Banking and currency

Banks are generally open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents =$1). Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 denominations. When paying by cash (i.e., not with a credit card), process will be rounded to the nearest 5c. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards and EFTPOS are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

Climate and time

Summer is from December to February. Melbourne weather during February is usually quite warm and is prone to hot and dry spells. The average temperatures in February range from 16 °C (60°F) to 26°C (79°F).

Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in February. 

Dress

Smart casual attire is appropriate for all conference sessions.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that used in many countries, so you will need an adapter if travelling from overseas. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Emergency

If you need police, fire or ambulance assistance in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Goods and Services Tax (GST) – Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Australia levies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travelers departing Australia to claim a refund of the GST (and also the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET)) paid on goods brought in Australia and taken out of the country. The refund applies on goods over the value of AUD$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to be taken onto the aircraft as hand luggage, you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped “TRS sighted” and at that point you can check in the large item with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia. Goods which are to be exported can be used before departing Australia.

Insurance

Delegates are strongly advised to secure appropriate travel and health insurance. Delegate registration fees do not provide any such insurance coverage. The Conference Organising Committee and Conference Managers accept no responsibility for any loss in this regard.

Language

The official language for the Counselling Psychology Conference is English.

Post Offices

Operate between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Stamps are usually available for purchase from major hotels.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, including most food products, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. For more information, please visit the Australian Quarantine and Inspections (AQIS) website prior to travelling to Australia – http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/

Shopping

Major shopping centres are usually open seven days a week (except Christmas and New Years Day). If you are planning a special trip it is best to contact individual retailers to confirm the opening hours. Most eateries and bars are open late every night.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service has been received. Tips for taxis are regarded as completely optional.

Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from or have travelled through infected areas. Please check all requirements through your travel agent or airline.

Visa/Passport Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry into Australia. All travelers to Australia must obtain a visa or electronic travel authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia, with the exception of New Zealand citizens travelling on New Zealand passports. The Australian Visitor Visa may be obtained by mail or in person from the nearest Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate. In some countries, travel agents can issue the visa. Travellers may be issued with either a visa in their passport or an electronic visa, depending on the country of origin and the passport/nationality of the traveller. It is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure that they hold the required documentation before arriving in Australia. Please note the applications for visas must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the date of travel. We strongly recommend making an early application for a visa.

For further information, please visit the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at: http://www.immi.gov.au/Visit/Pages/Visit.aspx

Visitor Centres

To get the most out of your visit to Melbourne, speak to the experts at a local Visitor Centre or Information Kiosk, where you can access maps, brochures and general tourist information. Keep a look out for a friendly City Ambassador in their distinctive red uniform, they can help with directions, public transport and general questions.

Melbourne Visitor Centre

Address: Federation Square, 2 Swanston Street Melbourne
Phone: +61 3 9658 – 9658

Melbourne Visitor Booth

Address: Bourke Street Melbourne (Bourke Street Mall)
Phone: +61 3 9658 9658

Water

Water is safe to drink from the taps.

Wheel Chair Access

Melbourne is very accessible for people with disabilities with facilities increasing all the time. Travellers Aid is dedicated to helping improve mobility to everyone, and hire out equipment such as wheelchairs (motorised and manual), strollers for children as well items for temporary disabilities. 

For further information, please visit the Travellers Aid website at: http://www.travellersaid.org.au