In this article, you’ll find: (click to be taken there)

Important:
Cultural, Dress Code, English, Insurance, Transport, Water

Money:
Exchange
Tipping
ATMS
FunFacts:
5 Fun Facts
about Australia.

IMPORTANT

• Indigenous Australians had over 500 different clan groups or ‘nations’ around the continent, many with distinctive cultures, believes and languages.
• Australia is extremely multi-cultural with many people from different backgrounds. 1/4 Australian residents were born outside of Australia and many are 1st and 2nd generation.
• Stick to the left side of the footpath, including escalators – so people can pass on the right.
• Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. It’s recommended to wear sunscreen every day (even cloudy) due to the lack of Ozone.
• Infamous for deadly, venomous animals if you’re staying to the city and main paths you will be fine. For those who like to hike, are going to the outback and country, I recommend reading Outback Safety Tips.
• There is a large drinking culture in Australia with large happy hours, after work drinks and going out for a pot & pint.

• You should always have travel insurance when going overseas. For short trips, I tend to use Tick Insurance – it’s 4/5 stars with FeeFo and although I’ve never had to claim – it’s super within budget.
• If you’re from the New Zealand, and the United Kingdom you’ll have reciprocal healthcare agreements.
• Australia also has agreements with Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia and Sweden. Click here for more information.

• English is the de facto national language. All signs, announcements and main sites are written in English.
• Mandarin is the second most common, with places such as Chinatown having most signs in Mandarin also. Some tours will have multiple language selections.

Tipping?

All prices are inclusive of tax. Tipping is not expected in Australia. No individual providing a service will be expecting you to tip.
If you are doing something that basis it’s income on donations, then you should. E.g. Free Walking Tour.

Large cities have train connections with passes you can buy.

Sydney (+regional NSW) has OPAL cards.

Melbourne (+regional Victoria) has MYKI.

Uber is readily available in Major cities and most towns have a taxi service..

The main way of getting around changes in different cities.
East Coast: Greyhound and Murray Coaches are some of the popular bus services.
If you’re going to Western Australia take a look here on all the information about travelling around WA.

Water?

Yep! You can drink the tap water here! So fill up those drink bottles and stay hydrated.

Working ATMS.

Every 7/11 has an ATM, you can withdraw cash at Supermarkets. ATMs accept all cards – just be wary of international fees.

OTHER

📡FREE WIFI  – McDonald’s, Starbucks, OfficeWorks. – Most Libraries and Stations. – Hostels, Hotels. Want a SIM? Try Boost	🔌 POWER Two, flat metal pins in a ‘V’ shape. Voltage: 230 Volts. You may need a Voltage Converter.
🥫 FOOD – Tim Tams /  Shapes – Beetroot Burger – A Parma/y – Meat Pie – Lamington	🥃 DRINK – Milo – Spider (ice cream in soda) – Craft Beer (Alc.) – Wine (Alc.) – Goon (boxed wine) (Alc.)

FUN FACTS

• Australia has the longest fence in the world. It’s 5,614kms long!
• There are 4 different types of Kangaroo species!
• The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure (it also has its own postcode!)
• More than 85% of the population live within 50kms of the ocean.
• The native male Lyrebird can mimic the calls of over 20 birds (and a camera or car alarm!)