The following information can help with your travel plans:

Electricity

Three-pin flat-point plugs are standard in Australia, although they differ from British three-point plugs. All electricity is on a 240V, 50Hz cycle, available on all resorts and some overnight vessels, however on the boats you do need to be careful as most are on a generator system and fluctuations in power supply can occur so be careful with sensitive gear.

Check beforehand if you need 110V, as it is rarely available. If you need multiple outlets, bring along a multi-plug 'power board', converter plugs and a transformer. Most duty-free, hardware and luggage stores have converter plugs. Under no circumstances should you plug a non-240V unit into any standard 240V Australian outlet.

Weights & measures

Australia now follows the metric system, although many people (pre-1966) still function on and understand imperial systems - for some quick conversions, refer to Imperial to Metric Conversion

Communications equipment

Before you arrive in Australia, you are advised to check if your communications equipment is safe to operate in Australia (for example; mobile and cordless phone, fax machine, wireless microphone, laptop computer.)

Technical differences in power voltage or radio frequencies can endanger health and safety and cause interference problems. See our previous comments on 'Electricity'.

For information about bringing communications equipment into Australia see Australian Communications and Media Authority or telephone 1300 850 115 or +61 2 6219 5555 if calling internationally.

Money

Australian currency is decimal.

• Notes $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5
  
  
• Coins 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2

Most other currencies are only acceptable at banks. Travellers' cheques can be used but usually get a poorer rate at retail outlets. The use of credit cards is easy and widespread. There are many 'hole in the wall' automatic teller machines (ATMs) and EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) outlets, which will work with most overseas accounts. Most service providers and accommodations accept credit cards.

Ask your bank how to take money overseas. Travellers' cheques and credit cards can be safest. Buy some foreign currency for phone calls, transport and tips on arrival.

Currency exchange

Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. Foreign currency or travellers' cheques can be changed at most banks. To calculate your funds in Australian dollars, you can do some easy conversions using our currency converter

For questions about bringing in cash (in any currency which will value at more than A$10,000), see Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) or telephone 1800 021 037, or +61 (2) 9950 0827 if calling internationally.

Disabled visitors

Australian hotels, airlines, attractions and major transport carriers usually provide access for people with disabilities. It is advisable to check with a service provider before your visit to ensure they can meet your needs... If this is of concern to you, Holidays Allover will be happy to provide confirmation of access and facilities at the time you book.

Driving laws

Australians drive on the left side of the road. Strict drink-driving laws apply. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers. For more information refer to Driving in Australia

24 hour Emergency phone numbers

For life threatening emergencies dial 000 (you can do this from a public telephone free of charge.)

An operator will connect you to police, ambulance, or the fire brigade as appropriate. For police assistance in other circumstances, look for the number in the local white pages telephone directory, or on the information sheets in public telephone booths.

Business hours & shopping

Almost everything is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm weekdays, except for banks, which are open to 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 5.00 pm only on Fridays. Most shops open 9.00 am to noon on Saturdays, with major shopping centres open all day Saturday and some on Sunday. For specialty items, it's best to shop before the weekend, when many specialty shops are closed.

Australia has a wide range of goods for sale in a variety of shops and duty-free stores. You should shop around because prices are competitive. A 10% tax on the purchase of goods (excluding most food items) and services (GST) applies in Australia.

In Australia, you are covered by consumer protection laws. If you have a consumer problem, see Consumers Online or Consumer.gov.au for advice, or visit the website for your state:

• Consumer Affairs Victoria
• Office of Consumer and Business Affairs, South Australia
• Office of Fair Trading, Queensland
• Consumer and Business Affairs, Northern Territory
• Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading, Tasmania
• Office of Fair Trading, ACT
• Department of Fair Trading, NSW
• Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, WA

Tourism

For detailed travel advice for Australia, see the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC).

Taxation

If your visa entitles you to seek employment or commence business in Australia, and you intend to do so, then you must register for taxation purposes. For information, see the Australian Taxation Office website or phone 13 28 66 for business tax enquiries, 13 28 61 for personal tax enquiries or +61 (2) 6216 1111 if calling internationally. Alternatively contact your local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Translating and interpreting service

The Australian Government provides a Translating and Interpreting Service for non-English speakers to assist with a range of situations, including talking to doctors, police, legal practitioners etc. This service does not provide detailed tourist information or advice.

General information and referral services are provided free of charge. If you need an interpreting or translating service ring 131 450 or see the Translating and Interpreting Service website.