Information for Visitors

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Information for international visitors
Visas and Travel

All visitors must have a valid visa to travel to Australia (for exceptions and more information see:http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration/

In some cases, a health assessment may be required before a visa is granted. For more information see:http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/

Visa Options

Please consult the links below for more information and to find out which visa is suitable for you.

Note: Information provided in this section was accurate at the time of writing (August 2012). CAA is not responsible for subsequent changes to the above information, and strongly recommends that travellers consult the relevant Australian Government websites and travel professionals for current information before booking.
Health and Travel Insurance
Although Australia (and Perth) has very high health standards and modern facilities,Traveller Medical Insurance is strongly recommended. Not all visitors are covered under the Australian Medicare system; for more information see: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/themes/migrants-refugees-and-visitors
Customs
There are rules and restrictions that govern what can and cannot be brought into and taken out of Australia. All food and plant materials are restricted items and cannot be brought into the country. Please refer to the links below for detailed information on other restricted items before travelling: http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/GuideforTravellersJune2012-WEB.pdf
Time Zones
Western Standard time UTC/GMT + 8 hours applies to all of Western Australia.
Currency, Banking and Credit Cards
Official currency – Australian Dollars (AUD or A$).
Monetary exchange facilities are available at Perth International Airport, city banks, hotels and at currency exchange kiosks.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are the most frequently accepted credit cards. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) are available throughout Perth and can be used with Visa, Mastercard and Maestro/Cirrus cards to access local currency. Fees may be applicable from local and international banks, check with your financial institution for further information.
Visitor Services
Western Australia Visitor Centre: 55 William Street (corner of Hay and William Street, Perth)
City of Perth Information Kiosk: Murray Street Mall (Southern end of Forrest Place, Perth)
Electricity
240V-AC mains supply with a 10% tolerance.
50Hz frequency.
Three-pin power outlet.
Taxes and Tipping
A Passenger Movement Charge (previously known as the “Departure Tax”) is included in the price of your airline ticket. Please check with your travel agent or airline for further information.
A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied to goods and services purchased in Australia. Travellers may reclaim this on departure under the Tourist Refund Scheme
Tipping is voluntary and not customary in Australia. If you feel you have received good service then it is acceptable to leave a tip. The size of the tip is usually determined by the customer and best judged on the quality of the experience. Five to ten percent of the total bill is customary. Some dining establishments may include a service charge or public holiday surcharge to the total of the bill, please check the menu before ordering.
Special Needs
A large number of public and private establishments in Western Australia cater for people with special needs, for more information see http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/index.html
About Perth and Western Australia
History
The Noongar people are the indigenous inhabitants and custodians of the area that is now referred to as Perth. For more information see: http://www.ccentre.wa.gov.au/175thAnniversary/BriefHistory/Pages/TheFirstPeople.aspx
Dirk Hartog made contact with the Western Australian coastline in 1616. For more information see http://www.ccentre.wa.gov.au/175thAnniversary/BriefHistory/Pages/DiscoveryoftheWesternCoast.aspx
Perth was founded on 12th August 1829 by British settlers led by Governor James Stirling.For more information see http://www.ccentre.wa.gov.au/175thAnniversary/BriefHistory/Pages/ArrivaloftheFirstSettlers.aspx
Climate
Perth is located in the southern coastal area of Western Australia. The city boasts a Mediterranean climate and an average of eight hours of sun per day.
CAA2013 will take place during the early Autumn season. During this time, Perth sees a temperate and sunny climate during the day, with cooler nights – ideal weather for pre- or post-conference touring. Occasional rainfall or humidity may be expected.

Mean climate

Jan

Feb

Mar

April

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Min(°C)

18.0

18.2

16.6

13.6

10.5

8.5

7.78.0

9.4

11.3

14.2

16.3

12.7

Max (°C)

31.0

31.5

29.6

25.7

22.5

19.3

18.3

18.9

20.1

23.1

26.4

28.9

Rain(mm)

16.4

8.2

19.9

35.3

86.9

133.4

152.7

123.1

87.4

41.0

22.7

10.3

Days

1.6

1.1

2.4

4.7

8.6

12.5

14.7

12.8

11.2

5.2

3.9

2.0

For more information, see the Bureau of Meteorology.
Disclaimer: CAA is not affiliated with advertised Perth or Australian Government services. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only and we cannot guarantee the reliability of the information or services advertised.