Time Differences
Australia spans three time zones: Western Standard Time (GMT +8), Central Standard Time (GMT +9.5, covering the Northern Territory and South Australia), and Eastern Standard Time (GMT +10, covering Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania). Daylight saving time is observed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Norfolk Island. In this region, the clocks move forward by one hour on the 2nd October. When the UK switches to standard time at the end of October, there will be an additional +2 hours difference on top of the time variances. Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands don't observe daylight savings hours.
Money
The official currency is the Australian dollar, divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of five, ten, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, while coins include one cent, two cents, five cents, ten cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. Most establishments accept major credit cards (it's always good to have an international travel card to save on charges) and ATMs are readily available.
Electricity and Plugs
Australia's standard electricity supply is 230 volts, with type I sockets. Therefore, you will need to use an adapter during your stay.
Shops and Amenities
Typically, shops operate from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some closing at 12pm on Saturdays. In certain regions, especially larger cities, you may find shops open on Sundays. Banks generally open from 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday, and extend their hours until 5pm on Fridays.
Media
Australia has a technologically and economically advanced media landscape, offering a wide array of newspapers, magazines and tabloids. Notable publications include The Australian (a national daily), The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), and The West Australian (a Perth daily paper). Radio remains a popular medium, featuring stations like Classic FM for music and ABC NewsRadio for news updates. Television is dominated by three major networks, showcasing sports, news, game shows and dramas. In the central and eastern parts of the country, Imparja, an Aboriginal channel, provides unique programming.
Post
Australia Post is a reliable service, opperating from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
Phone
When dialing Australia from the UK, enter 00 61 followed by the area code (e.g. 2 for New South Wales) and your correspondent's number. To call the UK from Australia, dial 0011 44 followed by your correspondent's nine-digit number, excluding the initial zero. For calls to an Australian mobile number from a UK mobile while in Australia, dial 0061 followed by your correspondent's nine-digit number (excluding the first 0).
Internet and Mobile Coverage
Cities and towns generally have good coverage, and numerous cafes, museums and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi. Be cautious of roaming charges and consider a local SIM card when you arrive to save on costs. Check with your provider before traveling for detailed information.
When venturing to rural and outback areas, be aware that Australia has limited mobile coverage and there are vast black spots across the country.
Cities and towns generally have good mobile and internet coverage, and many cafes, restaurants and museums offer free Wi-Fi. However, Australia also has a surprising number of black spots with no mobile or internet coverage, especially in the outback and rural areas. Avoid roaming charges by picking up a local SIM card and check with your local provider as roaming charges can be hefty.
Currency
AUD
