Practical Information

Before you leave home, familiarise yourself with the essentials including climate, currency, travel and transport.

Language

English is the primary spoken language on the Gold Coast. Translation services and multilingual tour guides are readily available and Telstra’s Foreign Language Service offers phone assistance in a variety of languages. Telstra’s translation services can be accessed on the following telephone numbers:

Arabic: 1800 726 001
Cantonese: 1800 677 008
Greek: 1800 189 129
Indonesian: 1800 429 432
Italian: 1800 649 013
Korean: 1800 773 421
Mandarin: 1800 678 876
Spanish: 1800 726 002
Vietnamese: 1800 136 691

Climate

The Gold Coast is most popular for its mild subtropical climate that features an estimated 8 hours of sunshine, 300 days a year. Average temperatures are as follows:

SPRING	September to November	15-25°C (59-77°F)
SUMMER	December to February	20-28°C (68-83°F)
AUTUMN	March to May	16-25°C (61-77°F)
WINTER	June to August	11-21°C (52-70°F)

For weather forecast visit bom.gov.au

CURRENCY, BANKING & FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Australian Dollar: 100c = $AUD1

Coin denominations: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2

Note denominations: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Currency exchange facilities are available at all international airports and key tourist centres such as Surfers Paradise. Travellers’ cheques can also be cashed at banks and major hotels. ATMs are widely available. Major credit cards are accepted at most shops, hotels and restaurants with American Express, MasterCard and Visa the most common. Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and from 9.30am to 5.00pm on Friday. Bureau de Change facilities have more flexible hours and are generally open at night and on weekends. For further information visit xe.com/ucc

PASSPORTS & VISAS

All visitors entering Australia need a valid passport and an Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) if not an Australian citizen.

The type of visa required will depend on the length of stay and purpose of visit. A business visa will usually serve those planning to visit Australia for a business event. The type of passport the applicant holds determines whether that applicant can apply online or by using a paper-based application.

Applicants who are eligible to apply online can usually apply for an eVisitor (Business Stream) visa.

If you do not hold a passport approved for online application, ‘label’ visas can be obtained from Australian embassies, high commission offices or consulates.

Assistance is available to organisers through the Event Coordinators Network at the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs. For further information visit immi.gov.au

PLACES OF WORSHIP

The Gold Coast caters to a multicultural community with churches, temples, mosques and prayer rooms for all major religious denominations.

ELECTRICITY

240/250 volts AC 50HZ universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) are standard in hotels, apartments and motels. Adapters can be purchased from international hotels.

EMERGENCY

For emergency ambulance, police and fire services dial 000 (from a fixed line) or 112 (from a mobile phone).

ROAD RULES

Australians drive on the left hand side. A 50km/h speed limit applies in most residential areas, going up to 100-110km/h on open highways. Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts and strict drink driving laws are enforced. For further information visit tmr.qld.gov.au

DIALLING CODES & COMMUNICATIONS

The international country code for Australia is +61. Pre-paid telephone cards are available for use with mobile and fixed line phones. Mobile telephones can be hired. Fast-speed broadband at available at major hotels. Wi-fi hotspots have been established in central business areas. For further information visit optus.com.au or telstra.com.au

TIME ZONES

Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. Daylight Saving is not observed in Queensland.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

The metric system is used to measure speed kilometres per hour), weight (kilograms), distance (kilometres, metres, centimetres) etc in Australia.

ACCESSIBILITY

Most hotels, shopping centres, venues and attractions are wheelchair-accessible or have facilities to assist people with mobility issues, but advance notice of special needs will ensure the best assistance. The Gold Coast City Council’s online directory provides specific details on a wide range of visitor venues. For further information visit goldcoast.qld.gov.au/goldcoastaccess

DUTY FREE & CUSTOMS

All goods and services purchased in Australia are subject to a 10 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). Travellers may be eligible for a refund of the GST on departure, through the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Incoming visitors may bring in limited quantities of duty free alcohol, tobacco and other goods. Permits are available for business travellers carrying commercial goods, such as samples, display items for international exhibitions and professional film and television equipment.

Australian Customs enforces strict controls on the import of food, plant and animal products to prevent the introduction of exotic pests and disease. Travellers are asked to respect these requirements in order to ensure that Australia’s unique wildlife, plants and primary industries are protected. For further information visit customs.gov.au