Australia Basics

Flying times:

• From Singapore – Approx. 7 hours
• From Dubai – Approx. 13 hours
• From Los Angeles – Approx. 14 hours
• From Madrid – Approx. 20 hours
• From London – Approx. 21 hours

Visa Info:

Visitors are required to have a valid Australian visa. In certain countries, an Australian visitor visa can be applied for online. For more information, visit: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/

Currency:

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1) Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate during normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. Automatic Teller Machines are widely available. Current exchange rates can be found at www.x-rates.com

Goods & Services Tax (GST):

Australia has adopted a taxation system that incorporates a 10% goods and service tax. Most prices quoted in retail shops and restaurants include this 10%, unless otherwise stated.

Climate:

The climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperatures. Broadly there are two climatic zones.

In the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, about 40% of Australia is in the tropical zone. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone.

However, because of Australia’s vast size, there are variations within these zones. The temperate regions have all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have two (summer “wet” and winter “dry”).

Australia’s seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere.

Spring: September-November

Summer: December-February

Autumn (Fall) : March-May

Winter: June-August

Time Zones:

There are three time zones in Australia.

Eastern Standard Time (WEST) which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland

Central Standard Time (CYST) in South Australia and Northern Territory

Western Standard Time (WAST) in Western Australia.

CYST is one half hour behind WEST, while WAST is two hours behind WEST.

Australian states except Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months, where there is a one-hour difference.

Clothing:

In the tropics, lightweight (natural fibers) clothing is suitable all year round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (Dec-Feb) are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime, but keep a jacket or sweater handle as nights may be cool. For the southern winters (Jun-Aug) sweaters and warmer clothes are advisable. Most of the time just keep it light and comfortable.