LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

The big island continent is one of the most beautiful in the world covering almost 7.7 million square kilometers. It spans several climatic zones from the tropics in the far north to the cool temperate conditions of the south.

A population of over 21.7 million inhabit a land area almost as big as continental USA.

In their leisure time Australians enjoy an easy going outdoor lifestyle Suburban communities are dotted with swimming pools, backyard barbeques, parks, playing fields and tennis courts – and beaches are rarely far away.

The houses in these neighborhoods are of a high standard and reflect the outdoor lifestyle of most Australians.

Wherever they choose to live, Australian families can find the right kind of community for their lifestyle, with comfortable living standards and excellent, hospital, transport and other community services.

Australian families have both the wealth and the time to enjoy their country. Working hours and the number of public holidays are similar to those in other Western countries. Australians are keen outdoor enthusiasts and virtually every activity is open to them. Many city dwellers own holiday homes along the coast or in the mountains.

A STABLE COUNTRY

Australia is a federation of six states and two territories. It is a stable, prosperous and peaceful country. It has inherited many of the best features of the British system on which its institutions were based. A democratic system of Government, respect for the individual, a free press and an independent judiciary are all part of the Australian way of life.

So is a robust sense of equality, Australians believe in a “fair go” for everyone, and newcomers are welcomed into the community. Australia especially welcomes business people from overseas – and with good reason.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Transport

Australia has numerous international airports. The major ones are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Hobart, Darwin, Adelaide and Perth. Australia’s international airline, Qantas, also has a large domestic network. With Virgin Blue being the other major domestic carrier, there are several smaller feeder airlines. Every town of any size has an airfield, as do many individual properties in the country. Almost all business travel within Australia is done by air. There is also an excellent road network, as well as passenger rail and road coach systems. A large overnight ferry connects Melbourne and northern Tasmania. Urban transport networks range from good to adequate.

Currency

Australia has had decimal currency (dollars and cents) since 1966, Coins come as 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c $1 and $2 pieces and notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Notes are now printed on a special plastic which makes forging difficult, but older paper notes are still in circulation. Australia leads the world in banknote printing technology and prints notes for various countries using this technology.

Banks

Banks are generally open between 9.30am and 4 pm on weekdays, and close an hour later on Fridays. Some banks open on Saturday mornings. Banking facilities at international airports provide foreign exchange services everyday, including weekends and public holidays, and so do selected larger hotels.

Credit Cards

Credit cards, especially Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB are widely accepted in Australia. There is also an indigenous card called Bankcard that is not available outside of the country.

Shopping

The shopping is good everywhere in Australia, except perhaps in the smallest of towns; in Sydney and Melbourne it is absolutely world class. Apart from central shopping areas, Australian cities also have many large, attractive suburban shopping centers. Most shops open some time between 8 - 9am and close between 5 - 6 pm; there is usually late shopping on Thursdays where shops stay opened until 9pm. Shops are open of Saturday mornings, and more of them are opening on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Small grocery stores and petrol stations (many of which offer basic groceries as well as fuel) are open very long hours, with some of them opening 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Duty-Free shops can be found at airports and in the center of cities.

What to wear

Australia’s lifestyle is very relaxed, and dress tends to be informal. Even in restaurants and nightclubs, neat casual clothes are acceptable. Business wear still tends to be coat and tie, except in the far north where the climate makes this inappropriate. Here, shorts and long socks are worn with open - necked shirt.

Medical and emergency services

Australian emergency services can be contacted by dialing 000 anywhere in the country, at any time of the day. This will connect with an operator who will transfer you to the police, ambulance or the fire brigade. There are both public and private medical and hospital services, and they are the equal of any in the world. Health insurance is strongly recommended. The Yellow Pages telephone directory will list after hours medical or pharmaceutical services as well as such services as the Poisons Information Service.

Driving Licenses

Overseas driving licenses are valid in Australia for maximum periods of up to one year, depending on the state. International Driving Permits can be useful, especially when you are hiring a vehicle. Remember that Australians drive on the left, and be aware of the “give way to the right” rule which requires you to do exactly that unless the road to your right has a stop or give way sign.

If you become a permanent resident in Australia you will have up to 3 months to change this to an Australian drivers license. Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to have a driving test. Some countries have an agreement that you need only do a written test generally asking 30 questions to ensure that you understand Australian road rules. This may vary from state to state and it is best to contact the Transport Department in the state you are residing.

Newspapers and Television Channels

Most places in Australia have a daily newspaper and several television channels. Australia is ethnically a very diverse society, so newspapers, television and radio programs and available in a number of community languages.

Telephones

Australia has an excellent telephone service, with public phones almost everywhere. Phone cards can be bought from kiosks and many other shops, and many public telephones also accept cash.

Postal Service

Post offices are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and all offer poste restante services. Many large post offices also have automatic stamp and prepaid envelope dispensers, open 24 hours a day.

Tipping

This in not compulsory, and is generally only expected in taxis (where it is more a matter of convenience – round up the amount the next dollar or two), larger hotels and restaurants (10% or so).

Electricity

Supply is 220 - 240 volts, and very dependable throughout the country. Plugs are an unusual three - prong design.

Water

All Australian cities and towns have clean, health public water supplies. Tap (faucet) water is safe to drink.

Public Holidays

National Holidays are:

• New Years Day (Jan 1)
• Australia Day (Jan 26)
• Good Friday
• Easter Saturday
• Easter Monday
• Anzac Day (April 25)
• Queen’s Birthday (second Monday in June, except Western Australia where it is the last weekend in September)
• Christmas Day (Dec 25)
• Boxing Day (Dec 26)

Each state has additional public holidays of its own

Time

Australia has three time zones, except during Daylight Saving in summer when things can get a little complicated. The rules for Daylight Saving change frequently and are not identical between states. It is best to check with your local Australian mission for details for the time during Daylight Saving (approximately November to March). Normally Eastern Standard Time (Queensland, New South Wales, Canberra, Victoria and Tasmania) is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Central Australia (Northern Territory and South Australia) is nine and a half hours ahead and Western Australia is 8 hours ahead.

Language

English is the official language, but because Australia is ethnically very diverse, a large number of community languages are also spoken. It is extremely rare to hear one of the Aboriginal languages being used.