General Information
Banking and Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10 and A$5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1 and A$2 denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
Climate
Spring (Sep-Nov): 16-26 C º (59-79 ºF)
Summer (Dec-Feb): 20-29 ºC (68-84 ºF)
Autumn (Mar-May): 16-26 ºC (61-79 ºF)
Winter (Jun-Aug): 10-21 ºC (50-70 ºF)
COVID-19
For the latest Covid advice and travel requirements please refer to the Australian Government, Department of Health website at https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/international-travel/inbound.
As you may be aware, travel to Australia for international travellers has been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding travel and border requirements for international travellers wishing to travel to Australia is available at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia
Information regarding what international travellers need before travelling is available at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/before-i-travel
Information regarding the current travel restrictions for international travellers available at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions
As of 15 December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders can travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. The list of eligible visa subclasses can be found here: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/vaccinated-travellers. Anyone seeking to enter Australia who does not hold an eligible visa will still need to apply for a travel exemption.
Information regarding the Australian travel declaration is available at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/australia-travel-declaration
Eating Out
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called “BYO” restaurants, an abbreviation for “bring your own”.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include:
- Loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Conference or through cancellation of the Conference,
- Loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason,
- Loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia,
- Failure to utilise tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay,
- Force Majeure or any other reason,
- Medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover),
- Loss or damage to personal property,
- Additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered.
The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.
International Travel
As you may be aware, travel to Australia for international travellers has been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding travel and border requirements for international travellers wishing to travel to Australia is available at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/home
Passport and Immigration (VISA)
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia, including Commonwealth & US passport holders.
Welcome letters can be requested by emailing the Conference Managers (geoasia8@arinexgroup.com) following completion of Meeting registration. For VISA information please download the following information fact sheet from the Australian Immigration Office.
For International participants, to obtain an Australian visa an Invitation Letter is not required. Once you have registered and paid the registration fees in full then your confirmation of registration or tax invoices for payment of registration fees is sufficient to lodge with your visa application.
Note – it is strongly recommended that Australian visa applications are lodged at least two months prior to departure from your point of origin. This may not be organised upon arrival.
Photography
The Conference Hosts and Conference Managers have arranged for photography onsite throughout the event. The images may be used for post-Conference reports, case studies, marketing collateral and supplied to industry media if requested. If you do not wish for your photo to be taken, please inform the photographer and move out of camera range.
Planning your travel
Due to time zones and jet lag, we suggest you arrive in Australia a few days prior to the commencement of the Conference. This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds.
Shopping
Brisbane shops usually open from 0900 to 1700 hours during the week with late night shopping on Friday until 2100 hours. The hours in the CBD and shopping centres on Saturdays are generally from 0900 to 1700 hours and on Sundays from 1000 to 1700 hours.
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