Passports

A valid visa and current passport are essential for entry into Australia. Though, it’s wise to carry an ongoing ticket out of Australia and proof of funds to sustain your stay, in case those are also requested. The only exceptions are current New Zealand and Australian passports.

Visa

Unless you're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you'll need a visa to enter Australia. A tourist visa is for people visiting Australia for a vacation, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives and other short-term non-work activities.  Once in Australia, a visa is not needed to enter Victoria when travelling from other states. 

Embassies

The US Embassy is located in the Australia capital city, Canberra, and US Consulates are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The High Commission of Canada is located in Canberra and the Canadian Consulate in Sydney. The Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil is located in Canberra and the Consulate of Brazil is located in Brisbane.

Money Currency

ATM

Automatic Teller Machines (or ATMs) are found scattered across the state. Be aware - money is generally deposited in $20 or $50 notes and some banks charge a small fee to withdraw.

Tipping

Here in Australia, tipping is not expected. Instead prices are generally inclusive of GST, and tipping is reserved for exceptional service (around 10% at restaurants).

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.  Traveller's cheques are also accepted in Queensland, though a fee is often charged for cashing them in.

IT Connectivity & Mobile phones

Mobile Phones 

The GSM mobile phone system is available throughout Australia. Check with your own mobile phone provider for service coverage in this area under your service. 

SIM Cards

Upon arrival in Australia one option is to purchase and have installed a local SIM card for use while in Australia. These cards often include a certain amount of free calling back to your home country, depending on which SIM card provider you choose and which country you are from. SIM cards are available at overseas entry airports in Australia, the booths are usually are in close proximity outside the exit from Customs and Immigration. There are many options, prior to leaving for the AAAP24 meeting do some research online and find the option that best suits your needs. Then check the availability of that option when you arrive in Australia. 

Internet & email acces

Free high speed wireless access is available in the Gold Coast Convention Centre, as well as at all the conference hotels. High speed wireless access is also available in most other hotels in Melbourne, but be sure to check before making reservations. 

Airport Transfers

With over 20 years of experience in providing reliable and friendly service, Con-X-ion offers guaranteed door-to-door pick up and drop off for all customers. At Con-X-ion they pride themselves on cost-effective and efficient service, as well as our staff members’ extensive knowledge of the Gold Coast’s world-famous attractions and hidden gems that make it such a unique, family friendly place to visit.

Taxis/Ride Share

The 13cabs app comes with a Price Guarantee. The price you’re quoted when you book a taxi is the price you’ll pay. You can also save and request your favourite Drivers, track your ride in real time and pay, all within the app. And there’s no surge. Ever.

Bus/Coach 

Follow these guidelines and tips below to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone on our services.

Planes

Air travel is easy in these parts - International airports reside in Melbourne, Sydney, Victoria and Adelaide with domestic airports scattered across regional areas.  Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Bonza operate across Queensland.

Public Transport 

G:link, also known as the Gold Coast Light Rail, is a light rail system serving the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, and is the sole light rail system in Queensland. The system forms part of TransLink's South East Queensland public transport network and consists of a single 20 km line of nineteen stations.

Use go card on all Translink bus, train (including Airtrain), ferry and tram services in greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast regions.

Driving

In Australia we drive on the left side of the road. Gold Coast is relatively easy to negotiate with adequate signage. We do have a few round-abouts, and these can be tricky for visitors. Just be careful of suicidal cyclists at times.  