X Australia - Useful Tips

CURRENCY & LANGUAGE

Australia’s currency is Australian Dollars (AUD) and currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

Australia’s official language is English. However, being a multicultural nation with a significant migrant population,

also enjoy a tremendous diversity of languages and cultures.

TIME ZONES

Australia is divided into three separate time zones Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) covers the eastern states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. AEST is equal to Coordinated Universal Time plus 10 hours (UTC +10).

Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) covers the state of South Australia, the town of Broken Hill in western New South Wales and the Northern Territory. ACST is equal to Coordinated Universal Time plus 9½ hours (UTC +9½).

Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) covers Western Australia. AWST is equal to Coordinated Universal Time plus 8 hours (UTC +8)

COMMUNICATION & ELECTRICAL POWER POINTS

Australia’s country code is +61. Mobile phone network coverage is available across Australia, however coverage may be limited in some remote areas. Internet access is widely available at internet cafes, accommodation and libraries.

Electrical current is 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from some other countries, so you may need an adapter.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

The emergency number for police, ambulance and or fire brigade is 000.

TIPPING & BARGAINING

Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill. Tipping is always your choice. It is not custom to bargain in Australia.

SURF AND WATER SAFETY

Australia’s popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from October to April and red and yellow flags mark the safest area for swimming. For information about marine stingers and crocodile safety read the Queensland Government website;