Information for international visitors

	Banking and money Banks: As a general guide, banks across the city are open for business Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm. Some banks in local shopping centres are also open Saturday mornings (with varying opening hours). Automatic teller machines (ATMs): ATMs are located throughout the city and will recognise cards issued by most banks. Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted across the city by most outlets. Currency exchange: Travelex has convenient self-serve foreign currency ATMs located in the departures hall within Canberra Airport. With over 40 currencies available, one ATM machine is available in the arrivals hall located on the ground floor, and two ATM machines are available in the departures hall on level 2.ll find numerous bureaux de change. Most banks also offer currency exchange services.
	Climate Blooming daffodils and fluffy white blossoms are often the first sign of spring in Canberra, the joyous screeching of sulphur-crested cockatoos is the soundtrack of the season. By October, the city is a riot of colour, the days are sunny and clear, and locals flock to the ridges and rises behind their homes to explore the trails that wind their way around the city. During spring expect fresh mornings and brisk nights with average temperatures between 6 - 19°C (42.8 - 66.2°F).
	Health and safety We monitor COVID-19 regulations in line with advice from the Australian Government and local health authorities to ensure your health is protected. Learn more
	Electricity Mains supply in Australia is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz with three-pin plugs used across the country. The Australian three-pin electrical socket differs from those found in most countries, and international travellers may require an adaptor socket. Standard outlets for 100-volt small appliances can be found in most hotel rooms. Adaptors can be bought from all good travel stores, chemists and department stores located in and around the CBD.
	Emergency services In a life-threatening or time-critical emergency, dial Emergency Services on 000. The Triple Zero service is an operator-assisted service that connects callers to the most relevant emergency service organisation (police, fire brigade or ambulance). Calls to Triple Zero are free and can be made from all telephones (landline, mobile phones and payphones). When you dial 000 services, the most important thing to remember is to stay focused, stay relevant and stay on the line. Learn more
	Goods and services tax The goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based 10 per cent tax included in the shelf price of most Australian goods and services. The Tourist Refund Scheme allows international travellers to claim a GST refund (subject to certain conditions) on some goods purchased in Australia. The refund applies only to items worn or goods taken on board as hand luggage when leaving the country. Learn more
	Health and medical services The Australian Government has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with many countries. Overseas visitors from these countries can access medical treatment in a public hospital. However, there are some services that are not covered, and so it is a good idea to have health insurance for your stay. Most visas require overseas visitors to hold private health insurance during their stay in Australia. Learn more
	Language English is the de facto official language of Australia, but many foreign languages are used by minorities in local communities, including Arabic, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese and Chinese dialects. Translation and interpreter services can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling 13 14 50.
	Passports and visas All international travellers must present a valid and approved travel document (generally a passport) as evidence of their identity and nationality to allow entry into Australia. In addition, all international travellers (with the exception of most New Zealand passport holders) must also obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia. As a general guide, travellers are encouraged to apply for their Australian visa well in advance of their planned departure date. Find the right visa eVisitor visa Passport holders from certain countries can apply for a visa online through the Australian Government’s eVisitor system. The eVisitor allows visitors to travel to Australia for short-term business or tourism purposes for up to three months. eVisitor applications are free. Find the right visa Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Passport holders from a range of other countries (including the US) can apply for a visa online through the Australian Government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system. Alternatively, passport holders outside of Australia can apply for ETA through a travel agent, airline office, specialist service provider or Australian visa office. The ETA allows people to visit Australia for short-term tourism or business purposes of up to three months. An ETA is available to passport holders from more than 30 countries, regions and locations. Learn more about the ETA Note: The eVisitor and ETA systems provide the electronic equivalent of a visa for the short-term traveller, replacing the traditional passport visa label or stamp. Most applications are processed within a day. For conference organisers and delegates, specialised visa advice is available through the Located across the country, IECN staff work with event organisers to provide free advice and visa-processing assistance for international travellers invited to speak at, perform in, or attend an event in Australia. Check the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website for eligibility requirements at immi.gov.au. Visa letters If you require an invitation letter from AIEC to support your visa application, please send your request via email to aiec@thinkbusinessevents.com.au. Ensure that you include your full name and registration confirmation number in the email. Please note that invitation letters will not be issued unless a formal request is received and will only be provided after your registration is complete, and all registration fees have been paid in full. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
	Population In 2023, over 466 500 people lived in the ACT. The ACT’s median age is 35. Around 30% of Canberrans were born overseas and 25% speak a language other than English at home.
	Post offices There are several Australia Post offices located around the Canberra CBD. Stamps can often be purchased at newsagents. You may also be able to purchase stamps at your Hotel reception.
	Shopping Canberra’s shopping scene is bursting with the best in boutique, local creations as well as homewares, big department stores, malls and fashion labels. Learn more
	Telephone assistance Most public telephones have International Direct Dialling and Subscriber Trunk Dialling. Phone cards for public phones and recharge cards for mobile phones can be bought from most newsagents, supermarkets and convenience stores. Many public phones also accept coins and credit cards. The international dialling code is 0011, followed by the country code and number. Directory assistance: 1223 Please note, costs may apply. The international dialling code for Canberra is +612.
	Time zones During the conference, Daylight Saving Time is observed in Canberra, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour, resulting in a 11 hour difference ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+11).
	Tipping Service with a smile is the rule of thumb in Australia and tipping is always optional. If the service is worthy of a tip, it will be appreciated.
	Transportation Canberra is easy to explore by bike, E-scooter, bus, light rail or taxi The city's public transport network extends from the city centre in all directions, and free on Fridays. Learn more
	Smoking and vaping Smoking is banned in enclosed public places and in public outdoor eating and drinking areas under the Smoke-Free Public Place Act 2003 (the Smoke-Free Act). Enclosed public places, workplaces and shared areas, including inside a retail shop and on public transport, as well as Motor vehicles if a child under the age of 16 years is present Under covered public transport areas Near children's playground equipment Outdoor dining areas and other outdoor areas that have been declared smoke-free You can be fined for smoking or vaping in a smoke-free area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). NCCC is a non-smoking zone. This also applies to the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporisers (vapes). As a public venue in the ACT, the NCCC adheres to local smoking regulations. In the ACT, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces and within 10 meters of building entrances, windows, and air intakes. Tobacco is available at most supermarkets and convenience stores. Please ensure you dispose of any litter in the designated receptacles. Since October 1, 2024, nicotine vaping products (NVPs) are legally available only through pharmacies. Adults over 18 can purchase these products over the counter after consulting with a pharmacist. Travellers exemption for e-cigarettes From 1 March 2024, travellers entering Australia can only bring a small quantity of vapes with them. The vapes must be for use in the treatment of the traveller or someone they are caring for, who is entering Australia on the same ship or aircraft. The maximum allowable quantity is: 2 vapes in total (whether disposable or reusable), 20 vape accessories (including cartridges, capsules or pods), and 200mL of vape substance in liquid form. Vapes that contain substances that are controlled drugs under regulation 5 of the PI Regulations, such as cannabis oil, are not counted in the above limits. E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal in Australia. Learn more
	Visitor information services Looking for help or recommendations in Canberra? For advice and assistance to get the most out of your stay chat to a friendly local at the Canberra and Region Visitor Information Centre at Regatta Point or the handy Information Booth at Canberra Airport. More information
	Wi-fi Wi-fi is available at AIEC in the MCEC areas. Details can be found on the AIEC app. Canberra has free public Wi-Fi called CBRFree. To access, look for 'CBRfree' in your device's Wi-Fi settings to connect. Connecting to the network doesn't require personal information, email addresses, or passwords, and users can download up to 1Gb of data per day.