Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tips For The Australian Tourist

So you're planning on a vacation trip to Australia. That is definitely a good idea. The country boasts of many things that you can do during your stay. You will find soon enough that your three week vacation is not enough and you will be aching to return again.

But of course, it's not all that picturesque when you actually arrive. You will, at some point or another, hit into snags and problems. These will surely ruin your perfect vacation. To avoid such things from happening, here are some tips that you need to remember even before your plane lands on Australian soil.

First of all you need to get through customs. If you did best to keep all of your necessary documents together, then this isn't going to be much of a problem. The most important documents that you need to have with you is your visa and identification papers. You should have these already in hand when lining at the counter for faster processing.

Note that there are no duty taxes required for items that are considered personal effects. You can also carry up to a liter of alcoholic drinks provided that they are carried as personal effects. Duty tax is automatically applied to goods that exceed AUD$840.

When going through customs, you will have to surrender fresh food items and other perishable goods for quarantine. You will then have to sign a declaration for them to be released. In some cases, you will be subjected to quarantine if you show signs of sickness. The quarantine can last from around a few hours to up to a week, depending on your case.

Once you get through the airport, it's now time to travel. If you plan to drive, remember that driving is left handed in Australia. If you are not familiar with that (especially those coming from the US) never attempt this. Remember to also apply for an international license beforehand, just in case your driver's license isn't valid in the country. Be prepared with everything that you need if you plan to drive cross country. Remember, Australia is a big desert and if something happens, help might take a long time to come. It would be better to have a traveling companion, and if you are traveling alone, be sure to keep in constant contact with people at your destination.

You should also be aware of the location of the shops, banks and restaurants in the area where you are staying for easier access. In case you are eating in a restaurant or other places, tips are not necessary. Though, if you like the service, you can still give this one.

And of course, be prepared for the environment. Australia is a hot place and it would be best if you where proper clothes. If you plan on hiking, be sure to bring small items like mosquito repellants, as there are plenty of nasty little creatures out there. And if you are going to the outback, be very careful as there are many poisonous creatures in Australia.

Remember, follow these tips correctly and you will surely enjoy your Australia tourist visa vacation.

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