Useful tips

Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. Australian banks offer the same range of services typical in other western nations, and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widespread, although facilities may be limited in remote towns and the outback. EFTPOS (our electronic payment system) is widely available in most Australian shops, restaurants and hotels, allowing you to pay for purchases with your credit or debit card. Fees may be charged on transactions, particularly if withdrawing from an international account, so it is advised you check with your bank before travelling.

XE Currency Converter will help you convert your own currency at the market exchange rates.

Australia’s four largest banks are: NAB (National Australia Bank), ANZ (Australia New Zealand Bank), Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Corporation. There are many smaller banks too, including ING Direct, AMP Banking and HSBC Australia. Banking hours are usually 9.30am-4pm Monday to Thursday and until 5pm on Friday, but it’s best to check with each branch directly. Some branches open on Saturday mornings until 1pm.

Credit cards such as American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, UnionPay and JCB are accepted in Australia. VISA or MasterCard can be used everywhere credit cards are accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at major supermarkets, department store chains and tourist destinations. A good tip is to carry multiple credit cards and a little cash. Merchants may impose credit card surcharges in some places.

Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted in Australia. If you do purchase traveller’s cheques, it is best to buy them in Australian dollars as smaller shops, restaurants and other businesses are unlikely to know what the exchange rate is if you present a cheque in a different currency such as US dollars or British pounds.

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. You may be able to claim a refund for the GST paid on goods if you have spent AUD$300 or more with a single business, no more than 60 days before departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of international terminals.

It is not customary to bargain or haggle in Australia.

Australia’s popular beaches are usually patrolled by lifeguards from October to April. Red and yellow flags mark the safest areas for swimming and it is always recommended to swim within these monitored areas.

There are also many lakes, waterholes and rivers that are popular swimming spots in Australia. Pay attention to signs at the entrance that will advise if swimming is safe, or check with the local government website before visiting. 

For information about marine stingers and crocodile safety in Far North Queensland, visit the Queensland Government website.

The sun is extremely strong in Australia, so it’s important to protect your skin during the day. This is especially true while travelling, as you’ll generally be spending lots of time in our beautiful great outdoors. It is recommended that you use SPF 50+ sunscreen, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves where possible to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. For more information and handy tips, visit the SunSmart website. 

Post offices are usually open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, with some city post offices open on Saturday morning. Travellers can arrange to collect mail at post offices throughout Australia.

The legal drinking age in all states and territories of Australia is 18 years old. You will need to provide proof of age, either with a driver's licence or passport.