£1 A$1.89
Today
4:18 am
+10h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Australia
Australia
20°
Fog
Thu
2°
20°
Fri
2°
19°
Sat
-3°
19°
Sun
-2°
20°
Mon
0°
21°
Tue
1°
19°
Wed
2°
19°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Australia
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to visit Australia.
Your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay in Australia.
British citizens can get an eVisitor visa with no application charge or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) through an app, which may have a service fee.
You must fill in an Incoming Passenger Card and declare any risk goods like food, animal products, or plant material or dispose of them at the airport.
British-Australian dual nationals must leave and enter Australia on their Australian passport to avoid difficulties.
Good to know:
You must declare if you have been in contact with farms, farm animals, wilderness areas, or freshwater streams or lakes in the past 30 days on your Incoming Passenger Card.
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter if you are arriving from a country Australia lists as a transmission risk.
Safety in Australia
Tips when travelling
Australia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your valuables and passport in a hotel safe and carry a photocopy of your passport for ID, being particularly careful at night in busy tourist areas.
Use a proof of age card like a driving licence for ID to enter licensed premises and reduce the risk of losing your passport.
Know that drinks served in bars can be stronger than in the UK, and alcohol can make you less alert and in control.
The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are severe, so avoid it completely.
Rip currents are the main hazard at beaches and can sweep even strong swimmers out to sea, so always follow beach safety guidance.
Bonus tips:
Always wear a seat belt when driving as it is a legal requirement.
Hire car insurance often does not cover driving on unsurfaced roads, so check your policy before you set off.
More information
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%
Health 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.
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.
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
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.
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
50 GB for 50 AUD (~£26)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Australia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
000
Save 000 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Australia
Country code
+61
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.
Language in Australia
UK Embassy
British High Commission Canberra
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone
Website
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.