Arrival and Entry Conditions to Australia
All visitors to Australia need a valid passport (should be at least valid for 6 months or as long as you intend to stay in Australia) and a valid visa. Visa application forms are available from either Australian diplomatic missions or travel agents. Visitors will also be required to fill out a form detailing information about their stay & luggage on board of their plane, before arriving to Australia. There are very strict laws in regards to bringing in any kind of food or animal and plant products.
Climate
You can travel to Australia the whole year around. Australian seasons are the antithesis of those in Europe. The best travelling time for the northern part of Australia (Darwin, Cairns, Broome & the Kimberley) is from April – October. It is the dry season with moderate to high temperatures during the day and cool nights. The best travelling time for the southern part of Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Tasmania) is September – May. In general warm temperatures can be expected.
Health Insurance
It is warmly recommended to take up a travel health insurance in your home country before you leave. If you are with a private health fund, please make sure of the conditions for overseas travel.
Money
The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar. The exchange rate is 1 AUD$ ~ 0.57 EUR (Mai 2005). Traveler cheques in Australian-Dollar, US-Dollar, Swiss Francs und Euro are widely exchanged in banks, hotels and licensed moneychangers. Identification is required and an exchange fee is charged. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and it is very much recommended to carry one especially if you are planning to rent a car as some car rentals only accept credit cards for bonds. Cash can be drawn from almost all Automatic Teller Machines with an EC card. Look out for the “Cirrus” or “Maestro” signs on the ATM’s.
Electricity
Voltage is 220-240V and the plugs are three-pin. Adapter can be purchased in any hardware store.
Sun protection
The sun in Australia is far more intense than in Europe therefor it is recommended to use a sun block and hat to avoid sunburn and heat stroke. It is also essential to wear a good pair of sunglasses.
Tipping
In Australia tipping isn’t entrenched. It’s only customary to tip in more expensive restaurants and only if the service has been especially good.
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