Gold Coast International Information
General, Customs & Visa Requirement Information Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Gold Coast International Information
Read a wealth of information for international visitors wishing to stay in the Gold Coast & Australia, including general, customs & visa requirement information.
The Gold Coast has all of the services and infrastructure to make your visit a safe and comfortable one.
Time
10 hours ahead of GMT (GMT/UTC +10 hours). The Gold Coast does not have daylight savings.
Postage
A local postage stamp is 50c which will get a normal letter to anywhere within the country. Overseas mail generally goes via air unless specified otherwise and it takes around 4 to 5 days to get to most international destinations.
There are a number of Post Offices on the Gold Coast. Post Offices are open from 9.00am - 5pm Monday to Friday and provide a range of services including electronic banking and passport interviews.
Banking
Most major banks offer full service banking facilities on The Gold Coast. Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard and other major credit and debit (EFTPOS) cards are accepted in most establishments throughout the Gold Coast.
Telephone & Internet
Telstra payphones are common all over the country. Some accept credit cards, though these are usually only found in metro areas. All other phones will accept coins or a Telstra prepaid phone card. Phone cards are available at post offices, newsagents and convenience stores.
Mobile phones with GSM capabilities can be used in Australia. The most common GSM standard used is 900 MHz, but 1800 is also used. 1900 MHz (used in the USA) is not used in Australia.
Internet access is very common with most tourist areas having internet cafes.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50 cycles (50Hz), three (sometimes two) flat pin plug.
Currency
Australian currency is used with bank notes for five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred dollars. The cost of the Australian dollar (AUD) does fluctuate, but is about $0.70 US Dollars.
Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at the Sydney & Brisbane International Airport. Changing foreign currency can be done quickly and efficiently at most banks and at Bureau de Change outlets.
Tipping
As a rule, tipping is not expected on the Gold Coast, however, it is customary so if you are happy with someone who has tried that little bit harder and gone the extra mile, then a tip is in order and always appreciated. Giving a small tip (10% of the bill) in a restaurant is in order if the service is good.
Getting Around
There are a number of taxi services available on the Gold Coast, taxi ranks are common and you can usually flag one down along the street - you can also book a cab in advance.
Cars drive on the left hand side of the road. If you're not used to it, take care when crossing the road - you should always use a "zebra crossing" to cross safely. Visitors driving in Queensland must observe the licence requirements for visitors. Drive at or below the posted speed limit. The general speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km/h but many local and suburban roads have a 50 km/h speed limit.
Car Hire
Rental cars are freely available on the Gold Coast from Budget, Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar and several smaller operators. Vehicles are generally no more than eight months old, with automatic transmission and air-conditioning. Renters have to be 21 or older and hold a current driver's licence. An international license is not necessary.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in most public buildings including restaurants, in busses, taxis or on any domestic flights.
Emergency Services
In a life threatening emergency dial 000 for the Ambulance, Police & Fire Emergency Services.
Alcohol
The minimum legal 'drinking' age is 18. When going to bars and nightclubs, you should carry identification to prove you are at least 18 years old. You may not be let in otherwise. No one may buy liquor from a bar or liquor store (bottle shop) unless they are at least 18 years. Buying liquor for a 'minor' is also illegal.
Newspapers
The Gold Coast has two daily newspapers, The Gold Coast Bulletin, and the Courier Mail. The Sunday edition is called the Sunday Mail.
Medical Services
Australian health care professionals are highly trained and medical services are among the best in the world. Visitors from the UK, New Zealand and Finland are entitled to free or heavily subsidised medical and hospital care under reciprocal national health care agreements with the taxpayer funded Medicare organisation. All other visitors should take out travel insurance when visiting Australia.
Prescription Drugs
Visitors who have a medical condition requiring treatment should ensure they carry a letter from their doctor outlining their condition and the medication required. This is also important if the drug is uncommon or contains narcotics, which may be a restricted import. Most medication is available in Australia, but only on a doctor's prescription.
Restaurants
The Gold Coast is home to a dazzling array of places to eat. From relaxed beach cafes to elegant restaurants, there's something to tease every taste and every budget. You can pick up a restaurant guide from your accommodation or local information centres on arrival, or ask the locals where they like to eat!
Travelers Cheques
Travelers cheques, especially in foreign currencies, are generally NOT accepted EXCEPT by hotels and big stores and tourist shops. Cash your cheques at a bank or Bureau de Change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not generally accepted by Australian businesses and shops.
Visa Requirements for International Visitors
General visa requirements
Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Australia.
Before traveling to Australia
With the exception of New Zealand citizens traveling on New Zealand passports, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa before traveling to Australia. (New Zealand citizens are issued with a visa on arrival in Australia.)
Visas are available from Australian visa offices such as Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. They are also available from travel agents and airlines in certain countries.
Please note that airlines may refuse to allow travelers without valid visas and passports to board their aircraft. It is recommended that intending visitors first obtain a visa before purchasing airline tickets, Olympic and Paralympic tickets, or entering into any other financial commitments dependent upon entry to Australia. Visitors are subject to visa requirements while in Australia and tourists are not allowed to work during their visit to Australia.
People who want to work need to apply to an Australian visa office for a temporary residence visa. Penalties apply for people who breach work conditions.
Customs
Australia is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
To preserve the unique habitat, and to ensure the protection of all who live and travel here, Australia employs strict quarantine regulations.
Items of an organic nature such as plants, food items, furs, timber and anything contaminated with dirt or sand will be carefully scrutinised and restricted or possibly prohibited.
Departure Tax
A passenger movement charge of departure tax is included in the price of airline tickets. The charge is A$38 per person.
Exemptions apply to children under 12 years, 24-hour transit passengers or transit passengers who stay longer than a day if departure is delayed by circumstances beyond their control.
Claiming Back Tax
The Tourist Refund Scheme enables visitors to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods while visiting Australia.
To claim a refund you must:
Spend $300 or more (GST inclusive), in the one store and get a single tax invoice.
Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure.
Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft of ship and present them along with your tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility.
Claims at airports are only available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure flight. Claims at seaports should be made no earlier than 4 hours and no later than 1 hour before scheduled department time of the vessel.
If you need any advice or information regarding any specific areas of the Gold Coast, places to stay or things to see and do, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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