Useful Information

Australian Visas

Visitors to Australia must have a valid passport and the appropriate Australian visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit. Overseas visitors seeking to attend or participate in a Congress or event in Australia should, in most cases, apply for a short stay business visitor visa (subclass 456). You must apply for your visa early to ensure that details are confirmed prior to your departure for the Congress.

Information about this important requirement can also be found on the Australian Government website at www.immi.gov.au/visitors/business/iecn.htm Some participants will be able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). You can apply for an ETA via the Internet www.eta.immi.gov.au or through a travel agent, an airline office or a specialist service provider to arrange an ETA on your behalf.

Invitation Letter and Visa

Letters of invitation will not be issued for this Conference. To assist in obtaining any necessary visas that you may require, it is essential that you complete the registration via the Conference website ensuring to include a valid fax number and credit card details. The Conference Secretariat will process your registration and sent to you a confirmation invoice confirming receipt of your payment and attendance at the Conference. You will then be able to present this invoice to your Embassy/High Commission to assist with the application of your visa. In the event that your application is unsuccessful, a full refund will be provided.

Australian Lingo

More Australian slang can be found at: http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html

	Currency Decimal currency is used in Australia - dollars and cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from your bank and on-line at www.xe.com
	Banking Banks in Australia are open Monday to Thursday 0930 to 1600, and 0930 to 1700 on Fridays. Some banks are open on Saturday. Exchange facilities are available at airports and most major hotels. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available at a wide variety of outlets. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia.
	Travel and Health Insurance It is strongly recommended that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary, consult your travel agent.
	Electricity Electricity in Australia is 220-240V AC 50Hz. The sockets are three pin and you may need an adaptor. Universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers are found in most leading hotels. Multi-voltage appliances as well as adaptors are readily available in department stores and luggage shops.
	Shopping Most stores in Brisbane open Monday to Saturday until around 1700 to 1800. Some retailers may remain open until 2100 week nights, and between 0900 to 1800 Sundays. Grocery and department stores generally open seven days a week, with late night trading until 2100 on week nights.
	Taxes A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods and is included in retail prices. Overseas visitors may be able to claim a refund of the GST through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). Further information available at: http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/travellers___english1.pdf
	Climate Queensland boasts an enjoyable sub-tropical climate year round with temperatures during August-September in the range of 12°c – 26°c. September is an ideal month for holding an international congress in Brisbane.
	Tipping Tipping is acceptable in Brisbane but it is not compulsory. Generally tips are only given for good service but even then it is not mandatory. If you do want to leave a tip, ten percent of the bill is customary.
	Water quality The water in Brisbane (and throughout Australia) exceeds the standards for safe drinking water set by the World Health Organisation. It is safe to drink water straight from the tap in Brisbane.
	Smoking In Queensland it is illegal for people below 18 years of age to be sold cigarettes or other tobacco products. Smoking is not allowed in public buildings, on public transports, in taxis and most restaurants and stores.