Information for International Visitors

Brisbane’s Climate

Brisbane has a sub-tropical climate. February is the height of summer and you can expect temperatures ranging from 21 - 40 degrees Celsius, with a mean temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. As it is sub-tropical, there is often a short summer storm in the afternoon, which provides welcome relief from the humidity. With the hot climate and storms, Brisbane residents are often rewarded with the breathtaking golden hour at sunset.

All APAM 2016 venues are inside and air conditioned.

Banking and Money

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)

ATMs are located throughout the city and will recognise cards issued by most banks.

At each of the APAM venues there is an ATM nearby that will recognise most cards. APAM volunteers at the info desks will be able to assist you to locate the nearest ATM.

Banks

As a general guide, banks across the city are open for business Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm. Some banks in local shopping centres are also open Saturday and Sunday (with varying opening hours).

Credit Cards

MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted across the city by most outlets, with an increasing number accepting China UnionPay.

Currency Exchange

Licensed money change services are available at the Brisbane Airport and at numerous Bureaux de Changes located throughout the city. Most banks also offer currency exchange services.

Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2

Pricing

Australian prices occasionally end in a variant of 1¢ or 2¢. Where this occurs, at the cash register the price is rounded to the nearest 5¢.

Electricity

Mains supply in Australia is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz with three-pin plugs used across the country. The Australian three-pin electrical socket differs from those found in most countries, and international travellers may require an adaptor socket. Standard outlets for 100-volt small appliances can be found in most hotel rooms.

Adaptors can be bought from the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre in the Queen Street Mall and from all good travel stores, chemists and department stores.

Emergency Services

In a life-threatening or time-critical emergency, dial Emergency Services on Triple Zero (000). The Triple Zero service is an operator-assisted service that connects callers to the most relevant emergency service organisation (police, fire brigade or ambulance). Calls to Triple Zero are free and can be made from all telephones (landline, mobile devices and payphones).

When you dial Triple Zero services, the most important thing to remember is to stay focused and stay on the line. Additionally, mobile users can dial 112, while the 106 emergency number connects to a text-based relay service for people who have a hearing or speech impairment.

Goods and Services Tax

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad-based 10 per cent tax included in the shelf price of most Australian goods and services. The Tourist Refund Scheme allows international travellers to claim a GST refund (subject to certain conditions) on some goods purchased in Australia. The refund applies only to items worn or goods taken on board as hand luggage when leaving the country. See more information here.

Health and Medical Services

Australia has a high-standard healthcare system offering a mix of public and private services. Several public hospitals with accident, emergency and outpatient services are located close to inner-city Brisbane, while private medical practitioners can be easily located through the Yellow Pages website. Comprehensive travel insurance is always recommended.

Mater Hospital Brisbane - Raymond Terrace (07) 3163 8111
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital - Butterfield St (07) 3636 8111

Language

English is the official language of Australia but many foreign languages are used by local communities including Arabic, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese and Chinese dialects. APAM 2016 can arrange translation and interpreter services. Please contact the APAM team direct for more information: apam@brisbanepowerhouse.org.

Visas

All international travellers must present a valid and approved travel document (generally a passport) as evidence of their identity and nationality to allow entry into Australia. In addition, all international travellers (with the exception of most New Zealand passport holders) must also obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia.

Travellers are encouraged to apply for their Australian visa well in advance of their planned arrival date.

For more information about obtaining an Australian visa to attend the Australia Performing Arts Market you can download the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection fact sheet and visit their website for more information.

Population

A population of 2.1 million calls Brisbane home, with a median age of 35 and more than a quarter of Brisbane residents born overseas.

Time Zones

Brisbane operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time – GMT plus 10 hours. Daylight savings times do not apply in Queensland. For more information on daylight savings in Australia refer here.

Tipping

Service with a smile is the rule of thumb in Australia and tipping is always optional. If the service is worthy of a tip, it will be appreciated.

Visitor Information Services

Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre

The award-winning Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre is located in the heart of Brisbane’s busiest shopping precinct in the Queen Street Mall (between Edward and Albert Streets). The fully-accredited centre holds a travel agency licence and offers a wide range of information and tourist booking services for travellers. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am – 5.30pm; Friday 9am – 7pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm; and Sunday 10am – 5pm.

The South Bank Visitor Centre is located in the heart of South Bank on the Stanley Street Plaza. The centre offers detailed information on South Bank attractions and travel services. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9am – 5pm.

For more information on where to eat, drink, shop, play and stay in Brisbane, go to www.visitbrisbane.com.au and for more information about experiencing Queensland visit www.queensland.com.