216

Turkey 0011 +90

Ukraine 0011 8~10 +380

United Arab Emirates 0011 +971

United Kingdom 0011 +44

United States of America 0011 +1

US Virgin Islands 0011 +1-340

Uruguay 0011 +598

Vanuatu 0011 +678

Venezuela 0011 +58

Vietnam 0011 +84

Wake Island 0011 +808

Wallis and Futuna Islands 0011 19~ +681

Western Samoa 0011 +685

Yemen 0011 +967

Zambia 0011 +260

Zanzibar 0011 +255

Zimbabwe 0011 +263

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PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION HOWEVER WHILST ALL CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN NO RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE ACCEPTED.

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