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General Information

Australian Visa Application

All travelers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are legally required to hold a valid visa to travel to Australia. Visa’s are either issued electronically (ETA) with nothing appearing in the passport or through application where a sticker is required in the passport (Non-ETA). It is advised to apply for your visa as soon as possible to ensure processing time. The minimum time frame stated for an Australian visa application is six (6) weeks.

Australian Visa Application Supporting Documentation

Delegates applying for a non-ETA visa may present their paid confirmation letter to an Australian visa office to support their application. No other letters will be issued for this purpose. As a conference delegate, you are not guaranteed to be granted a visa.

Private Touring/Hospitality Arrangements

Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services other than those organised for the official program, please contact the Congress Manager who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.

Private Functions

It is requested that you advise the Congress Managers of any private /corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official program. The Congress Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the congress and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the conference, or through cancellation of the conference, loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia, failure to utilise tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The conference managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Airport And Transport

Perth’s international and domestic airports are located 16km and 11km respectively southeast of the city. Shuttle buses, hire cars and taxis operate between the airports, and Perth and Fremantle.

Buses: This is an Airport-City shuttle which has pick-up points conveniently located near hotels, motels and hostels in Perth. The buses meet every arrival within 45 minutes of customs clearance and within 30 minutes for domestic arrivals. Price is A$13.00 one-way.

Taxis: A taxi costs approximately A$25 – A$35 from the Airport to the City.

Trains: There is a train system which currently runs in and around the city of Perth. This system is operated by Westrail.

Transport in Perth Central Business District: Public transport in Perth is modern, very accessible and in many cases complimentary.

Travel around the Perth CBD area is free when the Central Area Transit (CAT) buses are used when in the Free Transit Zone. Any bus operating within the city centre is free to all passengers travelling within the city. The city buses run frequently and travel routes that take in the major attractions of the area.

There is also a scheduled, complimentary service called the “CAT” buses which operate for extended hours through the city, West Perth and the entertainment district of Northbridge. This service is ideal for travellers who wish to follow a set route of attractions. The CAT buses also cater for passengers with disabilities.

For further information and timetables for ferry, bus and train services in and around Perth please visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au

Banking/Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1)  Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5.  Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. 

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours.  Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Business Hours

Banks generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday.  General office hours are 0900 - 1700 Monday - Friday.  Post Offices operate these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.

Climate And Clothing

July is winter and the temperature range is 9 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius

Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie with you for special occasions. 

Please refer to the information on the social program for dress at social functions organised as part of the Congress, as some of these may require formal evening dress.

Eating Out

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz.  The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor.  If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converter.  Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

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). 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 scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. 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 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia.  Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt.  The receipt will be stamped TRS sited and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage.  Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased.  It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Language

The official language for the congress is English.  

Privacy

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001.  The Conference Managers comply with such legislation which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information.  Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events.  It is also usual to produce a ‘Delegate List’ of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list.   Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference.. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers.

Time

Perth is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.

Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.