Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Australia. Consult the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[61] (02) 6214-5600; US Embassy in Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, Australia; https://au.usembassy.gov/; AskEmbassyCanberra@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
61
Local Emergency Phone
000 (112 on cell phone)
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north
Currency (Code)
Dollars (AUD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I
Major Languages
English 72.7%, other minority languages
Major Religions
Protestant 23.1%, Roman Catholic 22.6%, other Christian 4.2%, other minority religions
Time Difference
UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October, ends first Sunday in April; Australia has four time zones, including Lord Howe Island (UTC+10:30) UTC +8, +9, +10
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Sydney (includes Opera House & Harbour Bridge); Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (aka Ayers Rock-the Olgas); Blue Mountains National Park; Bondi Beach; Daintree National Park; Fraser Island; Kakadu National Park; Darling Harbour; Australian National Maritime Museum; the Outback; Port Campbell National Park
Major Sports
Australian football
Cultural Practices
Australians often greet each other with "G'day," or "G'day, mate," but if a foreigner were to use this phrase it might come across as patronizing. The most common greeting is “Hey”, “Hello”, or “Hi”.
Tipping Guidelines
Restaurant prices are required by law to include tax and service charges. Rounding up the bill to the nearest $5-10 (AUD) would be appropriate for exceptional service. Try to leave cash, since it is common for servers not to receive credit card tips. Round up the fare for taxi driver's tip.
Souvenirs
Boomerangs and other indigenous carved items, stuffed toy native animals (such as kangaroo, koala, wombat, and platypus), jewelry, woolen goods, vegemite
Traditional Cuisine
Meat Pie — a fist-sized baked pie filled with ground meat, gravy, and cheese and topped with ketchup; the gravy often contains onions and/or mushrooms
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, September 11, 2023
