8:33 am
+11h from you
Weather in Australia
Australia
28°
Overcast
Sun
16
28
Mon
15
29
Tue
16
28
Wed
16
31
Thu
14
31
SPF level in Australia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Australia
Language in Australia
Tipping in Australia
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, and service staff are generally paid a fair wage, so it is less common than in some other countries. However, tipping for exceptional service is appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for great service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
AUD $2-5 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
AUD $2-5 per night for exceptional service.
Tour Guide
AUD $10-20 per person for a great tour.
Safety & security in Australia
Tips for British travellers
Australia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take precautions against petty crime by keeping luggage out of sight in cars and carrying a photocopy of your passport for ID.
Rip currents are the main hazard at beaches and can sweep even strong swimmers out to sea.
You must always wear a seat belt when driving and carry your driving licence and passport.
You must be truthful about any medical conditions when completing a medical declaration for diving or snorkelling at a resort.
Be aware of dangerous wildlife like crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, and venomous insects, spiders, and snakes in many parts.
Bonus tips:
Some drinks served in bars in Australia can be stronger than those in the UK, affecting your alertness.
To make free calls to Australian numbers, you can use any Telstra public payphone.
Driving in Australia
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
000
Save 000 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Australia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Australia.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Australia
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, but may be less common in remote areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible in most populated areas. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled for easy transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Australia. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better rates.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 30 AUD (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in cities, hotels, cafes and restaurants. Coverage may be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in urban areas. Look for free WiFi hotspots or consider a local SIM card for mobile data.
Health & vaccinations
As a British tourist, you are not eligible for Australia's public health insurance scheme (Medicare). Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, and repatriation. Check your policy's exclusions and ensure it covers activities you plan to undertake, such as water sports or hiking. Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements do not exist between the UK and Australia.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Generally, Australia has high standards of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B if you plan to eat outside tourist areas or are at higher risk. Mosquito-borne diseases like Ross River fever and Barmah Forest virus exist, so use insect repellent. Seek medical advice before travelling.
Calling Australia
Country code
+61
To call Australia from the UK, dial 00 61 followed by the area code (without the leading zero) and the local number.
To call the British High Commission in Canberra from the UK, dial 00 61 2 6270 6666.
The country code for Australia is 61. The international exit code from Australia is 0011.
UK Embassy in Australia
British High Commission Canberra
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Airports in Australia
Frequently asked questions about Australia
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.