Cairns Travel Tips

Entry Regulations
Travellers are not permitted to bring any fruit, vegetable, or untreated animal or wood product into Australia. Internationally-recognised illegal drugs and substances are also prohibited.

Visas
International visitors must hold a valid visa and current passport for entry into Australia, so check carefully before finalising your travel plans. The airline boarding ticket and receipts during your stay in the country - at times - may be requested by the respective immigration officials. Exceptions to these formalities apply to New Zealand and Australian passport holders. New Zealand citizens are granted an entry permit on arrival in Australia. Australian tourist visas are free of charge and applications should be handed over to the relevant Australian Embassy or High Commission. If you are a non-resident and wishing to work in Australia, a work permit is required. Visitors should ensure that they apply for the correct visa to suit their requirements. Once in Australia, a visa is not needed to enter Queensland when travelling from other states.

Departure Tax
A special tax will be added to the ticket prices of all travellers departing from Australia.

Travel Light
The less you carry the more you will enjoy your holiday. Avoid taking more than two suitcases per person. A good rule of thumb is to pack everything you think you will need, and then reduce it by half. Identify your luggage and carry-ons by clearly labelling them with your name, address and phone number. Preferably use a business address or P O Box, so as not to lead possible thieves to your home. A colourful ribbon or sticker will help you distinguish your bags from similar ones. Travel Insurance can make a considerable difference between a memorable adventure and a holiday disaster.

Currency
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is made up of 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of A$5.00 (Australian dollars), A$10.00 (Australian dollars), A$20.00 (Australian dollars), A$50.00 (Australian dollars) and A$100.00 (Australian dollars) and the coins in use are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1.00 (Australian dollars) and A$2.00 (Australian dollars). Presently no goods and services tax regime are being applied in Australia however plans are currently underway by the Australian Government to introduce such a scheme in the near future.

There is no limit on the amount of Australian and / or foreign currency (cash) that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. Amounts of A$100,000.00 (Australian dollars) or more, or equivalent in foreign currency, must be reported on arrival or departure. Currency transfer forms must be completed in the instance where currency exceeds A$10,000.00 (Australian dollars). These forms are available with customs officers at ports and airports. It is highly recommended to carry a mix of traveller's cheques, credit cards, a few personal cheques and Australian dollars. Australian businesses prefer to do transactions in Australian dollars. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at various Bureau de Change outlets located around the city or at the airport. Suitable identification may be required for financial transactions.

Credit Cards
Major international credit and charge cards including Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Diners’ Club are widely accepted.

Time Zone
Local time is UTC / GMT plus 10 hours. Queensland does not have Daylight Saving Time as the southern states do during summer.

Tipping
In Cairns, tipping is not obligatory; however, it is customary as a gesture of appreciation. Inevitably you will still receive excellent levels of service without tipping. The staff at various hotel and tourist-oriented establishments are guaranteed award wages by law and do not necessarily rely on tips for their income.

Water
Throughout Cairns, tap water is safe to drink. Travellers to the region, particularly during summer, should drink copious quantities of water during the day to prevent dehydration.

Clothing
When visiting Cairns, travellers should pack clothing that is cool and comfortable since Cairns often experiences very hot climatic conditions.

Health Risks
Due to the region’s rich flora and fauna and the fact that Australia is free of many pests and diseases, the country has strict quarantine laws enforced by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. All foods or goods made from plants or animals must be declared upon entry. There are no compulsory immunisations requirements before arriving in Australia unless travellers have been in a quarantine zone within 14 days before travel. The sun in Cairns is very strong and additional care should be taken at all times with the use of sunscreen, hats and loose-fitting clothing.

Religion
Cairns is home to many nationalities and religions. There are frequent services for the many denominations represented in Tropical North Queensland.

Electricity
Australia runs on 240 / 250 volts rather than 110 and you will need to get an electrical adapter kit that will not only convert the electric current, but also accommodate Australian plug designs. Adapters are available from various outlets throughout Cairns for most major international socket configurations.

Post Offices
The main post office in Cairns is located on the corner of Grafton and Hartley streets. Another city post office is situated at Orchid Plaza. Stamps can be purchased from specific hotels and motels. Post offices or agencies operate in all rural towns. All post offices are open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Internet Access
All Australian cities and towns operate a number of public access internet terminals.

Visiting Remote Areas
Travelling along remote roads and walking tracks in the World Heritage Area can be both a rewarding and a risky experience. Sudden and extreme rain showers can swell creeks into impassable torrents and even wash out roads. Fast growing vines and prickly wait-a-while can smother trails in a matter of months, and thick rainforests can make navigation very difficult. Before you set out on a camping trip or bushwalk, find out from a ranger or experienced local guide what items you might want to have on hand to make your activity more comfortable and to ensure your safety.

Wildlife and Nature Park Permits
Due to the difficulty and fragility of some rainforest walks and drives, visitor numbers are limited in some areas and you may be required to obtain a permit beforehand.

Swimming
All visitors should keep in mind that when bathing at any one of Cairns’ stunning beaches, always swim in enclosed areas patrolled by lifeguards, this will protect swimmers from jellyfish (known as stingers). Do not swim in lakes, rivers and creeks that contain a lot of branches and logs, if logs and branches are not visible please be cautious beneath the water surface. Visitors must also be vigilant for crocodile warning signboards. When swimming close to waterfalls, stay away from the base of the falls as there is often a strong undercurrent. During stinger season, which is from November until May, remember to always wear protected clothing. If you do get stung call for help or the lifeguard or dial 000 for an ambulance. A quick emergency remedy for relief from the pain is to pour vinegar unto the sting. Symptoms for lrukandji stings may take 20-40 minutes to develop. Severe stings from a box jellyfish may cause the victim’s breathing to cease or their heart to stop. If stung immediately follow the first aid priorities and seek medical advice.

Animals
Many of the world's most dangerous animals can be found in Tropical North Queensland. However travellers will be in no danger from these animals provided that they adhere to all warning signs and obey the directions of tour guides and locals.

Shopping
The general opening hours of shops in the Cairns tourist area are from Monday to Friday - 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Saturday trading is usually from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sundays - 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Some shopping plazas remain open all week and there are many convenience shops dotted around the Tropical North that are open at all hours.