ATM's
ATM’s (Automatic Teller Machines) are commonly found throughout Queensland and generally teller money in denominations of $20 and $50. Please note that some banks ATMs will charge a small fee for withdrawing money.
Credit Cards and Traveller's Cheques
Major credit cards are widely accepted with the most common being Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and their affiliates. Traveller's cheques are also accepted in Queensland; however please note that some banks will charge a small fee for cashing travellers’ cheques. Currency exchange facilities are also available at international airports and in major city centres.
Tipping
Tipping is not common in Australia and prices are generally inclusive of GST. Tipping is appreciated for exceptional service (generally 10% at restaurants and rounding up of taxi fares), however is not compulsory or expected
Taxes
There is a 10% tax on all goods and services purchased in Australia. You can claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you pay on certain goods you buy in Australia. The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on the aircraft or ship when you leave the country. For more information, please see the Tourist Refund Scheme at www.customs.gov.au.
Customs
Without a specific permit, travellers are restricted from bringing certain items into Australia, including heritage-listed goods, protected wildlife, and some medications and veterinary products. All restricted items should be declared on travellers' Incoming Passenger Card. Please note that volume limits apply to duty free goods and sums of money.Further information can also be found at your local Visitor Information Centre (VIC).
To find an itinerary with suggested stopovers, road conditions and distances to help you plan your trip visit the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland's (RACQ) website, and check road conditions before you buckle up via the free QLDtraffic app or at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
Queensland is a large state, approximately seven times the size of the United Kingdom. If you are driving on your holiday please ensure you familiarise yourself with the Queensland road rules at Department of Transport and Main Roads website.
Australian Road Rules
For more information take a look at the Queensland Road Rules.
Driver Safety
Licencing
If you would like to drive in Australia, you are required to understand the rules of the road. A bona-fide tourist may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s licence for the same class of vehicle.
Licences must be carried when driving, in addition to a valid passport. If it is not in English, carry an International Permit or an official translation of that licence.
Fines
In Queensland, police officers, Queensland Transport and Main Roads traffic inspectors, and local council officers enforce road and traffic laws. For more information refer to the Queensland Government – Fines and enforcement web page.
Download the free Visitor Information Centre Finder App for Apple/iOS
Download the free Visitor Information Centre Finder App for Android
Click here to see all Visitor Information Centres in Queensland
Crime
Crime Stoppers provides a telephone hotline and website for member of the community to provide anonymous information about criminal activity.
Crime Stoppers
Phone: 1800 333 000 (Landline Toll Free)
If you need police to attend an address or you need immediate police assistance please phone 000.
Useful links and apps for Travelling Safe:
Department of Transport and Main Roads for information on driving safely in Queensland.
RACQ for a 24 hour up to date road report, including road closures and planning.
Queensland Government for driving safety tips go to the Driver Reviver Program.
Bureau of Meteorology for up to date weather including cyclone warnings.
Queensland Police Service
Queensland Ambulance Service for first aid information.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for parks information.
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection for information on becoming croc-wise in crocodile country.
Maritime Safety Queensland
St John's Ambulance
Surf Lifesaving Queensland for surf and beach safety.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Series (QFES): www.qfes.qld.gov.au | Facebook: @QldFireandRescueService | Twitter: @QldFES | Instagram: @qldfire
Useful Apps:
Australian disaster related events and disaster resilience information
Disaster Watch Phone App for Apple/iOS
Disaster Watch Phone App for Android
Beach Safety
Beach Safe App on Apple/iOS
Beach Safe App on Android
Sharks
While shark attacks are rare, the following precautions help reduce the risk of dangerous incidents:Crocodiles
There are both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland. They can be found around rivers, freshwater lagoons and coastal beaches. Follow these precautions to help reduce the risk of dangerous incidents:
Agents
There are so many great Queensland experiences to choose from, and a Travel Specialist who is an expert on everything Australian can help you plan your perfect Queensland holiday. To find a Travel Specialist, use the Tourism Australia Travel Specialist tool and contact a specialist to help plan your Queensland holiday.