Entering and leaving Australia
Please ensure you check the Australian Department of Home Affairs webpage for most up to date information about entering Australia.
Customs
All visitors are required to clear strict biosecurity and border controls when they arrive at the relevant Australian airport.
Prior to your arrival in Australia please confirm items which can be brought into Australia. Restricted goods include common foods and animal or plant materials. More information is available at here.
You MUST declare any goods which are listed on your Incoming Passenger Card; this includes large amounts of cash. These goods are likely to be inspected; Australian border authorities may also inspect your luggage if you do not declare anything. If you choose not to declare the items, then the consequences can include:
- a large fine
- a court action (if you are carrying drugs or large amounts of cash)
- the likely seizure of the items.
Visitors are not permitted to bring any illegal drugs, or pharmaceutical medications in commercial quantities, into Australia.
Medications
You are advised to bring only essential medicines for existing medical conditions with you. There are strict controls in place concerning personal medication. You may find that you have to visit a doctor in Australia to obtain prescriptions for medicine that you can usually buy without a prescription at home.
Immigration and Customs Forms
Visitors are required to always complete all immigration and customs documents themselves. These documents should be provided to you on your aircraft before entering Australia so please check with the cabin crew. You may ask the airline staff to assist if there is a question that is unclear but you must individually complete and sign this paperwork. Please make sure that you answer all the questions honestly and correctly as they are legal documents and it is an offence to give wrong answers. Your visa may be put at risk by false answers. Further information about arriving at an Australian Airport is available at here.
Luggage Limitations
You will need to check with your airline as to how much luggage you can bring with you on your flight. Luggage limits vary from one airline to the next as does the charge for excess baggage. Excess baggage charges can be expensive either entering or leaving Australia and are your responsibility.
Climate
October is the middle of spring in Australia. As such, the weather is very pleasant, with average daytime temperatures of 21ºC and overnight temperatures of 15ºC. October is known as one of the best months to visit Sydney.
As your departure to Australia nears, and to assist with packing, you are encouraged to check the temperature and up-to-date weather information for Sydney using the official website here.
Money
The only currency that can be used in Australia is Australian Dollars (AUD). You will need to ensure that you obtain AUD either before flying to or as soon as your flight lands in Australia. There are Bureaux de Change at most major airports and in the centre of major cities. Banks can change currency and a fee will usually be charged.
Australian currency comes in coins of 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.
Most major credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in Australia. Information on exchange rates is available on www.xe.com. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available around Australia but you should check with your home bank on the fees payable and availability of ATMs.
Note: Some banks in Australia, usually those located in major cities, are open on Saturday mornings until 11.00 am, however most are closed on Saturdays and banks are not open on Sundays.
Internet
Free WiFi is provided at your accommodation and public WiFi is available at many locations including Westfield Miranda.
You can also procure an appropriate SIM card prior to travel to Australia or purchase one upon arrival if you wish to have mobile phone connectivity.
WiFi will not be provided while at the ANSTO site. You will not require a laptop or tablet computer during the course, and it is suggested you do not bring them to ANSTO.
Electricity
The electrical supply in Australia is 240 volts. The connection for all appliances is a flat 3-pin plug of unique design. Universal adapters can be purchased at the airport and from most gift stores and electrical shops. It is recommended that you bring an adapter with you or obtain one as soon as you arrive.
