More Things to Know

LANGUAGE:English is the main language spoken, although there are numerous Aboriginal languages that are common.

VOLTAGE: The electric current is 220/240 volts A.C. and 50 cycles. Leading hotels usually have 110 volt outlets for razors and small appliances, but for larger appliances such as hair dryers, you'll need to bring along a converter and a special flat three-pin adapter to fit into outlets.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Provided visitors take some necessary precautions, walking around in Australia and New Zealand could be as safe as most American or European cities. Some robberies have occurred in larger cities. Do not carry more cash than necessary for meals and souvenir purchases and leave your valuables in a hotel safety deposit box or safe. Do not sport valuable jewelry and watch your purse, cameras and bags. Travel in groups or take a taxi; cabs are efficient and metered. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local authorities and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on personal security while traveling abroad. It is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Excellent medical care is available throughout the country. Evacuation may be necessary in the outback. Most doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash/credit card payment for health services.

INTERNET LINKS:You may find some of the following web sites helpful in your search for more information on the destination, culture, history and general travel information on the countries visited on your program.
http://travel.state.gov/australia.html
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/as.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/australasia/australia/
http://www.budgettravel.com/austral.htm
http://www.australia.com http://www.visitvictoria.com
http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/tourism/index.jsp
http://gorp.com/gorp/location/australi/park/parks.htm
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/
http://www.wtgonline.com/data/aus/aus.asp
http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/australia.html

For great information on using telephones and electronics worldwide, as well as many useful links to great travel information sites, go to http://kropla.com/. Particularly helpful is the "Useful Travel Links" section.

DID YOU KNOW?
Australia is the only country to occupy an entire continent.  Therefore, it is the only country surrounded by water.