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The Appropriate Visa for Delegates
As a general rule, all visitors to Australia (other than citizens of New Zealand travelling on a New Zealand passport) require a visa to enter Australia. |
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Dress Code
Smart casual attire is recommended for the Conference. |
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Language
English is spoken throughout Australia and is the official language for the Conference. |
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Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia – units are dollars and cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from your bank. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rates. |
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Banks
An ATM machine is located within the Conference venue. Most shops offer EFTPOS facilities, and all restaurants have credit card machines. |
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Time
Local time during the Conference period is Greenwich Mean Time plus 10 hours. |
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Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50Hz.The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug of unique design. Most hotels provide 110 volt outlets for shavers. Universal adapters are available from most gift stores and electrical shops around the city. |
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Climate
In Victoria, October is a month of our spring season and you can look forward to average temperatures of approximately 20°C (68°F) during the daytime and 10°C (50°F) in the evening. |
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Travel and Health Insurance
The Conference does not provide insurance to delegates. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. This can be done through the Conference Travel department by contacting flights@icmsaust.com.au |
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Wheelchair access or other mobility disability access during the Conference
When you register, please notify the Conference Secretariat of any mobility disabilities you have so that any venue access challenges can be met. |
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Taxes
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods and is included in retail prices. |
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Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. However, you may tip hotel porters and food and drink waiters in restaurants (up to 10% of the bill) for special service. At any time, tipping is at your discretion. |
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Eating Out
Melbourne’s multicultural population is reflected in the wide variety of excellent restaurants offering a diversity of cuisine from around the world. Over 3000 bistros, restaurants and cafes offer varied menus, prices and décor. The Southbank area that runs beside the Yarra River, only two minutes walk from the Convention Centre, is particularly popular and is well known for its offering of casual and upmarket dining. |
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Shopping
Shops are open from 0900 to 1730 during the week with late night shopping on Fridays until 2100. On Saturdays and Sunday most shops are open between 0900 and 1600. Melbourne is famous for being the fashion capital of Australia with walking being the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra, Acland Street in St Kilda, Bridge Road in Richmond, and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. |
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Mobile Phones
Australia operates on a digital network. |
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Getting Around
It is easy to explore Melbourne using the city's public transport system. The city and its suburbs are serviced by an efficient system of buses, trains and trams. You can purchase one ticket that allows you to travel on all public transport, (just make sure you have some coins if buying your ticket on board.) All public transport timetables, fare and route information is readily available on the State's transport website, http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au
There is an abundance of taxis that can be hailed from the street, or engaged at ranks throughout the city. For further information about exploring Melbourne, please visit: Melbourne Victoria
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Transport from Melbourne Airport
All delegates must make their own transport arrangements from the airport.
Taxis - There is an abundance of taxis that can be engaged at ranks at Tullamarine International Airport (Melbourne Airport). The taxi ride from the airport to the Melbourne CBD can take between 25-40 minutes and the average fare costs around AUD $60.
The Airport ‘Skybus’ - Operates 7 days a week, including public holidays. Skybus departs every 10 - 15 minutes between 0600 and 2130 and half hourly or hourly at other times. It is a 20 minute average trip between airport and city, and runs from the Domestic and International Terminals to the Southern Cross Railway Station in Melbourne’s CBD. The cost is AUD $15 one way per person. For more information, call + 61 3 9335 2811 or visit http://www.skybus.com.au
Car Rentals - At the domestic terminal Car Rental companies are located in the central concourse. These include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Metrocar, Red Spot and Thrifty.
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Things you cannot bring into Australia
Australia has very strict importation laws and like most countries we place great emphasis on protecting our native fauna and flora from infectious diseases and other hazardous substances. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) provides quarantine inspection services for the arrival of international passengers, cargo, mail, animals and plants or their products into Australia, and inspection and certification for a range of animal and plant products exported from Australia. For more information regarding specifically what you are able to bring into Australia visit the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service website at www.aqis.gov.au |
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