Entry Formalities
Passports and Visas
The following information applies to holders of U.S. passports. In order to comply with regulations imposed by certain countries your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your return. Other passport holders should check with the Consulate or Embassy of the country to be visited for further information. Visa entry requirements may vary, so it is the responsibility of each individual travelling to ensure the correct documentation is obtained for entry. U.S. citizens visiting Australianeed a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before departure toAustralia. An ETA replaces the traditional Visa and can be arranged through our office or by your travel agent for a stay of up to 3 months. Our reservation staff will be pleased to give any advice required, but again we ask you to contact the Consulate or Embassy of the country to be visited for up to date information.
Quarantine
Quarantine items include fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, skins, feathers, wood and plants. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) screens or X-rays all luggage and uses sniffer dogs to find high-risk products. AQIS also provides bins at international airports for travellers to dispose of quarantine items. Failure to declare food, plant and animal material could result in serious fines.
Customs
There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.
Tax Free/Duty Free
Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into Australia 2250ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of $A900 per person or $A450 per person under 18 is available. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.
Departure Tax
Where applicable, all US and overseas departure taxes have been included within your holiday prices. The only overseas taxes we have not included are those which must be paid in the respective countries and cannot be collected in the US prior to your departure.
Baggage Allowance and Packing
The standard baggage allowance with most airlines to and from the U.S. is 2 pieces of checked luggage. The maximum weight and size per piece varies per airline. Please check with your airline regarding their specific baggage allowance. One additional piece of hand luggage that will fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front can also be taken. Remember not to pack the following items in the luggage you will be checking in: electrical items, matches, necessary medication, uncooked foods, flight tickets, passports, visas, insurance certificates, travellers’ cheques, driving licence or any other travel documents. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent or the airline on which you are travelling.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The U.S. State Department may have issued information about your vacation destination. You are advised to check this information on the internet at http://travel.state.gov/ Health Requirements
For all destinations we strongly recommend you consult your doctor or local area health authority for up to-date medical advice well in advance of your departure date in case circumstances have changed. Health requirements can also be found on the Center for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ or at 1-877-394-8747. Most airlines enforce strict regulations for expectant mothers. Airlines generally allow expectant mothers to travel anytime up to 24 to 36 weeks into their pregnancy with written authorization from your doctor. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor and the airline concerned if you plan to travel whilst pregnant. For further information please visit www.health.gov.au
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia.
Accommodation Hotel Check In and Check Out Times
The standard international practice is to reserve rooms from midday to midday. However times do vary. Check-in times are usually between 2pm and 3pm, check-out time 10am on the day of departure. Therefore, if you check-in immediately after a night flight this would normally count as one night's accommodation. Similarly, if your return flight is at night you will normally be required to vacate your room at 10am prior to leaving for the airport. Day rooms are subject to availability/cost and should be arranged locally with the accommodation management.
Time Zones
Australia crosses 3 time zones. Daylight saving means that clocks are put forward 1 hour during summer months in all states except Queensland and Western Australia. As a general rule this is from the first Sunday in October to the 3rd Sunday in March.
Eastern Time (EST) - New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria & Tasmania - GMT +10 during winter and GMT+11 during summer. Queensland is GMT+10 all year.
Central Time (CST) - Northern Territory and South Australia. GMT+9½ during winter and GMT +10½ during summer.
Western Time (WST) - Western Australia GMT+8 all year.
Climate
Australia's climate and the fact that it is the driest continent on earth makes it an ideal holiday destination all year round. The seasons are opposite to that of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer runs from December to February, winter from June to August.
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The power outlet is a 3 pin, flat prong plug (not the same as UK). Most hotels have facilities for 110 volt shavers. It is advisable for travellers using 110 volt appliances to bring a voltage converter kit with them.
Money Matters
Currency - The Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit. Notes come is $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins are 50c, 20c, 10c and 5 cents with single cents rounded to the nearest 5 cents.
Cash and foreign currency
If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $A10,000 cash or the equivalent in foreign currency (travellers cheques excluded), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do is an offence.
Banking
Normal banking hours are 9.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday. All major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, banks and most stores. Automatic Teller machines (ATMs) are also common throughout the country.
Goods & Service Tax (GST)
Currently 10 per cent. Under the Tourist Refund Scheme, tourists may be able to claim a refund at the departure gate for GST and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) paid on goods purchased in Australia that they take out of the country with them. For more detailed information visit www.customs.gov.au Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia, it is entirely your choice. For better class restaurants it is usual to tip up to 10% of the bill or round taxi fares to the nearest dollar.
Driving
A valid US, UK, English language or International Driver's License is required to rent all vehicles. Minimum age for rental vehicles is 21 years with some companies imposing a surcharge for 21-25 year old drivers. Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road and operate right-hand drive vehicles. The wearing of seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are generally 100 kph (60 mph) on open roads and 50 kph (30 mph) through towns unless otherwise stated. Don't drink and drive! At the time of printing the legal alcohol limit for drivers is .05 blood alcohol. Rental cars are not permitted on unpaved roads.
Public Holidays
25 Dec 07 ................ Christmas Day
26 Dec 07 ................ Boxing Day
1 Jan 08 .................... New Year’s Day
28 Jan 08 ................. Australia Day
21-24 Mar 08........... Easter
25 Apr 08................ ANZAC Day
09 Jun 08................ Queen's Birthday (except WA) Regional state holidays occur throughout the year. Most shops and tourist attractions remain open during regional holidays. |
