Changing Money
International airports and major hotels provide money-changing facilities. Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am – 4.00pm. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards, particularly VISA and Mastercards, are widely accepted.
Currency
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST.
Customs
Delegates carrying commercial goods or samples may need to obtain permits for their goods depending on the nature of the goods, regardless of value. Quarantine and wildlife regulations and other restrictions may also apply to certain goods. All travellers must declare amounts of $10,000 or more in foreign or Australian currency (notes and coins) you take into or out of Australia. For more information visit www.customs.gov.au.
Electricity
Australian electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug.
Letter of Invitation
Please email Leishman Associates if you require a letter of invitation to attend the forum to support your visa application. Letters of invitation will only be issued for legitimate forum delegates. Include in your email all relevant details of your current work and/or study and how the forum is relevant to you.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
International travellers can claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund only applies to goods taken as hand luggage upon departure. The refund will be paid on goods costing A$300 or more, bought from the same store. For details visit www.customs.gov.au.
Visas
All international delegates, apart from New Zealand citizens, must obtain a Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia. Please ensure you organise your documentation well in advance of travel.
Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically-stored authority for travel to Australia for a short-term tourist or business entry. ETAs are issued within seconds of being requested through computer links between the Australian Immigration Department, travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world. Over 30 countries around the world have access to the free ETA system.
Forum delegates from non-ETA countries will need to obtain a Business (short stay) visa, even if some tourism activities are planned for part of the stay in Australia. It is called a 456 visa if it is issued as a label into a passport. Details are available from the Australian Department of Immigration website (www.immi.gov.au) for more information.
General Information
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/event-organisers-participants/index.htm
