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 - 35 degrees Celsius, with a mean temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. However, it’s good to keep in mind that the average temperature during the day is much closer to 30 degree 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 2018 venues are inside and air conditioned. We suggest you pack summer clothes, a light jumper for your bag and if you have room an umbrella.
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 information 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 9am – 5pm. 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. We suggest if you need to change money, you do this in the city before making your way to Brisbane Powerhouse.
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¢.
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: www.customs.gov.au
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.
Useful Information about Brisbane
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.
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 Medical Centre
Raymond Terrace (07) 3163 8111
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Butterfield St (07) 3646 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. An interesting fact about Brisbane, is that Mandarin is the second most common language spoken in Brisbane. The APAM team can help you arrange translation and interpreter services. Please contact the APAM team direct for more information apam@brisbanepowerhouse.org.
Population
A population of 2.2 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.
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
Travel Information
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.
Visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website for further information: www.immi.gov.au.
For more information about travel please visit Travelling to Brisbane page