How do phones work in Australia?

Calling cards, available from newsagents, are an economical way of making local and international calls. 

International dialling code for Australia: 61

International calls dial 0011 + country code

Overseas operator 1225

Telephone Translation Service (100 languages) 13 14 50

How does post work in Australia?

Post offices are open regular business hours from Monday to Friday. Most post is collected from red drop boxes by 6:00 pm Monday to Friday. Local post takes one to two days from major city to major city and becomes longer depending on where you’re mail is going.

You have three options for sending mail overseas; air mail (takes about 7 days), economy air mail (takes about 14 days) and surface mail (takes about 2 months). Prices vary depending on what the package weighs and where it’s going.

Is Australia a safe country to travel in?

Travel in Australia, like any other country, can be dangerous if you're not aware. Take caution when walking or using public transportation after dark. Always stay to well lit areas and sit near bus drivers or train conductors, especially if you have baggage with you. Always keep items of value with you or in a safe place and keep photocopies separate from originals. If you're going away on your own be sure to keep in regular contact with friends and family and tell them where you go and when you expect to return. Most important — trust your instincts. If you have a feeling you're getting into a bad situation, get out before it becomes a problem.

Emergency Fire/Police/Ambulance 000

Crimestoppers 1800 333 000

Police Assistance Line (non urgent matters) 13 14 44

Am I covered by Medicare while in Australia?

Medicare is the government-run health organisation. Travellers from New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Malta and the UK are entitled to 'immediate necessary treatment' under international agreements. Apply at any Medicare office to get your Medicare card.

Medicare 13 20 11

Health Services Australia (general #) 1300 361 046

What is the sun like in Australia?

The sun in Australia is intense. If you're staying out in the sun take proper precautions: wear a wide-brimmed hat, wear a shirt and use SPF30+ sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy. Protect your eyes by investing in a good pair of sunglasses that provide both UVA and UVB protection.

What time is it in Australia?

Australia has 3 time zones — all a number of hours AHEAD of Greenwich Mean Time:

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria & Tasmania) also referred to as Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT+10 hours

South Australia & Northern Territory) also referred to as Australian Central Standard Time is GMT+ 9.5 hours

Western Australia is GMT + 8 hours

NOTE: New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Victoria also observe Daylight Savings from October to March when clocks are advanced one hour. During that time, ADD an extra hour to all time zones

What is internet communication like in Australia?

For the most part, internet connections are inexpensive and easy to find. In major cities, internet use costs between $3 and $5 an hour. In smaller, more remote towns, internet connections can cost as much as $12 an hour. Global Gossip are a major internet cafe chain in Australia with over 200 sites nation-wide. Their great advantage is that you can buy a card from one and take it elsewhere and use it again.

How can I get help from my Embassy if I need It?

Most Embassies and High Commissions are based in Canberra, with consular offices in Sydney and / or Melbourne. Your consulate can answer most questions and assist with most problems, except replacing your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will have to make a trip to Canberra to get a replacement.

British Consular General 02) 9247 7521

Canadian Consulate 02) 9364 3000

Danish Consulate 02) 9247 2224

French Consulate 02) 9261 5779

German Consulate 02) 9328 7733

Japanese Consulate 02) 9231 3455

Netherlands Consulate 02) 9387 6644

New Zealand Consulate 02) 9247 1999

Swedish Consulate 02) 9262 6433

Swiss Consulate 02) 9369 4244

USA Consulate 02) 9373 9200

Consular Numbers - Canberra

British High Commission 02) 6257 2434

Canadian High Commission 02) 6273 3844

French Embassy 02) 6216 0100

German Embassy 02) 6270 1911

Irish Embassy 02) 6273 3022

Netherlands Embassy 02) 6273 3111

USA Embassy 02) 6214 5600

Consular Numbers - Melbourne

British Consular General 03) 9650 3699

French Consulate 03) 9820 0921

German Consulate 03) 9828 6888

Netherlands Consulate 03) 9867 7933

USA Consulate 03) 9526 5900

AND FINALLY

Why does Australia have such strict Quarantine rules?

Australia is one of very few countries in the world that doesn’t share any of its borders with neighbouring countries. Therefore, the country is in an unique position to protect against the introduction of new pests and diseases to help maintain the country's unspoilt environment. Some states also have fruit and vegetable quarantine checks as you cross interstate borders. These are to ensure that pest-free, agriculturally sensitive areas remain that way. If you haven't eaten all your fruit and veggies before crossing the border, they may be confiscated when you get there.

If you're uncertain about what you can or can't bring into the country or across the border, check out the Australian Quarantine Service web site at www.affa.gov.au