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Australia FAQ

Is tipping customary in Australia?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Australia; however, rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is common practice. Restaurant staff, taxi drivers and other service workers welcome tips for good service.

What is the internet access like in Australia?

Internet access is widely available in most parts of Australia, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots commonly found in urban areas. Please note that internet access won’t be available in outback and remote areas.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Australia?

Mobile phone coverage is excellent in most parts of Australia, especially in large cities and urban areas. Remote, rural and mountainous places may have limited to no coverage, so be aware of this before venturing away from the city. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving your home country if you want to use your mobile.

What are the toilets like in Australia?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Australia, although may not be available when camping in remote areas (where ‘drop toilets’ are more common).

What will it cost for a…?

Newspaper = AU$2.00
Cup of coffee = AU$3.50
Pint of beer in a pub = AU$6.00
Basic lunch at a mid-range cafe = AU$10-20

Can I drink the water in Australia?

Drinking water from taps in Australia is considered safe, unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Australia?

Credit cards are widely accepted by shops, restaurants and cafes in Australia. Smaller establishments may only accept cash or require a minimum purchase for credit card use, so be sure to carry enough cash for smaller purchases.

What is ATM access like in Australia?

ATMs are commonly found in large cities and regional towns in Australia. ATM access will be very limited in remote areas so be aware of this before heading into national parks or the Outback.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Australia?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Australians are not required to be covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation for trips within Australia. However we strongly recommend that you have a domestic travel insurance policy which covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Australia?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 26 Australia Day
Mar 29 Good Friday
March 30 Holy Saturday
Apr 1 Easter Monday
Apr 25 Anzac Day
Jun 10 Queen’s Birthday
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2012 and include nationwide holidays only. There are several other holidays celebrated by the individual states. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/australia/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • AUSTRALIA:
    Belgium: Yes - required in advance
    Canada: Yes - required in advance
    Germany: Yes - required in advance
    Ireland: Yes - required in advance
    Netherlands: Yes - required in advance
    New Zealand: Not required
    South Africa: Yes - required in advance
    Switzerland: Yes - required in advance
    United Kingdom: Yes - required in advance
    USA: Yes - required in advance

    All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/index.html
  • AUSTRALIEN:
    Belgien: Ja-Im Voraus
    Kanada: Ja-Im Voraus
    Deutschland: Ja-Im Voraus
    Irland: Ja-Im Voraus
    Niederlande: Ja-Im Voraus
    Neuseeland: nicht notwendig
    Südafrika: Ja-Im Voraus
    Schweiz: Ja-Im Voraus
    Vereinigtes Königreich (UK): Ja-Im Voraus
    USA: Ja-Im Voraus

    Alle Reisenden, außer Staatsangehörige Neuseelands, müssen ein Visa oder eine Reiseerlaubnis erhalten bevor sie in Australien einreisen. Sollte dies nicht getan werden kann es dazu kommen, dass Sie ihren Flug nach Australien nicht antreten dürfen. Die meisten Nationalitäten können vor Ankunft eine elektronische Reiseerlaubnis (Electronic Travel Authority) über das Internet beantragen. Bitte überprüfen Sie die für Ihre Nationalität erforderlichen Veraussetzungen auf folgenderWebsite oder die für Sie zuständige Visa Ausgabestelle für Ihre Nationalität http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/index.html.

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Australia at a glance

  • 50
  • Canberra (population 307,000)
  • 21.7 million
  • English
  • AUD
  • (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
  • Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)
  • +61

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