Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dates Australians write their dates day/month/year; so March 6, 1958, is
06/03/58.
Driving Rules See “Getting Around,” earlier in this chapter.
Drugstores These are called “chemists” or “pharmacies.” Australian
pharmacists are permitted to fill only prescriptions written by Australian
doctors.
Electricity The current is 240 volts AC, 50 hertz. Sockets take two or three
flat, not rounded, prongs. North Americans and Europeans will need to
buy a converter before they leave home (don't wait until you get to Aus-
tralia, because Australian stores are only likely to stock converters for
Aussie appliances to fit American and European outlets). Some large
hotels have 110V outlets for electric shavers or dual voltage, and some
will lend converters; but don't count on it in smaller, less expensive hotels,
motels, or B&Bs. Power does not start automatically when you plug in an
appliance; you need to flick the switch located beside the socket to the
“on” position.
Embassies & Consulates Most diplomatic posts are in Canberra: British
High Commission, Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600 ( & 02/
6270 6666); Embassy of Ireland, 20 Arkana St., Yarralumla, ACT 2600
( & 02/6273 3022); High Commission of Canada, Commonwealth Avenue,
Yarralumla, ACT 2600 ( & 02/6270 4000); New Zealand High Commission,
Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600 ( & 02/6270 4211); and the
United States Embassy, 21 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 ( & 02/
6214 5600). Embassies or consulates with posts in state capitals are listed
in “Fast Facts” in the relevant state chapters of this topic.
Emergencies Dial & 000 anywhere in Australia for police, ambulance, or
the fire department. This is a free call from public and private telephones
and needs no coins. The TTY emergency number is & 106.
Holidays See “Calendar of Events,” earlier in this chapter.
Information See “Visitor Information,” earlier in this chapter.
Internet Access Internet access is available just about everywhere, includ-
ing some of the smallest outback towns, which generally have at least
one cybercafe and/or coin-operated machines, which are also available at
larger airports. Major tourist towns such as Darwin and Cairns sometimes
have whole streets full of cybercafes.
Liquor Laws Hours vary from pub to pub, but most are open daily from
around 10am or noon, to 10pm or midnight. The minimum drinking age
is 18. Random breath tests to catch drunk drivers are common, and
drunk-driving laws are strictly enforced. Getting caught drunk behind the
wheel will mean a court appearance, not just a fine. The maximum per-
mitted blood alcohol level is 0.05%. Alcohol is sold only in liquor stores,
or in the “bottle shops” attached to every pub, and in some states in
supermarkets.
Lost & Found Be sure to contact your credit card companies the minute
you discover that your wallet has been lost or stolen and file a report at
the nearest police precinct. Your credit card company or insurer may
require a police report number or record of the loss. Most credit card
companies have an emergency toll-free number to call if your card is lost
Search WWH ::




Custom Search