Australia Travel Guide

Shopping

Special purchases include excellent local wines; wool, clothing, leather and sheepskin products; precious or semi-precious stones; and modern art sculpture and paintings. Surfing products are also a big buy around coastal towns and resorts.

Indigenous artworks and artifacts are prolific in some parts of the country and paintings, boomerangs, didgeridoos and other objects are on view and for sale in Darwin, Alice Springs and the state capitals; many depict stories from Australian Aboriginal mythology. Ensure you are purchasing an authentic item, however, as much so-called Aboriginal art is fake, consisting of designs ripped off from the real artists. The best places to buy are outlets supported or owned by Aboriginal communities.

The country's national gemstone, the opal, makes beautiful jewelry and the best places to buy are at or near opal mining towns such as Coober Pedy in South Australia. Towns like Broome in Western Australia grew on the back of pearl diving, and cultured pearls are still sold in large quantities.

Shopping hours: Opening hours for most stores in the cities are Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1700. Late-night shopping is available on Friday to 2100 in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin. Late-night shopping is available on Thursday at the same times in Sydney, Canberra and Perth. Major stores in some states are open Sun 1000-1600. Most supermarkets are open until 2000, and are sometimes 24-hour. Corner stores, restaurants and snack bars are open in most cities until well into the night.

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD; symbol A$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of A$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of A$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. International-class hotels will exchange major currencies for guests. It is recommended that visitors change money at the airport or at city banks.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Major credit cards are accepted. Use may be restricted in small towns and outback areas, as is ATM availability.

Travelers Checks

Widely accepted in major currencies at banks or large hotels. However, some banks may charge a fee for cashing traveler's checks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in a major currency.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Amounts over €10,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0930-1600, Fri 0930-1700. These hours may vary slightly throughout the country.

Exchange Rate