Utilities and communication

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances as Australia uses a three-prong outlet. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.

Driving System

Australia has a left hand side driving system. Tourist students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers licence but if the document is not in the English language the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An international driving licence is not sufficient by itself.

Telephones

Australia has a modern telephone system. Many private households now also have internet access. Public telephones are available at all Post Offices, shopping centres and are often situated on street corners. Public pay phones accept a variety of coins and Phonecards. Phonecards are pre-paid for use in public pay phones and can be bought at a large number of retail outlets in denominations of $A5, $A10, $A20 and $A50. Credit phones take most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners International and can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.

Mobile phones are very popular and can be purchased from a number of retailers.