Due to its 'down under' location, Australia is a great year-round destination. Australia's seasons oppose those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer starts in December, autumn begins in March, winter sets in during June and spring arrives in September. Australia is a vast country with significant variation in climate, but overall the weather is never extreme. It is also the driest continent on Earth. This continental country has a tremendous natural heritage and vast open spaces, but also offers vibrant cities and nightlife. With nearly 90% of its population living in cities, Australia is one of the most urbanized countries on earth. And don't be put off by the distance--as the slogan goes, Australia is closer than you think!
To contact Auto Europe from Australia, dial 00-11-800-223-5555-5.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens are required to provide a visa to enter Australia. For visits less than three months travelers may choose to opt for an ETA or Electronic Travel Authority which may be obtained at www.ETA.immi.gov.au and must be purchased prior to departure. Pets must be quarantined for a period of no less than one month. A certificate must be shown that the animal was vaccinated for rabies at least one month and no more than six months prior to entry.

Local Time
There are 3 time zones spanning the Australian continent. Australia's Eastern Standard Time zone (in Sydney) is 15 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada. The Central and Western Standard time zones are 14.5 and 13 hours ahead respectively. Daylight savings time is observed in most areas of the country and runs from October through March.

Language
English is the official national language of Australia.

Electricity
Australia operates on 220-240 volt, 50 Hz electricity. The three-pin plug is standard. Many hotels have converter plugs.

Local Tourist Information
Tourism New South Wales
Tourism House
55 Harrington Street
The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (+61) 2-9931-1111
Fax: (+61) 2-9931-1490
http://www.tourism.nsw.gov.au
Australian Tourism Industry Association
P.O. Box E328
Canberra, ACT 2600 Australia
Phone: (+61) 6-273-1000
Australian Tourist Commission
http://www.aussie.net.au

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of liquor or wine; and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Banks are generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays. Banks are also open on Saturdays in some areas. Currency can also be exchanged at most major hotels in Australia.

Tipping
Tipping is at the visitor's discretion at any time, and is generally not expected. Porters at railway stations have set charges and tips are not expected however, a small token of appreciation for helpful friendly service is accepted and appreciated. It is not customary to tip in restaurants except in more deluxe establishments or when exceptional service is provided, and then a standard 10% will suffice.

Business Hours
Post offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. These are also the general office hours maintained by most businesses. Most shops are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. In some major cities, shops stay open until 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights.

Local Tax
Australia imposes a 10% Goods & Services tax (GST). Prices are generally marked inclusive of GST.

United States Embassy
Moonah Place
Yarralumla
Canberra, ACT 2600 Australia
Phone: (02) 6-214-5600

United States Consulate General in Melbourne
553 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Tel: (61) (03) 9526 5900
Fax: (61) (03) 9510 4646

United States Consulate General in Perth
16 St. George's Terrace,
13th Floor, Perth, WA 6000
Tel: (08) 9202-1224
Fax: (08) 9231-9444
Email: CGPerth@state.gov
After Hours Emergencies: (08)9476-0081

United States Consulate General in Sydney
MLC Centre, Level 59
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61-2- 9373-9200
After hours emergencies +61-2-4422-2201
Fax: 1902-942-504
* In the event of an emergency Americans traveling abroad can contact the Office of Overseas Service at (202) 647-5225, after-hours emergencies call (202) 647-4000.