Australia Travel Tips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO AUSTRALIA

LANGUAGE

The most commonly spoken language in Australia is English. As a reflection oof the diverse culture, in total, Australians speak around 300 different languages including many indigenous languages. 

English is the national language with 72% of people speaking it at home. The most common languages spoken at home, other than English, are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Italian.

Transportation Signs

Airports: You’ll find English language signage everywhere.

Train Systems: In English

Taxis: In English

Uber: English

Buses: Drivers speak English

Menus: In English

APPS

Translation apps work more or less the same way, share the same basic features, and can be used offline if you download language packs.

WeChat: Online, Android, iOS, Mac OS, Windows

• Key feature: does just about everything

Google Translate: Online and app (Android and iOS)

• Key feature: real-time speech and text image translation

Virtual Private Network

For an extra layer of security, you could set up a VPN (virtual private network) before your trip.

CURRENCY

• The Australian Dollar is the official currency of Australia

• Code $

• Symbol AU$

• Abbreviation AUD

• Conversion AUD $1 = US$0.60  (April 2025)

• Central Bank The Reserve Bank of Australia

All major credit cards are accepted in Australia, with Visa and Mastercard the most widely used. Many retailers in main centres also have Apple Pay. Travellers’ cheques are no longer accepted.

You can exchange foreign currency for Australian currency at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are in international airports and most city centres. ATM’s are readily available in urban area.

Australian  currency is available in: 

• Coins with values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2. 

• Notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. 

TIPPING

Tipping in Australia is not obligatory, even in restaurants and bars.

ELECTRONIC PLUGS AND TRAVEL ADAPTORS

Australia operates on a 230 watt power voltage: 230 and 50 Hertz. Plug I

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Australia operates on a 230 supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on. Your adapter will need to fit the following plug types;

For Australia there is one plug types, Type I

• Plug type I is the plug which has three flat pins in a triangular pattern.

VISA

Having a valid passport, the right visa and completing the entry requirements are key to a trouble-free entry into Australia Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid Australian Visa.

You do not need a visitor visa to visit Australia if you are:

• New Zealand passport holders can travel to Australia without a visa and obtrain a visa on arrival at the airport.

• An Australian passport holder travelling on an Australian passport

• All other passport holders need the right visa to come to Australia. You also need to get your visa before you travel to Australia. You might also need a visa to transition through Australia to another destination.

Can you go to Australia? Read more on Australian Visas here

Useful Documents To Have

• Passport

  Original passport or travel document of your country with at least three months remaining validity on the date of travel and at least two visa pages clear of any markings, the passport should be in good condition without any damage that could render it invalid.

• Travel itinerary

  Travel itinerary is a travel reservation to and from Australia in your name, not a ticket, the itinerary should include your travel dates, flight numbers, and any layovers or connections, this document helps show your planned travel route and duration of stay.

• Proof of Funds

  Proof of enough money for you to stay and to leave Australia, such as personal bank statements, pay slips from your employer, or tax records, these documents help verify that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey.

HEALTH

Vaccines and Medications: 

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with Australian Customs on arrival. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in Australia. 

SAFETY

Before travelling, check the New Zealand Safe Travel site for official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas.

Staying Safe While Travelling in Australia

• Always lock your accommodation and vehicle and keep windows secure when you're not around. 

• Don’t hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers. 

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery. 

• Store valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your accommodation. Never leave valuables or important documents in parked vehicles. 

• Never leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras unattended in any public place, especially airports, ferry terminals or bus/railway stations. 

• If you're out at night, keep to well-lit places where other people are present. Don’t take shortcuts through parks or alleyways. Take a taxi or get a ride with someone you know.

Scams
Australia is a relatively safe travel destination but we are not crime free. It is important you take the same precautions to look after yourself and your possessions as you would at home.