General Information

Banks, Currency and Foreign Exchange

Banking hours are generally 9.30am - 4pm monday to thursday and 9.30am - 5pm friday.
Australian currency is the dollar ($) and consists of coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents as well as notes of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
Most banks are equipped to exchange foreign currencies and there are also facilities at Brisbane Airport.

Climate

The average temperatures for Brisbane in August are 22C (71F) during the day and 10C (50F) at night.

Dress Code

The dress code for the conference is neat casual. For the conference banquet, the dress code is formal.

Electrical Supply

In Australia the electricity supply is 240V 50A AC. Adaptor plugs for international visitors will not be provided at the conference. Adaptor plugs are readily available from travel shops or from airports.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value added tax of 10% on most goods and services sold in Australia. All prices quoted, whether in a shop or a restaurant should include the GST amount, unlike the equivalents in some other countries.

The Tourist Refund Scheme enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. To claim a refund you must have spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice, buy goods no more than 30 days before departure and wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft or ship and present them along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility. there are serveral other conditions that may also need to be met. For detailed information on the TRS, go to the Australian Customs website.

Name Badges

Each delegate will receive a name badge at the time of registration. The name badges will be colour coded dependent on the registration fee paid and used as the official pass to allow you entry into either the conference only, conference + exhibition or exhibition only. Upgrades will be available from the Registration Desk.

Registration Desk

The registration desk will operate on all days of the conference between the hours of 8am and 5pm. The location of the registration desk will be finalised closer to the conference. General information will also be available from the registration desk, just ask.

Dining Out and Shopping

As with any large city, there is a wide variety of restaurants available to cater for all tastes. South Bank has a large selection of restaurants and river cruises which include dinner. Information is available from the links on the Travelling to Brisbane page and from most hotels.

City Centre Shopping Hours

Monday to Thursday - 8:30am to 5:30pm
Friday - 8:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am to 4:00pm some smaller shops close earlier
Sunday - 10:30am to 4:00pm some smaller shops close

Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 5:30pm general shopping, 8:00am to 9:00pm major supermarkets
Thursday - 8:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday - 8:30am to 4:30pm
Sunday - 9.00am to 5.00pm (hours vary)

Time Zone

The time zone in Brisbane is GMT+10.

Tipping

Tipping is not required in Australia, however it is entirely up to you if you wish to do so.

Visas

Visas are required for all international visitors with the exception of New Zealand citizens travelling on a New Zealand Passport. For further information, visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.