GENERAL INFORMATION ON AUSTRALIA

Language
English is the common and official language of Australia.

Currency
Australia’s unit of currency is the Australian dollar (AU$), comprising coins with values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; and notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Visa Requirement
Everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passport, requires a visa to enter Australia.

Climate / Season / Weather:
You can visit Australia at any time of the year. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 25-35’C and in winter between 10-15’C.

Australia has four definite seasons – spring (Sept – Nov), summer (Dec – Feb), autumn (Mar – May) and winter (Jun – Aug), Away from the mountains, Australia winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50 Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in some countries so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch; if not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Shopping
Shopping hours vary from State to State but generally major department stores open from 9.00am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, with late night shopping either on Thursday or Friday until 9.00pm; and 9.00am-5.00pm on Saturday. Some States have Sunday trading and major stores open from 10.00am-4.00pm. Department stores, gift shops, fashion boutiques and specialty stores are abundant throughout Australia.

Mobile Phones
Australia has both analogue and GSM digital networks. Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in Australia.

Time Differences (No. of Hours Ahead of Singapore)

Western Australia: No time difference

Eastern Australia: 2 Hours

North & South Australia: 1.5 Hours

The time difference is subject to daylight savings.

Water
All Australia cities and towns have excellent public water supplies; tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink. Outdoors, it’s always a good idea to boil or treat water from rivers and lakes to be on the safe side.

Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges, apart from the GST – the government goods and service tax of 10% - are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. Porters, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped although you may do so if you wish. In better class restaurants, it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 percent of the bill for good service. At any time tipping is your choice.

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