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Travel Tips

South Australia

Area: 984,377 square kilometres
Capital: Adelaide (population 1 129 145 In June 2005)
Coastline: 4800 kilometres (with 100 islands)
Statewide population: 1 554 700 in June 2006
Language: English
Adelaide's sister cities: Christchurch, New Zealand; Georgetown, Penang; Austin, Texas; Himeji, Japan.

Public holidays 2010-2011

Climate
Average Daily temperatures in Celsius:
Winter temperatures in Adelaide are maximum 15.9, Minimum 8.
Summer temperatures in Adelaide: Max 28.3 Min 16.5 (but it can soar past 30.)
Autumn temperatures in Adelaide: Max 22.4 Min 12.5
Spring temperatures in Adelaide: Max 21.7 Min 11.6

For comprehensive weather information, please visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website.

Sun protection is a serious matter in Australia, as the UV is very high at all times of the year. To avoid skin burn, never go outside without a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a hat. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Medical and Emergency
Call 000 for fire, police and ambulance emergency assistance throughout Australia. From mobile phones, call 112. For non-emergency police attendance call 131 444.

Australia's public health care system is called Medicare. Eligibility for benefits is generally restricted to permanent residents of Australia. While Australia does have reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries, it is best to check before you leave home and to always have appropriate travel insurance.

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before entering Australia. No other health certificate is needed.

Language
The official language in Australia is English, although many immigrants also speak in their native tongue (and there are more than 150 nationalities in Adelaide alone). Need an interpreter? The telecommunications provider Telstra offers a 24 hour translation and interpreter service. Dial 13 14 50. The local white pages telephone book will provide more information.

Visas, Customs & Immigration
Non-Australian citizens (except our Kiwi cousins from New Zealand) need a valid visa to enter and spend time in Australia. The length of stay and purpose of your visit will determine the type of visa you are required to hold before you arrive. For short-term tourist entry to Australia, an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the recommended option, as there is no need for the traveller to then complete an application form for a visa. All applications must be made from outside Australia. For full details, please see the Department of Immigration website.

Customs regulations and taxes
Some goods brought into Australia may require payment of customs duty and sales tax. However, you are allowed to bring in a number of goods tax-free as hand luggage. Amounts of $A10,000 or more (or the equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on arrival and departure. Certain foods, plants, weapons, firearms and drugs are subject to controls or prohibition.

The Tourist Refund Scheme allows overseas travellers to receive a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) for goods bought in Australia. Travellers can claim the refund from customs officers at Tourist Refund Scheme booths at international airports or cruise terminals when departing Australia. For further information. visit the Australian Customs Service website.

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