The Australian Dollar (AUD) is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of AU$5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Banks and bureau de change exchange most foreign currencies. Travelers checks are also welcome everywhere, but banks take a small commission and it is better to take checks in major currencies (e.g. U.S. dollars) to avoid additional charges. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.
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The international access code for Australia is +61. The outgoingcode is 0011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00111 forthe U.S.). The area code for both Canberra and Sydney is (0)2. Local calls from public payphones are unlimited and cost a standard rate, while international and long distance calls are charged according to the time spent on the phone. Mobile phone operators use GSM and CDMA networks (area code (0)4); mobile phonesare available for rent. Internet cafes are widely available.
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A gratuity of between 5 to 15 percent is usually expected in cafes andrestaurants in the larger cities, though tipping is a relatively new phenomenon in Australia. Taxi drivers are happy to be left with the change.
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The crime rate in Australia is low, however travelers should be aware that tourists could be targeted by petty criminals. Be vigilant about personal possessions and travel documents, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as along the Gold Coast. There has been an increase in incidents of spiked drinks and women in particular should be cautious in nightspots; many victims were also sexually assaulted. Tropical cyclones normally occur between November and April in some parts of Australia, usually in Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory.
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A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travelers over one year of age arriving within six days of having stayed overnight or longer in an infected country. No other special immunizations or medications are required for most trips to Australia, however insect repellents are strongly advised for the Northern Territory, north Queensland and north Western Australia, as well as certain parts of New South Wales and Victoria, because of the risk of Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River virus infections, dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Beach-goers are warned to beware of jellyfish in the coastal waters; stings have proved fatal on occasion. Another health risk is sunburn, and visitors are advised to take precautions. Medical services are excellent, but can be expensive so travelers should ensure that they have adequate insurance.
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Electrical current is 240/250 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used but are different to those in most othercountries, so an adapter is normally required.
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