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Banks, Post Offices & ATM Machines
Banks are generally open 9:30am-4pm Mon-Thu; 9:30am 5pm Fri. In some states selected banking facilities are available on Saturday morning. General office hours, including Post Offices, are 9am-5pm, Mon Fri. Stamps are often available at front desks of hotels and motels and at selected retail outlets.

ATM cards can be used in Australia at both ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) and at participating retail locations, so long as they have been enabled for international access. Your ATM card must carry either the CIRRUS, PLUS or STAR international ATM mark or the Interlink or Maestro POS mark. Travelers should contact their bank at home for information on availability and service charges.

Climate
The climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperatures. Broadly there are two climatic zones. In the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, about 40 percent of Australia is in the tropical zone. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone.
However, because of Australia’s vast size, there are variations within these zones. The temperate regions have all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have two: summer ("wet") and winter ("dry").

Australia's seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere.
Spring: September-November
Summer: December-February
Fall: March-May
Winter: June-August.

Clothing
In the tropics lightweight (natural fibers) clothing is suitable year-round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (Dec-Feb) are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime, but keep a jacket or sweater handy as nights may be cool. For the southern winters (Jun-Aug) sweaters and warmer clothes are advisable. Most of the time just keep it light and comfortable.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks
The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates. Use may be restricted in smaller towns and country areas and small retail shops. You should cash travelers checks at banks or larger hotels as it may be difficult elsewhere. Some banks may charge a small fee for cashing travelers checks. Banks will cash most travelers checks in every currency.

Currency & Exchange
Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. Changing foreign currency or traveler's checks can be done quickly and efficiently at most banks.

Customs
Strict laws prohibit or restrict the entry of drugs, steroids, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, food stuffs, plants, and plant products must be declared. There is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts over A$5,000, or equivalent must be reported. Travelers 18 years and over may bring I liter of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco duty free. There is a duty free allowance of A$400 per person 18 years and over, or $A200 per person under 18 years. Short term visitors may bring most articles into the country duty free, provided Customs is satisfied that they are for their own personal use.

Disabled Visitors
Australia is very aware of the needs of people with disabilities. Advance notice and details of your disability will ensure the best possible assistance from airlines, hotels or transport offices. Many cinemas and restaurants are happy to assist although not all can cater for people with severe disabilities or wheelchairs. Most new buildings provide wheelchair access.

Guides to facilities are available from the National Information Communication Awareness Network (NICAN) P.O. Box 407, Curtin, ACT 2605. Tel: 011 61 (6) 285-3713 Fax: 011 61 (6) 285-3714.

Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is different from that in North America so you will need an adapter socket. If your appliances are not 240/250 volts you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 11 OV appliances are usually found in leading hotels.

Liquor Laws
While regulations vary from state to state, general licensing hours for public bars are Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. Sunday hours vary between states. Restaurants, clubs and hotel lounges have more flexible hours. You must be 18 years or older to buy or consume alcohol in public.

Medical
Visitors can bring reasonable quantities of prescribed medications into Australia. All should be clearly labeled and identifiable. For large quantities, bring a doctor's certificate to produce to Customs if necessary. Chemists (Pharmacists) can fill most prescriptions but some may need to be reissued by an Australian registered doctor. In the event of illness, your hotel should be able to call a doctor or refer you to one, or you can call your country's High Commission, Embassy or Consulate-General for a list of doctors. US and Canadian visitors are not covered by Australia's national health insurance scheme. It is recommended that you travel with adequate travel insurance.

Quarantine
Importation of fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs and egg products, vegetables, seeds, cultures, plants and plant products is strictly controlled. There is up to 6 months quarantine for pets and other domestic animals. Anyone carrying any of these items on arrival in Australia, must tick the appropriate box on the Customs, Quarantine and Wildlife statement. This is handed to you before arrival and must be presented with your passport upon arrival.

Taxis
Meter operated taxicabs service all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, major hotels or shopping centers or you can hail them in the street. Vacant cabs have a light and sign on the roof. There is a minimum "flagfall" charge, then a charge for the distance traveled.

Telephones
The minimum cost of a local phone call is A$.40. Long distance and international calls can be made on the public payphones which operate on a variety of coin denominations. Phonecard is a pre paid card for use in public payphones to make local, long distance and international calls. It is available from a number of retail outlets and can be used at over 75% of public payphones. Creditphones use most major cards such as AMEX, Visa and Diners International, and can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory and service charges are not charged at hotels and restaurants. For special service, a tip of 10% is acceptable for waiters. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but will appreciate a small gratuity. At any time, tipping is your choice.

Time Zones
There are three time zones in Australia Eastern Standard Time (EST) which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland; Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST. Australian States except Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months.

Tourist Information Centers
Even in the smallest town you will find an outlet distributing local tourist information and advice free of charge. Look for the international "I" sign for information.