General Information

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customs


All visitors are required to obtain Customs clearance when they arrive at the relevant Australian Airport. Prior to your arrival in Australia please visit the Australian Customs and Border Protection website:
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4351.asp


Australian Customs and Quarantine are very strict on what can to be brought into Australia. You MUST declare any kind of wood/shells/food or products made from endangered species. You MUST also declare if you are carrying cash above a certain amount. Australian Customs and Quarantine may check your baggage and in some instances may seize items.


You are not permitted to bring any fresh fruit or vegetables, dairy or poultry products, live animals or plants or plant material, or seeds or nuts and animal products into Australia.
If you wish to pack such items, you must have an Import Permit (issued by Australian Quarantine prior to arrival) for them, or have these items treated in Australia. This can cost a large amount of money. Visitors are not permitted to bring any illegal drugs, or pharmaceutical medications in commercial quantities, into Australia.

If you do choose to carry any of the above items, they must be declared and will most likely be inspected. If you choose not to declare the items, then the consequences can include a large fine, a court action (if you are carrying drugs or large amounts of cash) and the items are likely to be seized.


Medications


You are advised to bring only essential medicines for existing medical conditions with you. There are strict controls in place concerning personal medication. You may find that you have to visit a doctor in Australia to obtain prescriptions for medicine that you can usually buy without a prescription at home.


Immigration and Customs Forms


Visitors are required to always complete all immigration and customs documents themselves. These documents should be provided to you on your aircraft before entering Australia so please check with the cabin crew. You may ask the airline staff to assist if there is a question that is unclear but you must individually
complete and sign this paperwork. Please make sure that you answer all the questions honestly and correctly as they are legal documents and it is an offence to give wrong answers. Your visa may be put at risk by false answers. Further information about arriving at an Australian Airport is available at:
http://www.immi.gov.au/managing-australias-borders/border-security/air/airport.htm

Luggage Limitations


You will need to check with their airline as to how much luggage you can bring with you on your flight. Luggage limits varies from one airline to the next as does the charge for excess baggage. Excess baggage charges can be expensive either entering or leaving Australia and are your responsibility.
You are also encouraged to check your airline website to find out the latest information relating to security procedures that may be in place particularly with regard to carry-on luggage restrictions. Please note that Australia does have strict security procedures.


Climate


The weather in Australia varies widely according to location within the country. Most major cities have reasonably moderate weather, with a few very hot and very cold days. Seasons in Australia have the following pattern:

  • Spring: the three transition months September, October and November
  • Summer: the three hottest months December, January and February
  • Autumn: the transition months March, April and May
  • Winter: the three coldest months June, July and August

As your departure to Australia nears, and to assist with packing, you are encouraged to check the temperature and up-to-date weather information for Sydney using the official website http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/sydney.shtml


Money


The only currency that can be used in Australia is Australian Dollars. You will need to ensure that you obtain Australian Dollars either before or as soon as your flight lands in Australia. There are Bureaux de Change at most major airports and in the centre of major cities. Banks can change currency and a fee will
usually be charged.

Australian currency comes in coins of 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Most major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Information on exchange rates is available on www.xe.com. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available around Australia but you should check with your home bank on the fees payable and availability of ATMs.

Travellers' cheques in Australian dollars are mostly accepted in the major cities. Travellers' cheques in other currencies generally have to be changed into Australian currency at banks.


Note: Some banks in Australia, usually those located in major cities, are open on Saturday mornings until 11.00 am, however most are closed on Saturdays and banks are not open on Sundays.


Travel and Health Insurance


It is strongly recommended that, if not provided for you, you consider and take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses (including property theft/loss).


Electricity


The electrical supply in Australia is 240 volts. The connection for all appliances is a flat 3-pin plug of unique design. Universal adapters can be purchased from most gift stores, electrical shops and at the airport. It is recommended that you bring an adapter with you or obtain one as soon as you arrive.

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