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Climate
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Melbourne has a pleasant mild climate in
March. Temperatures generally range between 15° and 25°C or
60° and 79°F. For more information see www.bom.gov.au. |
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Currency |
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Australia’s currency is the Australian
dollar. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia.
Current exchange rates are available at www.xe.com. |
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Language |
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English is spoken throughout Australia and
is the official language for the Congress. For information about
Australia in other languages please go to www.visitvictoria.com.au |
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Time |
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Local Melbourne time is Greenwich Mean Time
plus 10 hours. As Daylight Saving is in effect from the last
Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March, the local Melbourne
time will be GMT plus 11 hours at the time of the Congress.
There are several time zones in Australia. The West Coast is
two hours behind the East Coast. |
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Banks |
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Banks in Australia are generally open from
0930 to 1600 Monday to Thursday and 0930 to 1700 on Fridays.
Some banks are also open on Saturdays. Exchange facilities are
available airports and major hotels. Automatic teller machines
(ATMs) are widely available. |
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Shopping |
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From fashion to art to home wares, Melbourne
is renowned Australia wide for the excellent variety of retail
outlets. In Melbourne, the majority of shops are open Monday
to Thursday and Saturday and Sunday from 0900 to 1730, Friday
from 0900 to 2100. |
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Travel and Health Insurance |
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We strongly recommend that you take out insurance
policies to cover medical and travel expenses. Your travel agent
or airline will be able to assist. |
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Wheelchair access or other mobility disability
access during the Congress |
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At the time of registration please notify
the Secretariat of any mobility disabilities you have. For more
information about getting around Melbourne, please see Tourism
Victoria Disability Travel Facts |
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Electricity |
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The electricity supply in Australia is 240
volts, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug
of unique design. Most hotels provide 110 outlets for shavers. |
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Taxes |
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A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies
to all consumer goods and is included in retail prices. You can
claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation
tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. The refund
only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear
onto the aircraft or ship when you leave the country. You can
obtain more information at: www.customs.com.au,
www.melbourne.org |
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Tipping |
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Service charges are not added to accounts
by hotels or restaurants. You may tip hotel porters and food
and drink waiters in restaurants if you wish (up to 10% of the
bill). At all times tipping is your choice. |
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Eating Out |
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Melbourne is the fine dining capital of Australia.
Melbourne’s variety of cultures, together with the availability
of the finest local produce and some of Australia’s most
innovative chefs, offer a rich choice of cuisines of almost all
varieties. The city is famous for the large variety of cafés,
bistros, bars and up-market restaurants for more formal dining
experiences |
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Dress Code |
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Smart casual attire is recommended for all
Congress sessions. |
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Mobile Phones |
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Australia operates on a digital network. |
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Transport from the Airport |
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Tullamarine Airport is approximately 30 minutes
from Melbourne City by taxi or shuttle. Shuttle information is
available at www.skybus.com.au.
Melbourne taxis are numerous and easy to spot – they are
uniformly yellow. As well, drivers must always wear a neat uniform
and have an identity card on show at all times. |
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The Appropriate Visa for Delegates |
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All visitors to Australia who are not Australian
citizens (other than citizens of New Zealand travelling on a
New Zealand passport) require a valid visa or Electronic Travel
Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. It is essential that you
seek further information from your airline, travel agent or the
Australian Consulate in your country, as immigration laws are
very strict. Please visit for more information www.immi.gov.au. |
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Invitation letter and Visa |
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If you require an invitation letter for visa
purposes please indicate this on your registration form or contact
the Congress Secretariat.
Please note that an invitation letter is simply intended to assist
participants who require a visa or permission to attend WCE
2008. It does not represent an official invitation covering
fees or other expenses, nor does it imply any financial support
for attendance at the Congress. |
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