Australia - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Smoking is not allowed in most restaurants. There is a strict drugs policy in Australia and penalties for the trafficking or possession of drugs are severe. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy jail sentence and non-Australian nationals are usually deported at the end of their sentence.

Visitors to Australia can expect a largely informal atmosphere. Handshaking is the customary greeting and casual clothing is worn everywhere except in the most exclusive restaurants, social gatherings and important business meetings.

Suits are usually worn when conducting business in Sydney and Melbourne, while in Brisbane, shirts, ties and shorts may be acceptable. Appointments for meetings are customary and punctuality is important. Business transactions may be conducted over drinks. The best months for business travel are March to November. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1700.

Immigration and customs: Visas are required by everyone except New Zealanders, and passports must be valid for six months from the date of entry.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all those arriving from infected countries.

Visitors must declare all food, plant material and animal products on arrival in Australia to ensure they are free of pests and diseases; any items that pose pest and disease risks will be destroyed.

There are very strict regulations against the import of non-prescribed drugs, weapons, firearms, wildlife, domestic animals and foodstuffs, plants or parts of plants, animal products, and other potential sources of disease and pestilence (such as vaccines or viruses).

Travel within the country: Driving is on the left, and car hire is available at all major airports and hotels for those aged over 21. Visitors may drive on a national licence for a maximum of three months, although an international driving permit is needed by all those whose official language is not English.

In most states the maximum speed limit on freeways is 100kph and ranges from 50–80kph in suburban districts. Drink-driving is illegal and the wearing of seatbelts is mandatory. If driving in the outback, visitors should be aware that summer rains can turn roads into dirt tracks and make driving conditions hazardous. Distances between the main cities can be considerable, and drivers should ensure they seek up-to-date information on road and weather conditions before setting out.

Urban transport services are good and there are suburban rail networks in the state capitals; Melbourne and Adelaide also have a tram system. Taxis are widely available and are metered.

There are good cross-country coach services, although flying is the most common way of travelling between cities. Domestic flights are easily booked and many airlines operate special deals at greatly reduced prices.

Rail travel is slow and expensive. There is a twice-weekly train service that travels from Sydney to Perth and takes three days. Another service links Adelaide with Perth and runs weekly in each direction; journey time is two nights. Reservations are essential on all long-distance train services.

Travel health: Health care facilities are high and hospitals well equipped. British nationals may receive free treatment for emergencies, as there is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. All visitors are advised to take out comprehensive health insurance.

Occasional outbreaks of dengue fever and Ross River fever have been known to occur in rural parts of northern Australia and visitors should take adequate precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

For bathers, corals, jellyfish and fresh water crocodiles may prove a hazard and visitors must not swim in unguarded remote locations.

Money: Exchange facilities can be found at all airports and international-class hotels. Major credit cards are accepted, although there may be restrictions in small towns and outback areas. Travellers cheques are easily changed and should be in a major currency to avoid additional charges. Banking hours are Mon–Thur 0930–1600, Fri 0930–1700.

There were 5,496,988 tourist arrivals in 2005.