Visa Information
Visitors to Australia must have a valid passport and the appropriate Australian visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit. Overseas visitors seeking to attend or participate in a Conference or event in Australia should, in most cases, apply for a short stay business visitor visa (subclass 456). You must apply for your visa early to ensure that details are confirmed prior to your departure for the Conference.
Information about this important
requirement can also be found on the
Australian Government website at
http://www.immi.gov.au/
Some participants will be able to
obtain an Electronic Travel
Authority (ETA). You can apply
for an ETA via the Internet
www.eta.immi.gov.au or through a
travel agent, an airline office or a
specialist service provider to
arrange an ETA on your behalf.
Invitation Letter and Visa
If you require an
invitation letter for visa purposes
please indicate this on your
registration form or contact the
Conference secretariat. Please
note this procedure is intended to
assist participants who need to
obtain a visa or permission to
attend the Conference.
> It is not an official
invitation covering fees and other
expenses.
> It does not imply any
financial support from the
Conference.
Currency
Decimal currency is used in
Australia - dollars and cents.
Current exchange rates can be
obtained from your bank and on-line
at
www.xe.com
Banking
Banks in Australia are open
Monday to Thursday 0930 to 1600, and
0930 to 1700 on Fridays. Some banks
are open on Saturday. Exchange
facilities are available at airports
and most major hotels. Automatic
Teller Machines (ATMs) are available
at a wide variety of outlets. All
major credit cards are widely
accepted in Australia.
Travel and Health Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you
take out insurance policies to cover
medical and travel expenses. If
necessary, consult your travel
agent.
Electricity
Electricity in Australia is 220-240V
AC 50Hz. The sockets are three pin
and you may need an adaptor.
Universal outlets for 240V or 100V
shavers are found in most leading
hotels. Multi-voltage appliances as
well as adaptors are readily
available in department stores and
luggage shops.
Shopping
Most stores in Canberra
open Monday to Saturday until around
1700 to 1800. Some retailers may
remain open until 2100 week nights,
and between 0900 to 1800 Sundays.
Grocery and department stores
generally open seven days a week,
with late night trading until 2100
on week nights.
Taxes
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of
10% applies to all consumer goods
and is included in retail prices.
Overseas visitors may be able to
claim a refund of the GST through
the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS).
Further information is available at:
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4646.asp
Tipping
Tipping is acceptable in
Australia it is not compulsory.
Generally tips are only given for
good service but even then it is not
mandatory. If you do want to leave a
tip, ten percent of the bill is
customary.
Water quality
The water in Australia exceeds the
standards for safe drinking water
set by the World Health
Organisation. It is safe to drink
water straight from the tap.
Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
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