International Delegates

Information for International Delegates

Visas

All international delegates, apart from New Zealand citizens, must obtain a Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia. Please ensure you organise your documentation well in advance of travel.

Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically-stored authority for travel to Australia for a short-term tourist or business entry. ETAs are issued within seconds of being requested through computer links between the Australian Immigration Department, travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world. Over 30 countries around the world have access to the free ETA system.

Conference delegates from non-ETA countries will need to obtain a Business (short stay) visa, even if some tourism activities are planned for part of the stay in Australia. It is called a 456 visa if it is issued as a label into a passport.

Details are available from your Australian Embassy/Consulate or visit the Australian Department of Immigration website for more information.

Electricity

Australian electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug.

Language

Customs

Delegates carrying commercial goods or samples may need to obtain permits for their goods depending on the nature of the goods, regardless of value. Quarantine and wildlife regulations and other restrictions may also apply to certain goods.

All travellers must declare amounts of $10,000 or more in foreign or Australian currency (notes and coins) you take into or out of Australia.

For more information visit www.customs.gov.au.

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

International travellers can claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund only applies to goods taken as hand luggage upon departure. The refund will be paid on goods costing A$300 or more, bought from the same store, no earlier than 30 days prior to departure.

For more information visit www.customs.gov.au.

Currency

The Currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar. All prices quoted in this brochure are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. To check the current exchange rate visit www.xe.com. Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere and Traveller’s Cheques are also widely accepted. International airports and major hotels provide money-changing facilities.

Banks

Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am - 4.00pm. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available.