General Travel Information
Banking
Banks in South Australia are generally open 9.30am-4pm Monday to Thursday, 9.30am-5pm on Fridays. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are widespread throughout the city and suburban shopping precincts.
Climate
Summer: December - February
Autumn: March - May
Winter: June - August
Spring: September - November
Southern South Australia has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm dry summers. Rainfall is mostly during the winter months of June, July and August. Very hot conditions can be experienced during summer, especially in the northern parts of the state, such as the Flinders Ranges and Outback regions. These regions contain great expanses of desert where the days can be extremely hot, while the nights can be very cold.
The sun can be very intense in Australia. To avoid sunburn, seek shade whenever possible, particularly between 11am and 3pm. When out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face, ears and back of the neck, and use a maximum protection, broad-based spectrum sun screen of at least SPF30.
Clothing
Australians in general dress casually, except for formal functions and venues such as five-star restaurants. A jacket or warmer clothing is recommended for evenings and during winter. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended when touring, especially in the Outback, the Flinders Ranges, and on Kangaroo Island, or whenever bushwalking activities are planned.
Credit Cards
The most commonly used credit cards in Australia are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Restrictions may apply in country areas and smaller retail shops.
Currency
Australian currency is decimal. Notes are in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations and coins are in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations.
Exchange facilities are available at all international airports in Australia and foreign currency and travellers' cheques can be changed at most banks.
Customs Regulations
Certain goods brought into Australia may require payment of customs duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, travellers are allowed to bring in a number of goods tax-free as hand luggage. Travellers must declare amounts of AUD$10,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency, on arrival or departure. Travellers should be aware of goods subject to controls, prohibition or restriction such as drugs, certain foods, plants, weapons and firearms. For further information, visit the Australian Customs Service website.
Departure Tax
Departure tax, also known as the Passenger Movement Charge, is the equivalent of AUD$38 and is prepaid with airline tickets. Children under 12 are exempt.
Language
Australia's language is English.
Medical & Emergencies
Medical care in Australia can be expensive and all travellers are advised to take out travel insurance that includes medical cover.
For emergencies that require police, ambulance or fire service attendance dial 000 (dial 112 on mobile phones).
Postal Services
The General Post Office (GPO) in Adelaide is on the corner of King William and Franklin streets in the city centre, and is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. International mail for collection by overseas visitors can be sent to the GPO Adelaide marked 'Poste Restante' and including the post code 5000. Mail will be held for a maximum of four weeks. Please refer to the Australia Post listings in the telephone directory for locations of other post offices throughout Adelaide and South Australia.
Public Telephones
There are limited numbers of public telephones throughout Australia. The cost of a local call is 40c with most telephones accepting 10c, 20c, 50c and $1 coins and pre-paid telephone cards. Long distance and calls to mobile telephones vary depending on time of day, length of call and distance.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings and food service areas.
Tax Refunds
The Tourist Refund Scheme was introduced on 1 July 2000. Travellers may be entitled to a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) on goods purchased in Australia. Travellers can claim the refund from customs officers at Tourist Refund Scheme booths located at international airports or cruise terminals when departing Australia. Conditions apply so for further information contact the Australian Customs Service on 1300 363 263 when in Australia or visit the ACS website.
Time Zones
Australia has three time zones:
1) Eastern Standard Time (EST) operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland.
2) Central Standard Time (CST) is 30 minutes behind EST and operates in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
3) Western Standard Time is three hours behind EST and operates in Western Australia.
South Australia's time (CST) is calculated as Greenwich Mean Time plus 9.5 hours.
Daylight saving operates in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory from the end of October through to the end of March; in Tasmania from the beginning of October to the end of March; and Western Australia from December to March. The time is moved forward one hour during this period.
Tipping
Tipping is not widespread in Australia but for good service in a restaurant, the recommended amount is 10 per cent of the bill.
Visa Requirements
Non-Australian citizens (excluding New Zealand citizens) require a valid visa to enter and spend time in Australia. Visa types will depend on the intended length of stay and purpose of visit. For a short-term tourist or business entry to Australia, an ETA (electronic travel authority) is the recommended option, as there is no need for the traveller to then complete an application form for a visa. If required, visa forms can be obtained from the Department of Immigration's website or from any of its overseas offices.
Voltage
Australia's electricity voltage is 240 volts AC. Some of the large hotels have power outlets at 110 volts AC. For travellers bringing 110 volt electrical appliances, it is advisable to bring a small 110 volt transformer and a plug conversion kit.
