|
Visas
All travellers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are legally required to hold a valid visa or electronic travel authority (ETA). It is your responsibility to ensure documentation is correct and completed before you commence your journey. Delegates must register for the congress before lodging their visa/ETA application. Following your registration, you will receive an acknowledgement letter. This is all you require from the congress managers in order to make your visa/ETA application. We recommend you apply for your visa/ETA at least 10 weeks before you travel (earlier in some cases). For more information, contact your nearest Australian Embassy/ Consulate or view the Australian Department of Immigration website www.immi.gov.au/visitors/
Banks
Banks in Australia are open from 09:30 – 16:00 Monday to Thursday and from 09:30 – 17:00 on Fridays. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines are open 24 hours and are located throughout the city and surrounds. Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels and banks. Car Rental
Cars can be rented in Australia from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized car is AUD70.00. All cars are right- hand drive. Climate
Melbourne has a moderate oceanic climate and is well known for its changeable weather conditions. This is mainly due to Melbourne's location situated on the boundary of the very hot inland areas and the cold southern ocean. This temperature differential is most pronounced in the spring and summer months and can cause very strong cold fronts to form. These cold fronts can be responsible for all sorts of severe weather from gales to severe thunderstorms and hail, large temperature drops, and heavy rain.
Currency exchange
Decimal currency is used in Australia (AUD) and currency units are dollars and cents. Australian notes are: AUD100, AUD50, AUD20, AUD10, AUD5. Coins are: AUD2, AUD1, AUD .50, AUD.20, AUD.10, AUD.05 cents Voltage, Sockets and Plugs
Main voltage in Australia is 230V 50Hz. Travellers from most nations in Asia, Africa and Europe should have appliances that work on the same mains voltage as Australia - therefore you will not need a voltage converter. Notable exceptions to this are Japan, USA and Canada which uses 100/120V 50/60Hz. If your country does not use appliances within the 230V 50Hz mains voltage range, you will need to purchase a voltage converter. This will transform the voltage from the power outlet into one your appliance can use. You will also need a power adapter.
Health
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever-infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you. Tax
Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. |
|
World Congress on
|
