Essential info for Australia
Time: Expats should note that Australia is divided into three time zones. Eastern is GMT +10, Central is GMT +9.5, and Western is GMT +8. All states observe daylight saving time during the summer months, except the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Electricity: The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts, 50Hz and three-pin flat blade plugs are used. But these are different to those used in other countries and expats should bring an adaptor.
Language: Expats who are English-speaking will be pleased to know that the official language is English.
Electricity: The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts, 50Hz and three-pin flat blade plugs are used. But these are different to those used in other countries and expats should bring an adaptor.
Language: Expats who are English-speaking will be pleased to know that the official language is English.
Safety: Australia’s crime rate is low, but expats should still exercise the same amount of caution in the big cities as they would anywhere else in the world. Petty crime like pick-pocketing occurs as regularly as it does in most big cities. Female expats should never leave their drinks unattended as spiked drinks have caused problems in recent years.
Between the months of November and April tropical cyclones can occur in Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory and during the summer months the risk of runaway bushfires is high and a no open flames policy is in place in most cities, especially in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT. Summer months (October to May) also see the waters off Queensland become infested with marine stingers, or box jellyfish, whose sting can be fatal.
Local customs: Australian’s take their sports, especially rugby and cricket very seriously, but other than that a relatively informal attitude in dress and behaviour is the norm.
Between the months of November and April tropical cyclones can occur in Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory and during the summer months the risk of runaway bushfires is high and a no open flames policy is in place in most cities, especially in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT. Summer months (October to May) also see the waters off Queensland become infested with marine stingers, or box jellyfish, whose sting can be fatal.
Local customs: Australian’s take their sports, especially rugby and cricket very seriously, but other than that a relatively informal attitude in dress and behaviour is the norm.
Business: Business in Australia is conducted in a relaxed and informal manner with business attire conservative and punctuality essential. Businessmen should wear a suit and tie and women are expected to wear a skirt suit with a firm handshake as the acceptable form of greeting. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Communications: Expats living in Australia should note that the outgoing code is 0011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001144 for the United Kingdom), the international access code for Australia is +61, and area/city codes are in use. Local calls from cost a standard rate and international and long-distance calls are charged according to the length of the call. Australia uses GSM and CDMA networks for mobile phone operators and mobile phones are easily available for rental. Internet cafes are easily accessible and high speed broadband ADSL internet is available through a number of providers.
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