Visiting australia

+ Currency and exchange

The official currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD).

Australian currency is comprised of notes and coins and are of decimal currency. In view of the currency, you may occasionally see prices such as $2.98, this figure is rounded up to the nearest five cents, in this case $3.00.

Money exchanges can be found all around the city and most major tourist destinations. Banks also offering money exchanging services and cashing of travellers cheques.

Throughout Queensland you will find numerous Currency Exchange desks, most hotels also have exchange rates at the Reception Desk, however, some hotels have a limit to what you can exchange.

All the major banks also offer money exchange services and cashing of travellers cheques. Your passport will be needed for identification purposes when cashing travellers cheques.

Click here to visit the XE Currency Converter website.

+ BANKS AND BANKING HOURS

Normal banking hours are:

Monday - Thursday 9:30am-4:00pm Fridays 9:30am-5:00pm, excluding public holidays.

24 Hour Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found throughout the City and Shopping Centres.

There are four major banks in Australia which offer a full range of banking services including currency conversions and sales of travellers cheques.

Commonwealth Bank

Westpac Bank

ANZ Bank

National Australia Bank

+ INTERNATIONAL DIALLING CODES

The international dialling code for Australia is 61. Each region also has an area code, including:

Central East (New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory) with area code 02

South East (Victoria, Tasmania) with area code 03

North East (Queensland) with area code 07

Central and West (Western Australia, South Australia and Northern Territory) with area code 08

Mobile telephones (Australia-wide) with area code 04.

When calling from outside Australia, leave out the leading '0' from the area code or mobile phone number:

The outgoing IDD (international direct dialling) code from within Australia is 0011.

Mobile phone network coverage is available across Australia, however coverage may be limited in some remote areas.

Internet access and free WiFi is widely available at internet cafes, accommodation and libraries.

+ AUSTRALIAN WEBSITES

Important and informative websites: Tourism Australia

Australian government

Australian news / media Australian currency

Australian weather

Australian customs

Smartraveller - The Australian Government's travel advisory and consular information service.

This site is designed to help you get through the security checkpoints at the airport quickly and easily. It will help you understand the aviation security measures in place at Australian airports and why they are necessary. It provides information on preparing for your trip, what you are prohibited from taking on board, and travelling with children, medicines or sporting equipment. It also provides a number of videos that explain the screening process and liquids, aerosols and gels restrictions. This site will be updated with new information to reflect changes in airport security arrangements as they occur.

+ Electricity

Australia uses 240V mains electricity and use 'three point' power sockets. Please click here to view the standard plug used within Australia, Type I. Universal adapters are available from most gift stores and electrical shops around the city.

To find out more please visit Power Plugs and Sockets