Casual, lightweight clothes are generally worn on the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales. However a more formal attire (e.g. collared shirt and closed toe shoes) may be required in some nightclubs and restaurants.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the standard currency for all Australian States.

Currency Converter - Click here

Currency exchange is available at all banks and both the Brisbane and Queensland (Coolangatta) Airports

Notes: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5
Coins: $2, $1, 50cents ($0.50), 20cents ($0.20), 10cents ($0.10), 5cents ($0.05)

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club) are accepted at most restaurants, hotels and shops.

There are many ATM machines which allow withdrawal of cash from all accounts.  

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000) to contact:

• Police Service
  for life threatening matters or crimes in progress
• Ambulance Service
• Fire Service

When you call Triple Zero (000), you will be connected to an operator who will ask which service you need - police, fire or ambulance

When connected to that service you will be asked by another operator for:

• Your street name
• Your street number or location
• What has happened
• Your name
• Your phone number
• And any other information that will help, such as the type of problem or how many people are involved.

The mains electricity in Australia is 240/250 Volts AC 50HZ (frequency).

Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) are standard in hotels, apartments and motels. 

Standard plug is Type ‘I’ (Oblique flat blades with ground inverted V). Conversion plugs are available at most stores; however, it is recommended that international travellers purchase converters before arriving in Australia.

Queensland is on Eastern Standard Time - GMT + 10 hours.

The international prefix for Australia is: +61
The Area prefix for Queensland is 07

The “0” is removed if combining the international and area prefix;

Example: Phone number 5588 1111 internationally becomes +617 5588 1111 but if dialed locally is 07 5588 1111

Example: Mobile Number 0421 213 213 internationally becomes +61 421 213 213

International pre-paid phone cards can be purchased from most supermarkets, pharmacies post offices and newsagents.

Pre-paid mobile ‘sim’ cards can also be purchased from phone retailing outlets.

Tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated for exceptional service.

As all Gold Coast drinking water is treated to the latest Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, bottled drinking water is not essential.

The average water temperature of Gold Coast beaches is 22 Degrees Celsius, but during the summer months can average up to 28 Degrees Celsius.

For further visitor information visit www.verygoldcoast.com.au.   

Travellers Emergency Kit - www.justaskalocal.com.au/goldcoast/emergencykit