7 Top Australia Travel Tips

We’ve found that Aussies are characteristically pretty laid back and friendly.  They live in a wonderful country but its worth knowing how to prepare to travel Down Under and to know in advance some of the things they ‘do’ differently.  These Australia travel tips will help as you plan and enjoy your vacation there.

Passport and Visa.You will need a passport, valid for the extent of your vacation and a tourist visa for either 3 months or 6 months.  Apply for your visa at the Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.

Language.  This is one of the more unexpected Australia travel tips.  Aussies do speak English (of a kind) but they abbreviate their language wherever they can.  G’day for Good Day/Hi/Hello, barbie for barbeque, veggie for vegetable, uni for university.  Expect these expressions in their everyday language and always ask if you don’t understand.  They are good humored and will happily explain.

Tipping. Aussies who work in the tourism, transport and hospitality here are paid a minimum salary.  As a result these workers do not rely on tipping to make their income reach a minimum salary as in the US.  They will not expect to be tipped. Tipping is generally not part of the Australian culture.

Telephones. Phone cards are an easy way for travellers to use public phones in Australia. These cards are available from newsagents. Assistance is available by ringing 013. Emergency assistance is on 000. Your own cell phone will function here as long as it includes an International Roaming functionality. A cheaper cell phone deal is to buy a pre-paid one here and 'top it up' if you need to.

Electrical goods in Australia run off the 220-240 volts electricity supply. Consider buying an adaptor from a store before you leave home or look for one from an electrical store when you arrive.

Medical care.  Make sure you take out Australian travel insurance as the benefits of the national health scheme here are not available for visitors. For the best travel insurance costs, deal directly with insurers rather than through a travel agent. Vaccinations are only necessary if you have traveled through a country infected with yellow fever. Medical facilities including hospitals, doctor’s clinics and chemists (stores dispensing pharmaceutical medicines) are found in every town.

Churches in Australia reflect the wide range of faiths practised here. Most towns will have a Roman Catholic and Church of England (Anglican/Episcopal) church. Other religions represented in most towns include Presbyterian, Baptist and Uniting Church.  Those of Jewish, Moslem and Buddhist faiths and other religious denominations are generally only represented in cities or large towns.

For other important Australia travel tips worth knowing while you plan your vacation there, read my blog at www.blog.mightydigitaldownloads.com

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