£1 A$1.92
Today
3:01 pm
+11h from you
Weather in Australia
Australia
27°
Fog
Wed
14
27
Thu
12
22
Fri
8
15
Sat
4
17
Sun
5
21
SPF level in Australia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Australia
Language in Australia
Tipping in Australia
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, and service staff are generally paid a fair wage. However, tipping is appreciated for exceptional service.
Restaurant
5-10% for excellent service.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is common for good service. No mandatory tip.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
AUD 2-5 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
AUD 2-5 per night for excellent service.
Tour Guide
AUD 10-20 per person for a full-day tour.
Safety in Australia
Tips for British travellers
Australia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Never leave your bag unattended and keep valuables in a hotel safe.
Carry a proof of age card, like a driving licence, as accepted ID for many services.
Smoking is illegal in enclosed public spaces, and you must have a prescription for e-cigarettes with nicotine.
Always tell someone your travel plans and check road conditions before driving in remote areas.
Swim only at patrolled beaches and be aware of rip currents, which can occur anywhere.
Bonus tips:
Hire car insurance often does not cover driving on unsurfaced roads, so check your policy.
You must complete a truthful medical declaration before diving or snorkelling at a resort.
Driving in Australia
A valid UK driving license is accepted in Australia. An International Driving Permit is not required but can be useful.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
000
Save 000 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Australia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Australia uses 230V at 50Hz. The plug type is Type I. Visitors from the UK will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
High. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Australia.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1094
ATMs in Australia
High. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are plentiful and accept most international cards. Chip and PIN is required. You may be charged a fee by the ATM operator.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Australia. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
50 GB for 50 AUD (~£26)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public libraries.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is readily available. Many establishments offer free WiFi, but speeds may vary. Mobile data is reliable, particularly in urban centres.
Health & vaccinations in Australia
As a British tourist, you are not eligible for Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare). Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, hospital stays, and repatriation. Check your policy's exclusions and ensure it covers any pre-existing conditions or specific activities you plan to undertake.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A and B: Recommended if you plan on eating outside of established restaurants.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and health precautions before your trip to Australia. Australia has high-quality medical facilities, particularly in urban areas. Be aware of potential hazards such as sunburn, dehydration, and insect bites. Practice sun safety by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated. Avoid swimming in areas known to have dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or crocodiles.
Calling Australia
Country code
+61
To call Australia from the UK, dial 00 61 followed by the area code (without the leading zero) and the local number.
To call the British High Commission in Canberra from the UK, you would dial 00 61 2 6270 6666.
The country code for Australia is 61. When calling Australia from abroad, you typically need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from (00 in the UK), followed by the Australian country code (61), then the area code (without the leading zero), and finally the local number.
UK Embassy in Australia
British High Commission Canberra
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Airports in Australia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.