Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLEEPING PRICE RANGES
The following price ranges refer to the cheapest double room per night.
$ less than $150
$$ $150 to $250
$$$ more than $250
Customs Regulations
For comprehensive information on customs regulations, contact the
Australian Customs Service
(
02-6275 6666;
On arrival, declare all goods of animal or plant origin, as it's vital to protect Australia's unique environment and agri-
cultural industries. If you fail to declare quarantine items, you risk an on-the-spot fine of over $200 or even prosecution
and imprisonment. For more information contact the
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
(AQIS;
Duty-free allowances:
»
Alcohol - 2.25L
»
Cigarettes - 50
»
Other goods - up to $900 value; or items for personal use that you will be taking with you when you leave.
GST REFUNDS
The goods and services tax (GST) is a flat 10% tax on all goods and services with the exception of basic food
items (milk, bread, fruits and vegetables etc). By law the tax must be included in the quoted or shelf price, so all
prices in this topic are GST inclusive.
If you purchase goods with a minimum value of $300 from any one supplier (on the same invoice) no more
than 30 days before you leave Australia, you are entitled under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) to a refund of
any GST paid. The scheme only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear onto the plane or
ship. You can collect your refund at the airport up to 30 minutes before departure. At Perth airport, the refund
counter is just after passport control. For more information, contact the Australian Customs Service.
Discount Cards
The most common discount card for accommodation, transport and some attractions is the
International Student Iden-
tity Card
(ISIC;
www.isic.org
)
, issued to full-time students aged 12 years and over. See the
International Student
Travel Confederation
(ISTC;
www.istc.org
)
. ISTC also has an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC or Go25), for
people between 12 and 26 years of age who are not full-time students. Benefits are equivalent to the ISIC.
