Overseas visitors
Business Visa
Arrange your Business Visa - You cannot access ANSTO if you are travelling on a tourist visa. You can easily apply online for a business visa through the Australian Electronic Travel Agency (ETA). If uncertain as to what is the appropriate visa for you to travel to Australia, you should consult your nearest Australian Embassy/High Commission/Visa Application Centre. http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/index.htm More information on visas is available here.
Health Insurance and Medication
Temporary visitors are generally not covered by Medicare - the public health care system in Australia - unless there is a reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and your country. It is therefore essential to have adequate medical insurance during your visit to ANSTO because medical treatment in Australia can be very expensive.
You are advised to bring only essential medicines for exisiting medical conditions with you. There are strict controls in place concerning personal medication.Up to date information on medications can be found at http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/bringmed/intoaust.htm.
Customs
All visitors are required to obtain Customs Clearance when they arrive at the relevant Australian Airport. Australian customs places restrictions on plant and animal goods entering and leaving Australia. If you are unsure declare all animal and plant materials to customs, Australia has a fragile ecosystem that needs to be protected. For more information on this and other items see the list of prohibited goods.
Please note there are new rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on flights.
Money
The only currency that can be used in Australia is Australian Dollars. Australian currency comes in coins of 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, fifty cents, $1 and $2. Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. Most major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs or money machine) are available around Australia but you should check with your home bank on the fees payable and the availability of ATMs. Currency converter
Climate
Seasons in Australia have the following pattern:-
Spring - September, October and November
Summer - December, January and February
Autumn - March, April and May
Winter - June, July and August
See average Sydney temperatures
Electricity
The electrical supply in Australia is 240 volts. The connection for all appliances is a flat 3-pin plug of unique design.
Driving
Please visit the RTA websites if you wish to drive in Australia
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/visitorstonsw/overseaslicence.htmlhttp://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/visitorstonsw/gettingnswlicence.html
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/visitorstonsw/faq.html
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/gettitestsdrivieduca_dl1.html