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The following are the answers to some common questions we are asked. If you have any other questions not in this list, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
CLIMATE
Spring: Sept -> November
Summer: December -> February
Autumn: March -> May
Winter: June -> August Queensland enjoys a tropical climate which means there is sunshine almost all year round. Most rain falls in January and February - these are also the hottest months of the year. Back to Top
CUSTOMS
There are strict laws in Queensland regarding the import of weapons, drugs, protected wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants and plant products are subject to quarantine and must be declared on arrival. There is no limit on the amount of Australian or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts of more than $10,000 or equivalent in foreign currency must be reported on arrival and departure. Back to Top
DISABLED VISITORS
Australian hotels, attractions and transport generally have very good facilities for people with disabilities. Please let Elia Tours know of any special requirements when booking. Back to Top
ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz and uses a three pin power outlet. Back to Top
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Police, Fire and Ambulance – dial 000 from any phone, 24 hours. Back to Top
INSURANCE
Insurance covering theft, loss and medical costs is recommended. Health insurance is essential for all travellers. Whilst health care in Australia is of a high standard and is not expensive by international standards, considerable costs can build up and repatriation can be expensive. Make sure your health insurance will cover you particularly if you are taking part in activities such as scuba diving. Back to Top
LIQUOR LAWS
The minimum age to buy or consume alcohol in Australia is 18 years old. Hotels, bottle shops and liquor stores generally open 10am – 11pm. Back to Top
MONEY
Australian dollars and cents are the country’s legal tender. Most banks have Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) located outside the branch or in the foyer, accessible 24 hours a day. To access their accounts, cardholders are required to enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN). Most major credit and bank cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB) can be used in Australian stores and ATMs, providing they have been enabled for international access. Changing foreign currency or cashing travellers cheques can be done at most banks and larger hotels. General bank hours: 9am – 4:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 9:30am – 5pm (Fri). Back to Top
PHARMACIES
For minor complaints, pharmacies provide professional and free advice. Overseas prescriptions must be endorsed by a local doctor. Pharmacy hours vary but most are open 9am – 6pm, six days a week. Late night and 24 hour pharmacies are available in most larger towns and cities. Back to Top
SHOPPING HOURS - 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday
- Late night shopping Thursday or Friday until 9pm
- 9am – 5pm Saturday
- 10am – 5pm Sunday in most cities
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SMOKING
Queensland has strict anti-smoking laws. These include: - no smoking anywhere inside pubs, clubs, restaurants and workplaces
- no-smoking in commercial outdoor eating or drinking areas
- no-smoking in outdoor public places such as patrolled beaches, children’s playground equipment, major sport stadiums and within 4 metres of non-residential building entrances
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TAXIS
Metered taxi cabs operate throughout South East Queensland. There is a minimum ‘flagfall’ charge and then a charge for the distance travelled. Back to Top
TELEPHONES
Public payphones may be operated by coins, credit card or phone cards (these may be purchased from most newsagents and retail outlets). Australia’s mobile phone network operates on the 900 and1800 band for GSM and 800 for CDMA. Most large towns and cities have good receptions, but it can sometimes be difficult to get reception outside of these areas. For international calls, dial 0011 followed by the country code, area code and telephone number. Back to Top
TIPPING
Tipping is optional in Australia. In restaurants and cafes it is customary to tip waiters around 10% of the bill. Back to Top
TIME ZONES
Australia observes three different time zones (Eastern Standard Time, Central Standard Time and Western Standard Time). Queensland observes Eastern Standard time, otherwise known as EST or AEST. Back to Top
TOURIST REFUND SCHEME (TRS)
Tourists travelling overseas may be able to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST, 10%) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET, 14.5%) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund only applies to goods travellers take with them as hand luggage when they depart Australia. The refund is available on goods costing $300 (tax inclusive) or more, bought from the same store, no more than 30 days before departure. To claim a refund, travellers must obtain a tax invoice from the point of purchase. Back to Top
VISAS
Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Australia. Visas are available from Australian visa offices such as Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. They are also available from travel agents and airlines in certain countries.
Please note: - airlines may refuse to allow travellers without valid visas and passports to board their aircraft
- visitors are subject to visa requirements while in Australia
- tourists are not allowed to work during their visit to Australia.
For Elia Tours vacations (including Study Tour Options), most people can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). For more information, see http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/index.html If you are not eligible for an ETA (e.g. your country is not on this list), you will probably need a Tourist Visa (Subclass 676) – for more information please click here - http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/index.htm This information has been sourced from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website and should serve as a guide only. For up to date information on Visas and Immigration, please visit the nearest Immigration office, or the Department's Website. Back to Top
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