The Australian currency is Australian dollars (AUD) can change at international banks, hotels and airports. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and its affiliated companies.
Australia has a tax on goods and services (GST) of 10%. You can request the return of the GST that has been applied to you by purchasing certain items for a minimum total value of three hundred Australian dollars in a store, no more than thirty days before leaving the country. In the boarding areas of the international terminals of the airports, there are places where the refund of this tax is made. For more details, consult the information provided by the Australian Government in the Tourist Rebate Program.
You will find department stores, galleries and shopping centres, gift shops and souvenirs throughout Australia. Commercial hours vary in different parts of the country, but usually stores in tourist and urban areas open until six in the afternoon, except on Thursdays or Fridays, which extends the schedule for night purchases in some states . In Australia, they are protected by consumer protection laws, which require companies to treat their customers fairly.
Hotels and restaurants do not add a service charge to the bill. In haute cuisine restaurants, it is usual to leave waiters a tip of 10% of the bill for good service. However, tips are always at your choice. Bargaining is not a common practice in Australia.
The number of the police, ambulance service or fire department in case of emergency is 000.
The famous Australian beaches are usually guarded by patrols of volunteer lifeguards, from October to April, and red and yellow flags indicate the safest area for bathers. For more information on jellyfish and crocodile safety, see the Queensland Government website.
The official language of Australia is English. However, thanks to its status as a multicultural nation with significant numbers of immigrant population, we have a great diversity of languages and cultures.
The electric current in Australia ranges from 220 to 240 volts, AC 50 Hz. The Australian three-prong outlet is different from other countries, so you may need an adapter.
The country code of Australia is 61. Local calls from public telephones have no time limit and have a cost of 0.05 AUD. Calls to mobile, long distance and international calls are usually posted by time. Australia has mobile network coverage, however, this coverage may be limited in some remote areas. You can have Internet access in booths, libraries and in your own place of accommodation.
The post offices open from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon, from Monday to Friday, although in the cities some of these offices also open on Saturday morning. Students can request to pick up their mail at offices throughout Australia.
If you have a disability and want to explore Australia, there are a lot of special services and deals to meet your needs. A thorough preparation is essential to achieve a fantastic trip, so consult your specific needs with a specialized travel agent.