Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Legal Matters
» Australia is very strict when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs. There is a significant police presence on the roads, and they have the power to stop
your car and see your licence (you're required to carry it), check your vehicle for road-
worthiness and insist that you take a breath test for alcohol. The legal limit is 0.05 blood
alcohol content. If you're over, you may face a hefty fine.
» First offenders caught with small amounts of illegal drugs are likely to receive a fine
rather than go to jail, but a conviction may affect your visa status.
» If you remain in Australia after your visa expires, you will officially be an 'overstayer'
and could face detention and expulsion, and then be prevented from returning to Australia
for up to three years.
Medical Services
Visitors from Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nor-
way, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK have reciprocal health rights, entitling them to 'lim-
ited subsidised health services for medically necessary treatment', including free public-
hospital access and subsidised medicines. In some cases you'll need to pay upfront, then
be reimbursed once you've registered with Medicare ( 13 20 11;
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au ) . Travel insurance is advisable to cover other expenses (such as
ambulance and repatriation).
Clinics
If you need a dentist pronto, visit www.dentist.com.au .
Kings Cross Clinic ( 9358 3066; www.kingscrossclinic.com.au ; 13 Springfield Ave; 9am-6pm Mon-
Fri, 10am-1pm Sat; Kings Cross) General practitioners with a travel medicine focus, offering
vaccinations, morning-after pills and dive medicals.
Travellers Medical Vaccination Centre ( 9221 7133; www.traveldoctor.com.au ; L7, 428 George St;
9am-5.30pm Mon, Wed & Fri, 9am-8pm Tue & Thu, 9am-1pm Sat;
St James) Travel-related shots and
medical advice.
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