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Things to Know Before You Go

Down Under Answers – our Australia Travel Provider
In there own words...
Down Under Answers (or DUA as we are affectionately known) is a leading South Pacific travel wholesaler based in Seattle. We are a multi-award winning company who pride ourselves on customer service and the ability to create fresh and irresistible vacations that let you experience the unique and diverse aspects of the destinations which we so passionately promote. DUA has been choreographing quality vacations to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands for over 18 years and new for 2010 we are launching Africa Answers. We started with a simple quest: to ensure that each and every traveler gets exactly the trip they want. Whether independent travel, cruising, groups, rail, or self-drive, our staff of destination specialists will provide a tailor-made vacation that suits style, taste and budget.

Weather
Australia’s seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. The northern third of the country is tropical, while southern regions are temperate. Australia is the same size as the continental US, so summer and winter climates vary from area to area. Note that the months of December, January and February are humid, hot and often rainy in the tropics.                                                                                                               

What to wear
Casual, lightweight clothes (in natural fibers). Dress informally, although you should include smart casual outfit for restaurants, hotels and bars. Comfortable shoes, shorts and jeans are a must for bushwalking, fossicking or horse riding. Sand shoes (sneakers) are recommended if you intend to reef-walk.  It is advisable to wear a hat during the day, sunglasses, and SPF30+ broad spectrum sunscreen to protect you from the warm rays of the sun. Try to avoid the sun during the middle of the day (10am-2pm) when the ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.

Money

Currency and Credit Cards
The Australian unit or currency is the Australian dollar. For current exchange rates, please visit www.xe.com/ucc/. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. A credit card is required as a security deposit to check in to a hotel or rent a car.

Tipping
Tipping is not as entrenched a custom as it is in the US and Canada, however, generous donations by American visitors have changed the expectations of many who work in the tourism industry. Generally, a 10% tip at finer restaurants is sufficient, and taxi drivers only expect a tip if they helped with luggage.

Shopping
You’ll find large department stores, arcades, malls, gift and souvenir shops across Australia. Hours vary across the country but shops in tourist and city areas are generally open until 6pm, with the exception of late night shopping on either Thursdays or Fridays in different states.

Travel To and From Australia

Passport
It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months beyond the date of return travel.

Visa
A tourist visa—issued as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)—is required for all US and Canadian citizens traveling to Australia for a stay no longer than three months*. You may obtain an ETA for US$20 per person from Down Under Answers or your travel agent. Please ask your Destination Specialist.
*Non-US citizens, minors and people wishing to stay in Australia for a longer period of time should refer to the Australian consulate for further information.
Note: An ETA does not guarantee you entry into Australia. It is the traveler’s responsibility to divulge any information pertaining to, but not limited to, a criminal record, health records and all other reasons that may impede your entry into Australia. Down Under Answers accepts no responsibility for inaccurate or false information.

Flight Time
A flight from Los Angeles to Sydney is 14 hours non-stop, or, as we like to say: Two good meals you don’t have to cook yourself, a bereage and unlimited free movies. Seriously, by the time you have a beverage, eat, relax with a book or a movie, sleep and eat again; you’re there. Your vacation starts at take off.  On the way to Australia you’ll skip a day on the calendar when you cross the dateline, but the reverse happens on the way back so you really haven’t lost anything. Here’s how it works: If you leave the US on Monday evening, you’ll arrive in Australia on Wednesday morning. If you leave Australia on a Monday you’ll arrive back in the US on Monday, the same day.

Other Important Info

Electrical Appliances
240 volts, 50 cycles A.C. is the norm. Most hotels have a 110 volt 20 watt A.C. outlet for an electric shaver only in the bathroom. A converter from volts is required for all other appliances. An adapter to suit the South Pacific plug shape is also required.

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