General Information

Banks and Foreign Exchange

Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 9.00am-4.00pm and Friday 9.00am-5.00pm. All the major banks have offices in and are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport or during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.

Climate and Clothing

With its variable climate, Melbourne is cool and wet in Spring (September to November), with temperatures averaging 20C (68F) during the day and 10C (50 F) at night.

Visas

With the exception of New Zealand citizens travelling on New Zealand passports, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa/ETA before travelling to Australia. (New Zealand citizens are issued with a visa on arrival in Australia.) For information about Visa applications to enter Australia, please visit www.immi.gov.au/visitors

Time Zone

Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours.

Dress Code

Please note that dress standard for the conference will be neat casual attire.

Electric Current

Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST) of 10% on most goods and services. All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300.